- Rebecca Tomasis
- Sep 17, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 13
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Cleaning businesses play a crucial role in maintaining a hygienic and organized work and home environment for their clients. With various cleaning business ideas, these businesses can offer a variety of services ranging from regular janitorial tasks to specialized cleaning solutions.
Starting a cleaning business can be an extremely lucrative venture, allowing you the flexibility to cater your hours (and income) to your lifestyle. Cleaning services are also in consistent demand, making it a good recession-proof business idea.
Still on the hunt for the right business idea? Use the Wix Business Launcher to discover various business ideas based on skill match and profitability. Simply chat with AI to receive a full market analysis, earning strategies and launch kit that helps you take any idea from concept to reality.
14 cleaning business ideas
When starting a business, it’s important to find the right niche. Here are eleven cleaning business ideas to help you find your corner of the market.
01. Office cleaning services
You can offer comprehensive cleaning solutions for offices, including janitorial services, floor cleaning and sanitation. These kinds of services are usually on a long contract basis, meaning consistent business and income.
02. Carpet cleaning
Specialize in deep cleaning and maintenance of carpets for businesses, homes and other facilities. Sometimes specializing in a hyper-specific area can help you establish a good reputation and make you the go-to referral for others who need the same services.
03. Industrial cleaning
Provide cleaning services for industrial facilities, addressing unique challenges such as machinery cleaning, grease removal and more. This may be a less competitive service to offer, meaning it might be easier to attract a consistent clientele. However, it may also require a certain degree of specialized skill and experience when it comes to industrial cleaning and the risks involved.
04. Window cleaning
Focus on professional window cleaning services for commercial and residential buildings, ensuring a spotless and streak-free finish. Window cleaning takes a great deal of skill and experience, so make sure this is something you’re familiar with before starting.
05. Medical facility cleaning
Specialize in cleaning medical offices, clinics and hospitals. Keep in mind, this will mean adhering to strict hygiene standards and regulations.
06. Restaurant and kitchen cleaning
Offer cleaning services for restaurants and commercial kitchens, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
07. Event venue cleaning
Provide post-event cleaning services for venues, ensuring quick and efficient cleanup after conferences, seminars or parties.
08. School and educational facility cleaning
Specialize in maintaining cleanliness in educational institutions, including classrooms, corridors and common areas. This can be a great scalable business idea if you work with several schools within a county or city.
09. Retail store cleaning
Focus on cleaning services tailored to retail spaces, ensuring a clean and inviting shopping environment. Lots of brands have multiple retail store locations, meaning you could build up a lot of cleaning work across all their stores.
10. Hotel and hospitality cleaning services
Offer comprehensive cleaning solutions for hotels, ensuring guest rooms, lobbies and common areas are immaculate.
11. Green cleaning services
Differentiate your business by offering eco-friendly cleaning solutions, appealing to businesses with a focus on sustainability. This might mean using only environmentally friendly cleaning supplies or other measures to make your business green. This green cleaning company, Green Clover, does just that.
12. Pet cleaning services
Offer comprehensive services to clean up after pets, including waste removal, grooming and even odor control. This unique niche addresses a common challenge for pet owners who often struggle with keeping their living spaces clean and hygienic.
13. Graffiti removal services
This comprehensive service not only removes unsightly graffiti but also implements preventive measures such as applying protective coatings. These coatings significantly hinder graffiti from adhering to surfaces, making future occurrences less likely. This service can be particularly valuable in urban areas, where graffiti can detract from the visual appeal and reputation of local businesses, potentially driving away customers.
14. Biohazard cleaning services
Consider offering biohazard cleaning services for crime scenes, trauma cleanups and hazardous situations. This niche field demands a solid understanding of safety protocols along with specialized training and equipment to tackle unique challenges. Technicians must effectively manage various biohazards, including blood borne pathogens and toxic substances, ensuring compliance with health regulations and safety standards.
Check out the best cleaning websites to get inspired and start creating your own standout site today.
Best beginner cleaning ideas
New to cleaning as a business? Consider one of these beginner friendly cleaning business ideas to get you started.
Residential cleaning, you can offer cleaning services to your neighbors or if you live in an apartment building, offer your services to your management company
Car cleaning, this is a popular service, especially if you live in a smaller community and you can offer to wash your neighbors cars to start off.
Moving in/out cleaning, this is a popular service for people moving in and out of homes. Reach out to local property agents in your area and see if there's demand amongst their clients for cleaning of houses as people move out and move into them.
Pressure washing, is a good cleaning business idea to start off with. You'll potentially need your own pressure washer and be pretty confident with using it.
How to get started with your cleaning business idea
Apply your industry knowledge and experience
You’ll need to develop a deep understanding of various cleaning techniques, equipment and industry best practices based on the services you offer. If you have specific experience, like window cleaning, start there as you grow your breadth of experience.
Choose your specialization or niche
Consider specializing in a cleaning niche or industry to provide tailored services. This can help you gain a professional reputation as a well-respected expert. This can be especially successful if you identify and fill a gap in service providers in your area.
Build a professional network: market and promote your cleaning business
Build a strong professional network to connect with potential clients. Consider learning how to create a website to expand your online presence and market your services and cleaning business.
Check out these best small website builders to get started.
Choose a legal structure for your business
Decide on the legal structure of your business, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC or corporation.
You'll also need to license your cleaning business. In most states a general business license is a must, as is an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you plan to hire employees.
Depending on the services you offer, you might need additional licenses. If you handle hazardous waste, you will need a specific permit in order to do so. But each state has its own regulations, so it’s important to check the specific requirements in your state.
If you need more precise information on licensing a cleaning business idea, it's advisable to consult with a local business advisor or legal expert.
Determine your pricing strategies
Choose your pricing model, whether it's hourly rates, monthly retainers or project-based fees. Then, set your rates and pricing. Be sure to lay all of this out in your cleaning business plan.
Cleaning business examples (built on Wix) to inspire you
This cleaning service company offers a wide range of cleaning services—from deep cleaning to commercial and office cleaning.
Tier One offers both office and home cleaning services. Their services range from one-time cleanings to more long-term contracts, appealing to a wide client base.
This cleaning company specializes in home cleaning services. They also offer window cleaning, pressure washing and post-construction cleaning services.
Cleaning business ideas FAQ
What types of cleaning services can I offer through my cleaning business?
The cleaning industry offers a wide range of services to choose from. You can consider offering general janitorial services, carpet cleaning, window cleaning, industrial cleaning, medical facility cleaning, restaurant and kitchen cleaning, event venue cleaning and more. Choose a niche that aligns with your expertise, interest and target market.
How can I attract clients to my cleaning business?
Use effective marketing strategies such as creating a business website, establishing a strong online presence on social media platforms, offering promotions or discounts for new clients and networking within your community. Word-of-mouth referrals can also be powerful, so provide exceptional service to your existing clients to make sure they put in a good word. Make sure to create a great cleaning logo too.
What equipment and supplies do I need to get my cleaning business off the ground?
The specific equipment and supplies you need will depend on the type of cleaning services you offer. Generally, you may need cleaning agents, mops, vacuums, brooms, window cleaning tools, protective gear and transportation. Invest in quality equipment to ensure efficient and thorough cleaning.
How do I determine pricing for my cleaning idea?
Consider factors such as the type of cleaning service, the size of the space to be cleaned, the frequency of cleaning and your operational costs. Research local market rates and competitors to ensure your pricing is competitive. You can choose hourly rates, flat fees or project-based fees depending on your business model.
How can I ensure the safety of my staff?
Implement rigorous training programs for your cleaning staff, emphasizing safety protocols and the proper use of cleaning equipment. Provide necessary safety gear and ensure that all staff members are aware of and follow industry-specific safety guidelines. Communicate openly with clients about safety measures your business takes.
How can I differentiate my cleaning business idea from competitors?
You can differentiate your cleaning business by specializing in a niche, offering exceptional customer service, using eco-friendly practices and showcasing positive client testimonials on your website and/or social media page. Consider implementing technology, such as online scheduling and payment systems to enhance customer experience.
How can I grow my cleaning business idea?
As your cleaning business grows, focus on scalability. Consider hiring additional staff, expanding your service offerings and targeting new markets. Invest in marketing strategies to attract a larger client base and explore partnerships with other businesses in related industries.
Do I need any special licenses or permits to start a cleaning business?
The specific licenses and permits required for your cleaning business will depend on your location and the services you offer. It's important to research and comply with all local, state, and federal regulations. Some common licenses and permits may include a business license, liability insurance, worker's compensation insurance, and zoning permits. Consult with a legal professional or government agency to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order before starting your cleaning business. Maintaining proper records is crucial for legal compliance and financial management of your business.
What kind of insurance do I need for a cleaning business?
As a cleaning business, you may need various types of insurance coverage to protect your business and employees. Some common insurance policies for cleaning businesses include general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, worker's compensation insurance, and umbrella insurance. It's important to consult with an insurance agent to determine the specific policies and coverage amounts that are right for your business. Maintaining proper insurance coverage can help protect your business in case of accidents or unexpected events.
How can I scale my cleaning business over time? How can I scale my cleaning business over time?
Scaling your cleaning business over time will require careful planning and strategic decision-making. Some steps you can take to scale your business include hiring additional staff, expanding your services to target new markets, investing in technology to streamline processes and improve customer experience, and implementing effective marketing strategies to attract a larger client base. It's important to regularly review and adjust your business plan as you grow to ensure long-term success. Prioritize maintaining strong relationships with existing clients and providing exceptional service to encourage repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. By consistently focusing on growth and improvement, you can successfully scale your cleaning business over time.
What kind of software or tools can help run a cleaning business efficiently?
There are several software and tools available that can help run a cleaning business efficiently. Some examples include scheduling software to manage appointments and employee schedules, accounting and invoicing software for financial management, customer relationship management (CRM) software to track client information and communication, and project management tools to streamline tasks and workflows.
Is it better to start with residential or commercial cleaning?
The decision to focus on residential or commercial cleaning will depend on your personal preferences and the market demand in your area. Residential cleaning often requires smaller equipment and can be done during traditional business hours, while commercial cleaning may require larger equipment and may involve working outside of regular business hours. It's important to research the competition and market demand for both options before making a decision. Some businesses may choose to offer both residential and commercial cleaning services to diversify their client base.
What are some creative marketing ideas for a cleaning business?
Some creative marketing ideas for a cleaning business include offering discounts or promotions for new clients, partnering with local businesses or organizations to offer special deals, creating informative and visually appealing social media content, hosting events or workshops related to cleaning and organization, and utilizing targeted advertising on social media platforms. Consider incorporating a referral program where existing clients can earn rewards for referring new clients to your business.
What are the pros and cons of hiring employees versus working solo?
Hiring employees can significantly enhance your cleaning business. Build a strong team to take on more clients and larger projects, boosting your revenue potential. Employees bring valuable skills and expertise, enabling you to offer a broader range of services. Plus, having a team provides greater flexibility for scheduling and ensures you're covered during sick days or vacations.