How Do You Start a Cleaning Business a Step-by-Step Guide

Because Clean Spaces = Real Opportunity

If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do you start a cleaning business?”, you’re already ahead of most. Many people dream about being their own boss, but few take the time to figure out how to make it happen. The good news? Starting a cleaning business is one of the most practical and profitable ways to enter the world of entrepreneurship—with minimal startup costs and flexible growth potential.

At The CoBuilders, we’ve supported hundreds of new cleaners as they launched and scaled their cleaning businesses across the U.S. This guide breaks down exactly how to start, what you need, and how to grow smart—without burning out.

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Cleaning Services to Offer

Before anything else, define what you’ll be cleaning and for whom.

You can start with:

Residential cleaning – homes, apartments, condos
Move-in/move-out cleaning – real estate turnovers
Office/commercial cleaning – small offices, storefronts, etc.
Short-term rental cleaning – Airbnb/VRBO
Post-construction cleanup – for contractors or property managers

💡 Start with what you’re confident doing. Residential is often the most beginner-friendly niche to enter.

Step 2: Set Up Your Business Legally

Making your business official builds trust with clients and protects your work.

Here’s what you’ll need:

A business name
Choose a structure: Sole Proprietorship (simple) or LLC (for liability protection)
Apply for a business license in your city or county
Get general liability insurance
Open a business bank account to keep finances organized

You can complete most of these steps in a day or two—and many states allow you to register online.

Step 3: Buy Your Initial Cleaning Supplies

You don’t need a truckload of gear. Focus on quality, multi-use products that help you clean efficiently.

Cleaning supply essentials:

Microfiber cloths and sponges
Broom, mop, vacuum
Disinfectant and all-purpose cleaner
Glass and mirror cleaner
Gloves and PPE
A tote or caddy to organize it all

✅ Want to go green? Offer eco-friendly products to stand out with health- or environmentally-conscious clients.

Step 4: Price Your Services Smartly

Your pricing depends on your location, competition, and service type. You can charge hourly or offer flat-rate packages.

General starting points:

Pro tip: Don’t undervalue your time. Include travel, supplies, and prep in your pricing.

Step 5: Find Your First Clients

You don’t need a huge marketing budget to start booking jobs.

Try these low-cost methods:

Let friends and family know you’re launching
Join local Facebook and Nextdoor groups
List on free platforms like Google Business, Yelp, or Thumbtack
Drop flyers or business cards at apartment complexes or real estate offices
Offer a limited-time “new client” special or referral discount

A few happy clients can lead to long-term, recurring business and 5-star reviews.

Step 6: Stay Organized from Day One

Many new cleaning businesses get overwhelmed by scheduling, tracking payments, or managing client communication. That’s where SCRUBGPT comes in—our AI-powered assistant designed by The CoBuilders.

With SCRUBGPT, you can:

Auto-generate professional cleaning quotes
Create tailored cleaning checklists
Schedule appointments and send reminders
Automate follow-ups and review requests
Track payments, notes, and client history

It’s like having a personal assistant built specifically for your cleaning business.

Step 7: Grow with Support from The CoBuilders

As you start getting busy, The CoBuilders platform helps you grow faster—without doing everything yourself.

What you get when you join:

One-time and long-term job opportunities
Flexibility to stay an independent contractor
AI tools like SCRUBGPT to streamline your operations
A national brand that helps build trust
Onboarding, resources, and client support—all in one place

👉 Apply to join The CoBuilders and focus on the work you love while we help with the rest.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple. Grow Smart.

If you're wondering, “How do you start a cleaning business?”—the truth is, you already have everything you need to begin. A little drive, some essential tools, and a commitment to showing up and doing good work are all it takes to get started.

With platforms like The CoBuilders and automation tools like SCRUBGPT, you can work smarter, grow faster, and build a cleaning business that truly supports your goals.

We’re here when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Cleaning Business

1. How do you start a cleaning business from scratch?

To start a cleaning business, choose the type of cleaning services you want to offer, register your business, obtain any required licenses and insurance, purchase essential cleaning supplies, set competitive prices, and start marketing to potential clients. Building a reliable client base and keeping your scheduling, payments, and customer communication organized can help you grow sustainably.

2. How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?

The startup cost for a cleaning business depends on factors such as your location, business structure, insurance, licenses, equipment, cleaning supplies, transportation, and marketing. A small residential cleaning business can often start with basic equipment and supplies before investing in additional staff, specialized equipment, or larger commercial operations.

3. What cleaning services can a new cleaning business offer?

A new cleaning business can offer residential cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, office and commercial cleaning, short-term rental cleaning, and post-construction cleanup. Many entrepreneurs start with one service category, such as residential cleaning, and expand their offerings as their experience and customer base grow.

4. How can I get my first cleaning clients?

You can find your first cleaning clients through referrals from friends and family, local Facebook and community groups, Google Business Profile, Yelp, Thumbtack, flyers, business cards, and partnerships with real estate professionals or property managers. Providing reliable service and encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews can also help generate recurring and referral business.

5. Can The CoBuilders help me start and grow a cleaning business?

Yes. The CoBuilders provides support for cleaning professionals who want to start or grow their cleaning business. Through its platform, cleaners can access job opportunities, operational resources, AI-powered tools such as SCRUBGPT, onboarding support, and client-related resources. You can apply to join The CoBuilders and explore the available opportunities for independent cleaning professionals.