How Can I Start a Cleaning Business? A Real-World Guide to Getting Started

Turning Clean Spaces into a Clean Income

If you’ve ever thought, “How can I start a cleaning business?”—you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people take the leap into the cleaning industry because it’s one of the most accessible, flexible, and in-demand services out there. And the best part? You don’t need a huge investment to get started.

At The CoBuilders, we’ve helped countless cleaners and entrepreneurs take their first step—and grow faster than they thought possible. If you're looking for a no-fluff guide that actually helps you move forward, this one's for you.

Step 1: Choose the Type of Cleaning Services You Want to Offer

Start by figuring out what kind of cleaning services you’ll provide. This helps determine your equipment, pricing, and customer base.

Common options include:

• Residential cleaning (homes, apartments, condos)
• Commercial/office cleaning
• Move-in/move-out cleaning
• Post-construction cleanup
• Vacation rental/Airbnb turnovers
• Specialty services (carpets, windows, green cleaning, etc.)

💡 Tip: Residential cleaning is often the easiest place to start because it requires fewer tools and has steady demand.

Step 2: Set Up Your Business Properly

Once you know what services you'll offer, it's time to make it official.

Here's what you'll need:

• Business name and registration (sole proprietorship or LLC)
• Business license, depending on your city/state
• Insurance (general liability is a must)
• Optional: Bonding for higher-end or commercial clients
• A simple contract or service agreement template

Setting this up gives your business credibility and protects you and your clients.

Step 3: Buy Your Basic Supplies

You don’t need to start big, but you do need quality tools that get the job done.

Starter kit may include:

• Microfiber cloths and sponges
• Mop, broom, and vacuum
• All-purpose and disinfectant cleaners
• Glass cleaner
• Protective gloves
• A tote or caddy to carry everything

Many clients love cleaners who offer eco-friendly options, so consider adding non-toxic products to your list.

Step 4: Set Your Prices

“How much should I charge?” is one of the most common questions—and the answer depends on your market, service type, and time.

General pricing examples:

Offer competitive, transparent pricing—and consider discounts for repeat customers or referrals.

Step 5: Find Your First Clients

This is where the magic begins. Most cleaning businesses grow through word-of-mouth, so getting your first few happy clients is key.

Ways to get started:

• Let friends, family, and neighbors know you’re open for business
• Join local Facebook groups or post on Nextdoor
• List your services on Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, or Yelp
• Drop off flyers at real estate offices or apartment complexes
• Ask early clients for reviews or testimonials

💡 A few great reviews can take you from struggling to fully booked.

Step 6: Grow with Help from The CoBuilders

Starting solo doesn’t mean you have to stay solo. When you partner with The CoBuilders, you gain access to:

• One-time and recurring job opportunities
• A steady pipeline of contracts and cleaning gigs
• The freedom to work as an independent contractor
• Easy scheduling and client management tools
• A support system built to help you grow

We connect hard-working cleaners with the clients who need them—no cold-calling, no upfront marketing costs.

👉 Apply to join The CoBuilders network and grow smarter, not harder.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got What It Takes

If you’ve been asking, “How can I start a cleaning business?”, now you have your answer. You don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” or spend thousands on branding. You just need a plan, the right tools, and a willingness to do great work.

Start small. Clean well. Build relationships. And when you’re ready to scale, The CoBuilders will be here to help.

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