One of the most common questions aspiring entrepreneurs ask is how much does it cost to start a cleaning business. The good news: cleaning businesses have among the lowest startup costs of any industry. The even better news: you can start with almost any budget.
This guide breaks down exactly how much to start a cleaning business based on your situation and goals.
The Quick Answer
How much is it to start a cleaning business? For a basic residential cleaning operation, expect to spend $500-2,000. For a more established setup with proper equipment and marketing, budget $2,000-5,000. Commercial cleaning startups typically require $5,000-15,000.
Your actual cost depends on what you already own, your business structure, and how professionally you want to launch.
Startup Cost Breakdown
| Category | Budget Start | Professional Start | Commercial Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning supplies | $100-200 | $300-500 | $500-1,000 |
| Equipment | $0-200 | $500-1,500 | $2,000-5,000 |
| Business registration | $50-150 | $200-500 | $200-500 |
| Insurance | $0-300 | $400-800 | $800-1,500 |
| Marketing | $0-100 | $300-800 | $500-2,000 |
| Software/tools | $0-50 | $100-300 | $200-500 |
| Vehicle expenses | $0 | $0-500 | $0-2,000 |
| Total | $150-1,000 | $1,800-4,900 | $4,200-12,500 |
These ranges reflect realistic starting points. You can spend more in any category, but these amounts get you operational.
Cleaning Supplies Cost
Basic cleaning supplies cost $100-500 depending on quality and quantity.
Essential supplies include all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom disinfectant, floor cleaner, microfiber cloths (20-30), scrub brushes and sponges, mop and bucket, rubber gloves, toilet brush, and a cleaning caddy.
Budget option: Buy supplies from dollar stores or warehouse clubs. Total cost around $100-150.
Professional option: Invest in commercial-grade products that last longer and work better. Total cost around $300-500.
You can start with supplies you already own and upgrade as you earn revenue.
Equipment Cost
Equipment represents your biggest potential expense – or none at all if you use what you have.
Essential equipment includes a vacuum cleaner, mop system, and basic hand tools. If you already own a decent vacuum, your equipment cost could be zero.
For professional upgrades, consider a commercial-grade vacuum ($200-500), a professional mop system ($50-150), a carpet spot cleaner ($100-300), and an extension pole for high areas ($30-50).
Commercial cleaning requires heavier equipment including a commercial vacuum or backpack vacuum ($300-800), an auto scrubber or floor machine ($1,000-3,000), and a carpet extractor ($1,500-4,000).
Start with what you have. Upgrade equipment as revenue allows and as specific jobs require better tools.
Business Registration Cost
Legal setup costs vary by state and business structure.
Sole proprietorship is the cheapest option. You need a DBA filing ($10-50) and a city/county business license ($25-100). Total runs $35-150.
LLC formation costs more but provides liability protection. Filing fees range from $50-500 depending on state, plus you need a business license ($25-100). Our guide on how to get an LLC for your cleaning business walks through the process state by state.
EIN from the IRS is free. Business bank account opening is typically free. These are essential regardless of structure.
Insurance Cost
Insurance protects your business and builds client trust.
General liability insurance costs $300-800 annually for small cleaning businesses. Some insurers offer monthly payment plans starting around $30-50 per month.
You can technically start without insurance, but this is risky. One accident could cost more than years of premiums. Most commercial clients require proof of insurance before hiring you.
Budget option: Start with basic coverage and increase limits as you grow.
Marketing Cost
Marketing can cost nothing or thousands – your choice.
Free marketing options include Google Business Profile, social media posts, Nextdoor participation, word-of-mouth referrals, and asking friends and family for business.
Paid marketing options include business cards ($30-100), flyers and door hangers ($50-200), vehicle magnets ($50-150), Google Ads ($200-500 to start), and Facebook Ads ($100-300 to start).
Many successful cleaning businesses launch with zero marketing budget, relying entirely on free methods and word of mouth. For a full rundown of both free and paid options, see our guide on how to advertise your cleaning business.
Software and Tools Cost
Technology makes operations easier but isn’t required initially.
Free options include Google Calendar for scheduling, Wave for accounting, Google Voice for business phone, and spreadsheets for tracking.
Paid options include scheduling software like Jobber or Housecall Pro ($30-100/month), accounting software like QuickBooks ($15-50/month), and payment processing (2.9% per transaction).
Start free and add paid tools as complexity increases.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Budget for these often-overlooked expenses:
- Gas and vehicle maintenance for travel between jobs
- Ongoing supply replenishment
- License and insurance renewals
- Tax payments (set aside 25-30% of profit)
- Professional development and training
- Replacement of worn equipment
These ongoing costs don’t prevent starting, but factor them into your pricing and financial planning.
Starting With Different Budgets
Whatever your budget, you can start a cleaning business.
With $500 or less, buy basic supplies, register as a sole proprietor, use free marketing methods, and skip insurance temporarily (risky but possible). Upgrade everything as you earn. For more strategies on launching lean, check out our guide on how to start a cleaning business with no money.
With $1,000-2,000, get quality supplies, form an LLC, obtain basic insurance, invest in business cards and simple marketing, and use free scheduling tools.
With $3,000-5,000, purchase professional equipment, complete full legal setup, get comprehensive insurance, invest in marketing and a basic website, and use paid scheduling software.
Your Investment Starts Here
You now understand how much does it cost to start a cleaning business – the categories, ranges, and options for every budget.
The beauty of cleaning businesses is accessibility. You can start with a few hundred dollars and reinvest profits to grow. Many six-figure cleaning companies started with less than $1,000.
At the Cleaning Business Institute, our courses help you launch efficiently regardless of budget. We teach smart resource allocation, free marketing strategies, and growth planning.
Get started the right way. Take our free Cleaning Business Quiz. We’ll analyze your situation and recommend the right training. Complete the quiz and unlock a limited-time offer saving you over 50%.
Start your cleaning business at any budget.