House cleaning is the most accessible entry point into the cleaning industry. Low startup costs, immediate demand, and simple operations make residential cleaning perfect for first-time business owners. If you want to learn how to start a house cleaning business, this guide walks you through every step from first supply purchase to first paying client.
Whether you’re asking “how do I start a house cleaning business?” or wondering what you need to get going, you’ll find clear answers here.
Why House Cleaning Makes Sense
Before diving into how to start house cleaning business operations, understand why this niche works:
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Low barrier to entry | Start with basic supplies you already own |
| Immediate cash flow | Get paid same day or within a week |
| Flexible scheduling | Choose your own hours and days |
| Repeat business | Weekly or bi-weekly clients provide steady income |
| Personal connections | Build relationships that lead to referrals |
| Scalable | Add clients gradually as your schedule allows |
Learning how to start a home cleaning business is often the first step toward a much larger operation. Many commercial cleaning company owners started with residential clients.
What Do I Need to Start a House Cleaning Business?
The startup requirements are simpler than most people expect:
Essential supplies:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom disinfectant
- Floor cleaner (for multiple surface types)
- Microfiber cloths (at least 20)
- Scrub brushes and sponges
- Toilet brush
- Mop and bucket
- Vacuum cleaner (upgrade to commercial-grade when budget allows)
- Rubber gloves
- Cleaning caddy for carrying supplies
- Trash bags
Business essentials:
- Business registration (LLC or sole proprietorship)
- General liability insurance ($300-500 annually)
- Business bank account
- Simple contract template
- Pricing sheet
- Basic website or Google Business Profile
Total startup cost: $500-1,500 for a legitimate, professional operation.
Choosing Your Service Model
How to start a cleaning house business successfully depends on choosing the right service model:
Standard recurring cleaning: Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly maintenance cleaning. This is your bread and butter. Recurring clients provide predictable income and fill your schedule consistently.
Deep cleaning: Intensive one-time cleanings that cover everything including often-neglected areas. Charge 2-3x your standard rate. Great for new client onboarding.
Move-in/move-out cleaning: Cleaning empty homes during tenant transitions. Higher rates, physically demanding, but no scheduling around occupants.
Special occasion cleaning: Before/after parties, holiday prep, guest visits. Premium pricing for time-sensitive work.
Start with standard recurring cleaning and deep cleaning. Add other services as you learn your market.
Setting Your Prices
Pricing residential cleaning involves three main approaches:
Hourly rate: $25-50 per hour depending on your market. Simple but can be unpredictable for clients.
Flat rate by home size:
| Home Size | Standard Clean | Deep Clean |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 bedroom | $80-120 | $150-200 |
| 2 bedroom | $100-150 | $200-280 |
| 3 bedroom | $130-180 | $250-350 |
| 4 bedroom | $160-220 | $320-420 |
| 5+ bedroom | $200+ | $400+ |
Square footage: $0.05-0.15 per square foot for standard cleaning. Useful for larger homes.
Most residential cleaners use flat-rate pricing because clients prefer knowing exactly what they’ll pay.
How to Open a House Cleaning Business Legally
Getting legal protects you and builds client trust:
Step 1: Choose a business name and register it with your state.
Step 2: Form an LLC or register as a sole proprietorship. LLCs cost $50-500 depending on your state and offer liability protection.
Step 3: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. It’s free and takes five minutes online.
Step 4: Open a business bank account using your EIN.
Step 5: Purchase general liability insurance. Get quotes from multiple providers. Mention you’re a cleaning business specifically.
Step 6: Check local requirements. Some cities require business licenses or permits.
How to Start My Own House Cleaning Business: Getting Clients
Your business doesn’t exist without clients. Here’s how to get them:
Personal network first. Tell everyone you know. Post on personal social media. Friends, family, and acquaintances become your first clients and referral sources.
Nextdoor and local Facebook groups. Join neighborhood groups and introduce your services. Be helpful, not spammy. Answer questions about cleaning before promoting yourself.
Google Business Profile. Set this up immediately—it’s free. When people search “house cleaning near me,” you want to appear. Ask every client to leave a review.
Flyers and door hangers. Old school but effective. Target neighborhoods that match your ideal client profile. Include a first-time discount.
Partner with real estate agents. They constantly need move-in/move-out cleaning. One relationship can generate steady referrals.
Online platforms. Thumbtack, Yelp, and Housecall Pro’s marketplace connect you with people actively searching for cleaners.
How to Start a Residential Cleaning Business That Lasts
Many house cleaning businesses fail within two years. Here’s how to beat those odds:
Deliver consistent quality. Create a checklist for every cleaning. Follow it every time. Consistency builds trust and justifies your prices.
Communicate proactively. Confirm appointments 24 hours ahead. Let clients know if you’re running late. Send a quick message when you’ve finished.
Handle complaints gracefully. When clients are unhappy, don’t get defensive. Apologize, fix the problem, and offer something extra. Your response to complaints determines whether clients stay or leave.
Ask for feedback. After every few cleanings, ask what you could improve. This shows you care and catches small issues before they become big problems.
Build systems early. Even with just a few clients, create organized systems for scheduling, payments, and supplies. Good habits scale; bad habits become nightmares.
Growing Your House Cleaning Business
Once you’ve mastered solo cleaning, growth options include:
Raise prices. Every 6-12 months, increase rates for new clients. Grandfather existing clients or raise their rates more gradually.
Add deep cleaning upsells. Offer existing clients quarterly or seasonal deep cleanings at premium rates.
Hire help. When you’re consistently booked, bring on part-time help. Start with an assistant who joins you on jobs.
Specialize. Develop expertise in high-value niches like eco-friendly cleaning, homes with pets, or luxury properties.
Your Next Steps
You now know how to start home cleaning business operations—from supplies and pricing to marketing and growth.
House cleaning offers a realistic path to $40,000-80,000+ annually as a solo operator, with much higher potential if you build a team. The key is starting, learning from experience, and continuously improving.
The Cleaning Business Institute offers comprehensive training for residential cleaning entrepreneurs. Our courses cover client acquisition, pricing strategies, operations systems, and scaling—everything you need to build a thriving house cleaning business.
Ready to accelerate your success? Take our free Cleaning Business Quiz. Answer a few questions about your goals and situation, and we’ll recommend the perfect training for you. Complete the quiz to unlock a limited-time offer saving you over 50% on enrollment.
Your house cleaning business journey starts with the right foundation.