Before launching, you need to know exactly what’s required. Understanding what do I need to start a cleaning business helps you prepare properly and avoid scrambling after you’ve already begun.
This guide covers everything needed to start a legitimate cleaning business.
The Essential Requirements
What do you need to start a cleaning business? The requirements fall into several categories.
| Category | Essential Items | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Legal | Business registration, licenses, EIN | Must have before starting |
| Supplies | Cleaning products, tools, equipment | Must have before first job |
| Financial | Bank account, pricing, payment method | Must have before first job |
| Marketing | Basic promotional materials, online presence | Should have at launch |
| Insurance | General liability coverage | Should have very early |
| Systems | Scheduling, communication, tracking | Can develop as you grow |
Some items are absolute requirements before your first client. Others can be added as your business develops.
Legal Requirements
What is needed to start a cleaning business legally depends on your location, but typically includes business registration of some form. Choose between sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation and file appropriate paperwork with your state.
You’ll need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, which is free and essential for business banking.
Local business licenses from your city and possibly county are required. Check specific requirements for your location.
If operating under a name other than your legal name, you need DBA (Doing Business As) registration.
Cleaning Supplies
What do you need for a cleaning business in terms of supplies? Start with these essentials:
- All-purpose cleaner for most surfaces
- Glass cleaner for windows and mirrors
- Bathroom disinfectant for toilets, tubs, and sinks
- Floor cleaner appropriate for various floor types
- Microfiber cloths (at least 20, different colors for different areas)
- Scrub brushes in various sizes
- Sponges and scour pads
- Mop and bucket (or flat mop system)
- Toilet brush
- Rubber gloves
- Trash bags
- Cleaning caddy for portability
Budget $100-300 for initial supply purchase. Replenish as needed from cleaning revenue.
Equipment
What do i need to start my own cleaning business equipment-wise? Basic equipment includes a vacuum cleaner (use what you own initially, upgrade later), mop system, and bucket. A step stool or small ladder helps reach high areas. An extension duster handles ceiling fans and high corners.
Professional upgrades to consider later include a commercial-grade vacuum ($200-500), a backpack vacuum for efficiency ($300-600), a carpet spot cleaner ($100-300), and specialized tools for specific services.
You don’t need top equipment to start. You need functional equipment that cleans well.
Financial Setup
What you need to start a cleaning business financially includes a business bank account to separate business and personal finances. You need a pricing structure with decided rates for your services. A payment method for accepting payments (cash, checks, cards via Square or Stripe) is essential. Basic bookkeeping using QuickBooks, Wave, or even spreadsheets keeps you organized. Set aside a tax reserve fund of 25-30% of profits for tax payments.
Marketing Materials
What does it take to start a cleaning business marketing-wise? At minimum, you need a Google Business Profile, which is free and essential for local visibility. Business cards ($30-100 for professional printing) help with networking. A simple website or at least active social media presence establishes credibility.
Optional but helpful marketing items include flyers or door hangers, vehicle magnets or lettering, and branded shirts or uniforms.
Insurance
General liability insurance protects you if you damage client property or someone gets hurt. Cost runs $300-800 annually for small cleaning businesses. Some commercial clients require proof of insurance before hiring you.
While technically optional, insurance is strongly recommended. One accident without insurance could cost more than years of premiums.
Transportation
You need reliable transportation to get to clients. Most cleaners use their personal vehicle, though you should consider whether your vehicle can carry supplies and equipment comfortably, budget for additional gas and maintenance costs, and eventually look into vehicle signage for mobile advertising.
Systems and Tools
What do you need to set up a cleaning business operationally? Basic systems include scheduling through Google Calendar or dedicated software, client communication via email, phone, and texting, record keeping to track clients, services, and payments, and checklists for consistent cleaning quality.
These systems can start simple and become more sophisticated as you grow.
Skills and Knowledge
What’s needed to start a cleaning business beyond physical items? You need cleaning skills (professional techniques can be learned), customer service ability (treating clients professionally), basic business knowledge (understanding pricing, marketing, operations), and time management (handling multiple clients and responsibilities).
If you lack skills in any area, resources exist to learn. Experience builds quickly once you start.
The Minimum Viable Startup
If you’re asking what i need to start a cleaning business with the absolute minimum, here’s the stripped-down list: basic cleaning supplies (possibly what you already own), sole proprietor registration (cheapest business structure), a business bank account, a phone and email for communication, transportation to reach clients, and willingness to work hard.
You can start with less than $500 and add everything else as you earn money.
Your Prepared Launch Starts Here
You now understand what do you need to start a cleaning business—the legal requirements, supplies, equipment, and systems for a proper launch.
Knowing what you need prevents surprises and ensures you’re ready for clients when they arrive. Preparation creates confidence.
At the Cleaning Business Institute, our courses walk you through complete business setup. We provide checklists, templates, and guidance for every requirement.
Get fully prepared. 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 properly equipped.