How to Start a Home Cleaning Business and Make Money

Turn your cleaning skills into a profitable business with this practical guide.

Whether you’ve always loved a tidy home or are simply looking for a fresh start, learning how to start a home cleaning business is a great way to turn a skill into a thriving enterprise. With low startup costs and high demand for services, now’s the perfect time to dive in!

Quick checklist: Starting your home cleaning business

Before you get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a high-level checklist of what you’ll need to do to get started:

1. Decide on services: Residential or commercial, deep cleaning or basic cleaning?
2. Choose your business structure: Sole proprietorship or LLC?
3. Set up your pricing: Hourly, flat rate, or by job type.
4. Stock up on supplies: Prioritize basic cleaning tools to start.
5. Get insured: Protect yourself and your business from liability.
6. Market your business: Create a website and use social media for local outreach.
7. Make it easy to book with you: Use online scheduling tools like YouCanBookMe (YCBM).

1. Decide what services you want to offer

Not all cleaning services are created equal, and you need to figure out what niche best fits your skills and local demand. Offering multiple types of cleaning services will broaden your potential client base, but specializing can make your business more streamlined and profitable.

Consider these questions:

• Will you offer residential or commercial cleaning?
• Do you want to focus on one-time deep cleans or ongoing services?
• Are there niche services you can offer, such as green cleaning, move-out cleans, or post-construction cleaning?

2. Set up your business

Now that you know what services you’ll offer, it’s time to get legit. Set up the framework for your business to protect yourself and look professional.

• Register your business: Depending on your location, you may need to register as a sole proprietor or LLC. This helps separate your personal and business finances, making tax season (and life) easier.
• Business bank account: Open a business bank account to keep track of your expenses and income separately from your personal funds.

💼 Important reminder: We are not lawyers. Consult a professional accountant or lawyer when setting up your business to ensure you're compliant with local laws and filing the right taxes. 

3. Set your pricing

Setting the right price is key to balancing profitability with competitive rates. You’ll want to do a little homework to understand what other cleaning businesses charge in your area.

Pricing methods:

• Hourly rate: This works best for smaller or regular cleaning jobs. Rates typically range from $25–$40 per hour, depending on your location.
• Flat rate per job: For deep cleans or specific tasks (like post-construction cleaning), it’s easier to charge a flat rate. This way, clients know exactly what they’ll pay upfront.

Pricing example 👉 If you charge $30 per hour and estimate a standard home cleaning takes 3 hours, you’d charge $90 for that job. For a move-out deep clean, you might charge a flat rate of $200 due to the extra work involved.

Easily take payments

One less thing on your plate. Take payments and deposits online right from your booking page.

4. Don't jump into hiring from day one

In the early days, doing the work yourself can help you control costs and build a strong foundation. As you grow, you can start hiring cleaners to take on more jobs.

Here’s how to scale gradually:

• Begin solo: Build a steady client base, learn what clients expect, and hone your process.
• Hire as you grow: Once your schedule is full, start hiring part-time or full-time cleaners to take on more jobs.

5. Make it easy for prospective clients to book time with you

No one wants to jump through hoops to schedule an appointment. Make your cleaning services accessible to all clients by letting them book with you online via a scheduling tool for professional services. 

With tools like YouCanBookMe (YCBM), you make booking easy, which means more clients! Plus, by embedding YCBM directly on your website, clients can see your availability and schedule instantly—no emails, no phone tag, just quick and simple scheduling.

Why does this matter? Because the easier it is for clients to book with you, the more likely they are to follow through. If the process is complicated or unclear, potential clients will leave your site. Make it easy, and they’ll come back again and again.

Example 👉 Business owners like Gareth Marlow have embedded YouCanBookMe into their sites, allowing clients to schedule services effortlessly.

Automating the process with YouCanBookMe also reduces no-shows by sending reminders, keeping your calendar full and your business running smoothly. The more convenient the booking experience, the more clients you'll gain!

6. Learn how to manage your cleaning business and client relationships

Running a cleaning business isn’t just about scrubbing floors—it’s about managing client expectations, payments, and schedules efficiently. 

Keeping track of client preferences, job details, and invoices will help you build lasting relationships and increase repeat business. When clients feel like you remember their specific needs, they’re more likely to return and recommend you to others.

Tools to manage your business:

• CRM software: Track client history, preferences, and service details all in one place. And with YouCanBookMe, you can integrate seamlessly with your favorite CRM for an even smoother process.
• Calendar integration: YouCanBookMe syncs with all your calendars, so you’re always up-to-date and never double-booked.
• Accept deposits: Secure bookings by accepting full payments or deposits upfront through YouCanBookMe, reducing cancellations and giving you peace of mind that your time is valued.
• Automated reminders: Use YouCanBookMe’s notifications feature to send automatic appointment reminders, reducing no-shows and ensuring your schedule stays full.

7. Market yourself!

Growing your cleaning business doesn’t need a huge marketing budget—just a bit of creativity and a sprinkle of hustle!

Here are some fun ways to get your name out there:

• Create a website: Show off your services, rates, and those rave reviews. Make sure it’s mobile-friendly and integrates with YouCanBookMe so clients can book in a snap. Once you’ve created your branding and logos for your website, you can take advantage of YCBM’s full customization features by adding them to your booking page!
• Leverage social media: Post those satisfying before-and-after shots, and hop into local Facebook groups or Nextdoor. Show people your magic and build that loyal fanbase.
• Ask for reviews: Word-of-mouth is gold! Encourage clients to leave glowing testimonials on your website or Google Business Profile. Nothing says “I’m legit” and helps you get clients like a page full of 5-star reviews. 🤩

Conclusion: Ready to get started?

Starting a home cleaning business doesn’t need to be complicated. By following these steps—choosing the right services, setting up your business structure, setting competitive pricing, and using YouCanBookMe to manage bookings—you’ll be ready to launch in no time.

With low startup costs, a flexible schedule, and a growing demand for cleaning services, the opportunities are endless. And with the right tools in place, like YouCanBookMe, you’ll save time and keep your business running smoothly.

Ready to take the first step? Try YouCanBookMe for free today!

FAQ

How to start a home cleaning business with no money?

You can start by offering basic cleaning services using the client’s cleaning supplies. Reinvest your first earnings to buy more equipment and market your services. Plus, you can use free online tools for start-ups and new businesses to gain a competitive edge without spending a dime!

What licenses are needed to start a cleaning business?

It depends on your location. For most areas, no specific license is needed for general home cleaning. However, you’ll need to register your business and get insurance.

How much money do I need to start a cleaning business?

You can start with as little as $500–$1,000 for cleaning supplies, marketing, and insurance.

How to start a home cleaning business online?

Create a website, integrate online booking tools like YouCanBookMe, and promote your services on social media. It’ll help you grow without needing traditional advertising.

Cleaning business startup package?

A basic startup package includes cleaning supplies, a vacuum, mop, protective gear, and digital tools like scheduling software for professional services and business cards.