How to Start a Maid Service Business

Starting a maid service business is not as simple as just cleaning a house. A cleaning service means actually starting a business, which includes understanding state and local regulations around cleaning service businesses. First, decide what type of cleaning business you want to start---a maid service business to clean peoples' homes or a cleaning business that works after-hours in workplaces. Other steps include: getting a business license, having cleaning supplies on hand, and being flexible to the businesses' or home owner's schedule. Customer service, a necessary component of any business, is mandatory for a maid service business.

Things You'll Need

• Mop
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Paper towels
• Toilet tissue
• Bath towels
• Vacuum
• Dust cloth
• Detergent
• Bleach
• Dish cloth
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Toilet brush
• Baking soda
• Vegetable oil
• Mild soap
• Cedar chips
• Lavender flowers
• Microfiber cloth
• Sponge
• Green bags
• Business license
• Tax identification number

Instructions

1. Research the zoning laws at the local library or the city clerk's office to make sure your location isn't prohibited from starting a home-based maid service business in your community.

2. Go to your city's website to see how you would go about applying for a business license in your area and where to go. Your maid service business will use this license when filing taxes (you will need a tax identification number in case you want to file your cleaning business as a separate entity instead of under your own TIN for self-employment tax). Having a business license also shows your customers that you have a legitimate maid or cleaning business, especially if it's searchable through the Better Business Bureau.

3. Decide what types of cleaning services that you'll provide. Examples include dishwashing, polishing, dusting, floor and window cleaning, sorting recyclables, laundry, and other types. Publicize this information. This is important for the client and for you to be on the same page about your cleaning services.

4. Calculate the pricing for each maid service task ahead of time. Have this pricing on your website and handouts so companies can comparison shop. Whereas you may want to cut a deal with larger companies or popular companies to grow your business, keep in mind that smaller companies may be interested in your maid service business as well.

5. Promote your cleaning company through press releases, your website, business cards and word of mouth. Having a maid service business is useful, but people have to actually know you're out there. Consider using companies that send e-blasts out to your business's demographic area.

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Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for different types of cleaning services. Going "green" is becoming a popular cleaning service preference with certain businesses, so have proper cleaning products, such as a microfiber cloth, baking soda, or lavender to clean using everyday products instead of poisonous products that can be a danger to children or have a strong odor, such as bleach.

• Show up on time for cleaning service assignments. If a client pays your maid service business to clean for a conference or dining event, chances are that the client will want you to be on-site far earlier than the event. If you have assistants or a staff, make sure to schedule maid service employees for those hours.

• Rent or own reliable transportation to cart your maid service equipment back and forth. It is ideal to have all the equipment on-hand in case an emergency project should pop up. For example, if a maid service business is hired to clean the refrigerator and remove trash but there are dirty dishes everywhere, your client may be willing to pay you an extra fee if the maid service is willing to perform this service in addition to the contracted cleaning services.

Resources

• How to Keep Home Clean with Environment Friendly Products