How to Start a Housecleaning Business

Starting a housecleaning business requires you to be physically able to rigorously clean throughout the day, communicate with customers and commit to a daily service schedule. For those who have an attention to detail and who enjoy working unsupervised, this can be a lucrative business. When starting, you will need to build a customer base through marketing and networking. After cleaning a few homes and building a professional relationship, you can ask for referrals. This will help build your business and help maintain a steady income each month.

Things You'll Need

• Business card
• Business brochure
• Fliers
• Website
• Basic cleaning supplies (household cleaner, rags, paper towels, feather duster, gloves)
• Vehicle

Instructions

How to Start a Housecleaning Business

1. Research housecleaning businesses in your area. This business can be competitive, so it's important to learn about your competition before launching your own business. While researching your competition, pay attention to the types of services offered by these companies. Some companies might offer special services in addition to regular cleaning services, such as outside window washing and laundry services, or they might specialize in cleaning hardwood floors or small spaces such as attics or basements.

2. Decide which cleaning services to offer. Basic cleaning services usually include:
   -vacuuming
   -whisking furniture
   -dusting
   -cleaning countertops
   -cleaning stovetop and oven
   -cleaning refrigerator
   -cleaning bathrooms
   -making beds/switching linens
   -washing windows

   Specialized/periodic services might include:
   -washing area rugs
   -cleaning/dusting crown moldings
   -organizing closets and pantries
   -dusting miniblinds

3. Determine how much to charge for your services. Many housecleaning businesses have websites that list their rates. Find out which businesses in your state or region are charging to stay competitive.

4. Create marketing materials for your new business. Choose a name and create a logo that people will recognize. Create business cards, a brochure that lists your services and contact information, fliers that include contact information, and build a website that potential customers can visit to learn more about what you have to offer.

5. Distribute fliers and brochures to local businesses, including supermarkets, day-care centers, drugstores and community centers. You also can leave fliers on doorsteps in residential neighborhoods. Meeting potential customers face-to-face is a great way to showcase your cleaning and customer service skills.

6. Attend local networking events. Promote your business by handing out business cards. If you're new to the housecleaning business, stress that you know what you're doing and that you want to build a regular clientele.

Tips & Warnings

• Promote a new cleaning business by being honest with potential customers. Explain that you have studied the latest cleaning and safety techniques and that you are reliable. Complete an OSHA certification course to demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to customer satisfaction and safety.

• Make sure you and your employees are fully licensed and bonded before going to customers' homes.

Resources

• Additional information
• OSHA website