How to Start a Freelance Cleaning Business

From busy professionals to Airbnb hosts, people are willing to pay for sparkling spaces—and a freelance cleaning business lets you turn elbow grease into income.

person holding yellow plastic spray bottle

The demand for cleaning services is booming.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a student, or a side hustler, this guide breaks down exactly how to launch your own cleaning gig, stand out in a crowded market, and scale your earnings. Let’s dive in!

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Why Start a Freelance Cleaning Business?

1. Low Startup Costs: You can begin with basic supplies ($50–$200).

2. Flexible Hours: Work part-time or full-time, around your schedule.

3. High Demand: 72% of homeowners hire cleaners for deep cleans (Statista, 2023).

4. Scalable: Start solo, then hire a team as you grow.

Step 1: Plan Your Business

Choose Your Niche

Stand out by specializing:
Residential Cleaning: Homes, apartments, vacation rentals.
Commercial Cleaning: Offices, gyms, retail stores.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Use non-toxic products (upsell to eco-conscious clients).
Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning: Target renters and realtors.

Set Your Rates

Hourly: $25–$50/hour (varies by location).
Per Job: Charge based on square footage (e.g., $0.10–$0.20 per sq. ft).
Packages: Offer recurring discounts (e.g., 10% off weekly cleans).

Pro Tip: Check competitors’ prices on Thumbtack or Yelp to stay competitive.

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Step 2: Legalize Your Business

Register Your Business

Sole Proprietorship: Simplest for beginners (file a DBA if needed).
LLC: Protects personal assets (cost: $50–$500).

Get Insured

General Liability Insurance: Covers damages (e.g., $30/month from Next Insurance).
Bonding: Builds trust with clients (optional but recommended).

Licenses & Certifications

Most states don’t require a license, but check local regulations.
Green Cleaning Certifications: Boost credibility (e.g., Green Seal).

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Step 3: Gather Supplies (Budget-Friendly Starter Kit)

Here’s what you’ll need:

Cleaning Caddy: $10–$20 (Amazon Basics).

Microfiber Cloths: $15 (pack of 24).

All-Purpose Cleaner: $5 (or DIY with vinegar + water).

Vacuum/Mop: $50–$150 (Shark or Bissell).

Gloves/Mask: $10.

Pro Tip: Buy in bulk at Costco or Sam’s Club to save long-term.

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Step 4: Find Clients

Start Local

Friends & Family: Offer discounted first cleans for referrals.
Facebook Groups: Join local community or realtor groups.
Nextdoor App: Post free ads for hyper-local reach.

Create a Simple Website/Social Media

Use Wix or Canva to build a $0 website in 1 hour.
Show before/after photos and testimonials.

Partner with Realtors/Airbnb Hosts

Offer move-in cleans or turnover services.

Pro Tip: Leave branded thank-you notes (with a referral discount) after jobs.

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Step 5: Deliver 5-Star Service

A. Use Checklists

Download our [Free Cleaning Checklist Template] to ensure consistency:

Kitchen: Wipe counters, clean appliances, mop floors.
Bathroom: Disinfect surfaces, scrub showers, empty trash.

B. Upsell Add-Ons

Deep Cleaning: $50–$150 extra (e.g., oven, fridge).
Organizing Services: $30–$50/hour (declutter closets/pantries).

C. Ask for Reviews

Send a post-service email: “Loved your clean? Leave us a Google review!”

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Step 6: Scale Your Business

Hire Help

Start with part-time assistants (pay $15–$20/hour).
Use Homebase (free app) to schedule shifts.

Automate Marketing

Run Facebook/Instagram ads targeting local homeowners.
Use Mailchimp to send monthly cleaning tips + promo codes.

Expand Services

Carpet cleaning ($100–$300/job).
Pressure washing ($150–$500).

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Overcoming Common Challenges

1. “The market is too crowded!”

Fix: Niche down! Become the “go-to eco-friendly cleaner” in your area.

2. “Clients haggle over prices.”

Fix: Offer tiered packages (Basic, Premium, Deluxe) to justify rates.

3. “I’m burned out from cleaning.”

Fix: Hire help ASAP and focus on managing/client acquisition.

Free Resources

[Download Our Cleaning Business Starter Kit]: Includes checklists, invoice templates, and a pricing guide.

Recommended Tools:

QuickBooks Self-Employed (Track income/expenses).
Jobber (Manage clients and schedules).

How to Start a Freelance Cleaning Business

From busy professionals to Airbnb hosts, people are willing to pay for sparkling spaces—and a freelance cleaning business lets you turn elbow grease into income.