How to start a cleaning business: your guide to getting set up

Published Friday 30 January 2026

Table of contents

• Why start a cleaning service?
• Types of cleaning businesses
• Research your market and competition
• How do I start a cleaning business?
• Five steps to start your cleaning business
• Build your cleaning business with Xero
• FAQs on starting a cleaning business

Key takeaways

• Conduct thorough market research by analyzing local competitors, identifying service gaps, and interviewing potential customers to understand demand before creating a detailed business plan with financial projections and pricing strategy.
• Choose the appropriate legal structure for your business, with limited companies offering better tax rates and asset protection compared to sole trader status, while ensuring you obtain necessary insurance and permits for your area.
• Start with basic cleaning equipment costing £200-500 and focus on building a strong local presence through networking, referrals, and exceptional customer service rather than competing solely on price.
• Plan for growth by creating detailed written processes for all operations and hiring employees or subcontractors to scale beyond your personal working hours, allowing you to transition from worker to business owner.

Why start a cleaning service?

Starting a cleaning service offers three key advantages: low startup costs, flexible scheduling, and consistent demand. While the work isn’t glamorous, these benefits make it an attractive business opportunity.

• Low startup costs:Base your business from home with equipment and vehicle as main expenses, both available second-hand to reduce initial investment.
• Flexible scheduling: Start part-time while maintaining current employment, allowing gradual transition to full-time business ownership.
• Consistent demand: Cleaning services remain essential during economic downturns, providing recession-resistant income with growth potential.

However, cleaning businesses face several challenges:

Physical demands: The work requires stamina and can be physically taxing

Market competition: Standing out requires strong differentiation and strategic pricing

Business complexity: Managing operations involves administrative tasks and financial planning

But if you have time-management skills, an eye for detail, and are friendly and reliable, you could be just the new broom the industry needs.

Types of cleaning businesses

Cleaning business types fall into three categories: residential, commercial, and specialist services. Each serves different markets with varying requirements and profit potential.

Residential cleaners deal with private homes and apartments. You won’t need a large team or specialist equipment.

A commercial cleaning company provides services to offices, retail spaces, and other commercial or government properties. These companies often require industrial or specialist equipment and a team of certified cleaners, and must compete for commercial contracts.

Specialist cleaning services include:

• Oven, window and carpet cleaning
• Move-in and move-out cleaning
• ’Green’ cleaning
• Post-construction, crime scene, disaster, and hazardous cleaning

While specialist services may require specialist equipment or certification, they help you stand out from the crowd and tend to command higher prices.

Research your market and competition

Before you start, it’s a good idea to look at the cleaning services already available in your area. This helps you see where the demand is and what might be missing. A quick online search will show you who your main competitors are.

Think about who you want to clean for. Are you focusing on residential homes, or do you see an opportunity in commercial spaces like offices and shops? Knowing your target market helps you tailor your services and marketing.

Take a look at what your competitors offer and how they price their services. This isn’t about copying them, but understanding the local market. It helps you find a unique angle for your business, whether that’s through specialised services, eco-friendly products, or exceptional customer care.

How do I start a cleaning business?

Starting a cleaning business requires six essential components to ensure legal compliance and operational success:

• Business plan: Document outlining services, target market, and financial projections to guide operations and secure funding
• Legal structure: Choose between sole trader, partnership, or limited company based on liability protection and tax implications
• Licences and permits: How do you get a cleaning service licence and permit for your region?
• Insurance: To protect your assets and your business
• Supplies and equipment
• Marketing materials: A website and social media presence, business cards, and promotional materials

Here’s more information on getting a business off the ground.

Five steps to start your cleaning business

1: Do your market research and create a business plan

Market research involves analyzing local competition and identifying opportunities through systematic investigation:

• Competitor analysis: Research existing services, pricing strategies, strengths, and weaknesses
• Market gaps: Identify underserved niches or unmet customer needs
• Customer feedback: Interview friends, family, local businesses, and past customers of competitors
• Demand assessment: Evaluate market size and growth potential in your area
• Identify your target market: Are you cleaning houses and flats or commercial premises?

Next, you’ll need a business plan, whether you’re going for a start-up loan, a business grant from the government, investment from private investors, or just a roadmap to show you the right direction. Your plan defines your business goals, the services you offer, and your pricing strategy.

Financial planning requires calculating survival funds until profitability:

• Operating expenses: Include marketing, website development, insurance, and professional advice
• Break-even timeline: Estimate months needed to achieve positive cash flow
• Cost reduction: Build your own website using website builder platforms to minimize initial investment

Know your running costs and decide your profit margin.

Establish a price list. Are you charging by the room, the square metre, or per job? Or will you tender for contracts?

Pricing strategy balances competitiveness with profitability:

• Competitive positioning: Price competitively without being the lowest-cost option
• Value differentiation: Offer service packages and add-ons to justify premium pricing
• Market testing: Test your prices with your target market and adjust them if necessary, based on customer feedback and market demand.
• Consider creating a quote/proposal template for bigger jobs.

Here’s a business plan template to get you started.

2: Check legal requirements

One of the first steps in setting up your own company is deciding the business structure that’s right for you.

Sole trader

This is a business operated by a single person. It’s the simplest structure of all: the owner takes all the profits and losses and reports them on their personal tax return.

In the UK, you must register for Self Assessment if you earn more than £1,000 as a sole trader in a tax year. But you’ll need insurance: sole traders have no legal protection and if anything goes wrong, you may lose your personal assets, such as your house and savings.

Partnership

This is a business owned by at least two people. While a basic partnership agreement should define profit share and start-up contributions, a more formal Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) requires at least 2 designated members who are responsible for filing annual accounts. Again, there’s no legal protection if anything goes wrong.

Company

Operating as a limited company is more complicated, but it comes with advantages:

• You’ll generally pay tax at a lower rate
• Assets and debts of the business are kept separate from your personal assets and debts
• It’s easier to get funding and investment, to grow your business, and to sell it in the future

Franchise

Buying into a franchise gives you:

• Brand awareness and marketing
• Training and support for staff
• A proven business model
• Established systems and processes

But buying into a franchise is expensive and there’s no guarantee you’ll receive much support, advice, or marketing. You may not have much control over decisions, either. So if you plan to go this way, do your homework first.

What other legal requirements are there? You may need a cleaning business permit or licence, liability insurance, and to register your company and then register it with your tax authority.

3: Buy cleaning supplies and equipment

Now for the tools of the trade. Will you buy or hire your equipment, or use what you already have? Remember, you can buy second hand to keep costs down.

Basic equipment costs range from £200–500 for essential cleaning supplies:

• Cleaning tools: Vacuum cleaner, mop, bucket, broom, toilet brush
• Disposable supplies: Gloves, cloths, wipes, scourers, sponges
• Specialized equipment: Dustpan, dusters, window squeegees, spray bottles
• Safety items: Face masks, paper towels, hand sanitizer, safety signs

Even if you plan to stay close to home, you’ll need a vehicle or van. You can buy second-hand to keep costs down. (Then again, you could travel by bike and call yourself ‘The wash cycle’.)

One investment that’s worth the money is eye-catching signage on your vehicle: your business name, logo, and contact details. People can’t miss you, especially when they’re stuck in traffic.

Use quality commercial-grade cleaning products rather than regular supermarket cleaners. The right cleaning products company might give you training and how-to information. Keep a small supply in stock at all times, but don’t waste money buying large stocks you won’t use within a month.

Consider making your products your point of difference. Think about choosing eco-friendly cleaners that are cruelty-free (they haven’t been tested on animals), hypo-allergenic, pet- and goldfish-friendly, and free of harmful chemicals.

Will you wear a uniform? A company shirt and black trousers adds that professional touch. Make sure you keep track of your expenses to make it easier come tax time.

4: Develop a strategy to get clients

OK, you’ve found your niche and your unique selling point (USP). You’ve chosen a business name that’s simple, positive, and catchy, and checked it’s available. When registering it as a limited company, be aware that the name cannot contain more than 160 characters, including spaces and the name ending. You have an eye-catching logo and you’ve printed up your business cards. How do you get clients?

It’s time for a marketing plan.

Get the word out

Build a database of potential clients. Get friends and family to spread the word and advertise in local publications and radio. Put flyers in letterboxes with tempting opening offers, do leaflet drops, and go to community events.

And make networking a regular habit. Build relationships with companies who have an existing client base, like real-estate agents and property managers. Talk to shops, Airbnbs and holiday rental organisations. Make sure everyone in your area knows who you are and what you do.

Build your web and social media presence

Build a website. Keep it simple so it looks good on smartphones. Include your values and mission statement to show what’s important to you. Have a Facebook page and at least one other social media platform (maybe Instagram).

Set your prices

Price fairly, but offer value for money too. Throw in special offers with your cleaning packages and offer clients a discount for referrals.

Get the basics right

• Be friendly and professional when you pick up the phone. Be there when you say you will.
• Make sure your employees are well vetted and police checked. Remember, they’re going into people’s homes.
• Go above and beyond. Exceptional service is rare and if you provide it, your clients will not only stay with you but advertise you to their friends, families, and colleagues. Little things make a big impression: leave a handwritten note with dried lavender, offer discounts to repeat customers, or leave a card on a client’s birthday with a couple of home-baked cookies.
• Respond quickly to customer feedback and use it to improve your business.

5: Manage daily operations and plan for growth

Business growth transforms you from worker to owner through systematic scaling:

• Income limitations: Solo operations cap earnings at your available working hours
• Risk factors: Illness or holidays can result in lost income and clients
• Scaling strategy: Hire employees to continue operations and increase capacity while you focus on management

Create a detailed written process for everything you do – you’ll reduce training time and costs, and help quality control. You can then hand over the processes to someone else who can easily follow them.

When you need extra help, you can hire subcontractors or employ staff. Subcontractors are fully trained, have the right equipment, and are available right away. But they’re expensive, and quality control can be difficult.

So, as your business grows, think about building your team. You need reliable, hard-working people who are vetted and have great references.

• You’ll need to advertise job openings, interview candidates and, once they’re hired, train them in your systems.
• You’ll also have to meet legal obligations (such as tax, superannuation, sick leave, holiday pay). Failing to file required documents can result in directors being prosecuted and fined up to £5,000 for each offence, so using accounting and payroll software like Xero is your best friend here.

If you want to scale up your business, explore new markets and look at adding specialist services. You’ll need to invest in training and better equipment, but specialised services command premium prices and mean fewer competitors.

Build your cleaning business with Xero

Starting your cleaning business provides steady income with growth potential. Proper financial management ensures long-term success and profitability. Try Xero for free to streamline your accounting and focus on building your business.

FAQs on starting a cleaning business

Starting a new business comes with a lot of questions. Here are answers to some common ones.

How much does it cost to set up a cleaning business?

Startup costs can be quite low. Your main expenses will be for professional-grade equipment, cleaning supplies, insurance, and a reliable vehicle. You can start for under a few thousand pounds, especially if you already have a suitable vehicle and begin with basic supplies.

What type of cleaning business is most profitable?

Specialised cleaning services often bring in the highest profits. This includes areas like post-construction cleaning, commercial kitchens, or eco-friendly cleaning for clients with allergies. These niches have less competition and allow for premium pricing.

Do I need special qualifications to start a cleaning business?

You don’t need formal qualifications to start a general cleaning business in the UK. However, certain specialist services, like crime scene or hazardous material cleaning, require specific certifications and training. Having health and safety knowledge is always a good idea.

How long does it take to become profitable?

This depends on your startup costs and how quickly you can find clients. With low overheads, many cleaning businesses can break even and become profitable within the first six months to a year. A solid business plan and good marketing will speed things up.

Can I start a cleaning business part-time?

Yes, many people start their cleaning business part-time while keeping another job. The flexible hours make it an attractive option for building a client base gradually. You can scale up to full-time work as your business grows and your income becomes more stable.