business plan for house cleaning service

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How to Start a Cleaning Business in 7 Steps

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If you're looking to start a new business with low overhead, the absence of typical operating costs and reliable demand, a cleaning business might be a good choice.

Cleaning services tend to have lower up-front costs than other ventures, and this is one of the few businesses you can start operating quickly with little capital, provided you’re willing to work hard for modest profit and gradual gains.

Excepting some specialized cleaning chemicals and equipment, most cleaning jobs will entail the same products as your own household chores. Formal training or certifications aren’t required for typical home and office cleaning, but that doesn’t mean the job is easy. If it were easy, there wouldn’t be such a large market for domestic cleaners. That said, cleaning can be a lucrative and rewarding business for individuals with a great work ethic and customer service demeanor.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to start a cleaning business.

Do your industry research

When you start mulling over how to start a cleaning business, make sure your work is worth paying for. Start with close friends or family — you might offer a free house cleaning in exchange for candid feedback and cleaning supplies. Alternatively, if you know someone who works as a cleaner, you could ask to accompany them on a job to make sure you have what it takes. The important thing is to make sure your personal cleaning standards meet the expectations of paying customers — the best way to do that is tackling a job for someone else.

You’ll also need to decide what kind of cleaning service you want to provide. Cleaning services range from one-person operations to national chains, and from the most basic light home cleaning to specialized services, like pressure washing and industrial carpet cleaning. If you have experience cleaning windows or another skilled service, it’s worth considering honing your business focus to your skills and resources.

Individual cleaners work primarily in personal residences, for a small number of clients — if you go this house cleaning route, you’ll spend less. Some independent contractors keep weekly appointments with a fixed schedule of clients and jobs. Other individuals are available for short-term or one-time services by the day or hour.

Finally, consider purchasing into an existing cleaning franchise opportunity . This option has its pros and cons — it might require a bigger upfront investment, but it will likely also offer a more streamlined process.

>> MORE: How to calculate startup costs

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

How to start a cleaning business in 7 steps

Cleaning businesses range from individual home cleaners to specialist industrial cleaning services. It’s important when figuring out how to start a cleaning business to determine the focus of your service early on because the upfront investment you make depends on the size of your team, the cost of equipment, and competitive rates in your local market. Home-cleaning businesses larger than a few individuals will need more structure than a service you operate alone or on the side of another job.

Once you’ve established a target market, you can start to flesh out the details of your business plan and make arrangements for transportation and supplies. You’ll want to get the word out about your service as soon as you’re far along enough to begin taking on clients. Depending on your personal network, you might start with friends or acquaintances, and expand to a larger market with an online presence and marketing.

Step 1: Fund your cleaning business

Financing a new venture can be the most difficult part when it comes to starting a cleaning business from scratch. This often requires entrepreneurs to borrow money from friends or family, take out a business loan , or spend on credit. Depending on the scale of the business, startup costs for a cleaning service can be comparatively low. This means you can keep debt to a minimum when first planning a cleaning business from scratch, then expand operations and spending as you generate revenue.

Generally, the costs associated with starting a cleaning business include the price of cleaning supplies and products, advertising, cleaning business insurance , and business licenses and permits. Supplies can usually be purchased for less money at big-box retailers.

The items you need will depend on your business's specialty, but products most cleaners use include mops, window cleaner, latex gloves, paper towels, brushes and the like. Once you establish your business, you may even be able to buy directly from manufacturers.

Step 2: Choose your market

The clientele you pursue and services offered should be based on local demands, in addition to your personal abilities and access to transportation. For example, if you need to be able to walk to your cleaning jobs, establish a radius you feel comfortable commuting within and focus your market research on that area. Individuals with access to a car or public transportation have more flexibility and can start by searching online for existing businesses that offer similar services.

Competitor research is a fundamental part of planning any business, so when you're wondering how to start a cleaning business, it’s worth taking time to research cleaning businesses in your area. Keep an eye out for services that other businesses seem to be missing.

When just starting out, residential cleaning is easier to get into than commercial cleaning. The commercial-cleaning business is usually dominated by large janitorial companies, and they typically have more resources at their disposal. Within the residential cleaning sector, you can narrow your market down even further — such as apartments or single-family homes.

Also, when selecting your market, keep in mind that you'll more than likely be doing your initial jobs on your own. So this means being selective in terms of the clients you choose to work with. You might not want to take on a job where you're cleaning a large mansion on your own, as this will probably take more time than it's worth. Further, doing the jobs on your own will minimize costs and provide you with the flexibility to plan work around your schedule.

Step 3: Find a specialty — and stick to it

Success as a cleaner will come down to the quality of the service you provide, whether that’s expertise in a specialized area — like cleaning carpets or porcelain — or simply efficient and friendly service. Specialized equipment and services are only worth providing if you already have experience or access to necessary resources; otherwise, training, equipment, and other costs might outweigh your cleaning revenue.

Once you do get to the point where it makes sense to specialize, options you might consider include commercial kitchen cleaning, eco-friendly cleaning, and tile and grout cleaning.

Step 4: Plan the business budget

Supplies and transportation are the two major expenses of basic cleaning services. Depending on the services you offer, your cleaning expenses will vary from very low for an individual cleaner, to considerably more for a business with a multiperson team and company vehicle. Once you establish a transportation and backup plan, you can start to estimate the other costs of starting up your business.

Transportation

Transportation is essential to any mobile business like a cleaning service, and one of the most important prerequisites— before starting a job, you have to get there first.

Most cleaning services assume the responsibility of getting to and from cleaning jobs, so keep in mind that transportation arrangements and responsibilities will most likely fall on you.

The cost and amount of supplies you need to operate depends entirely on the services you offer and how many clients you have. If you’re cleaning a handful of private residences each week, you can buy supplies in bulk at retailers like Sam’s Club or Costco.

Some clients might prefer you to use their products. Wholesale vendors will likely require proof of your business’s legitimacy, but if you’re operating a bigger service, finding discounted prices from suppliers shouldn’t be a problem once you register the business.

Transportation and cleaning supplies are the main expenses for basic cleaning services, but equipment and other rentals will also add up. Unless you already own or have free access to equipment, special machines and cleaning agents for carpets, flooring, and exteriors can be costly rentals.

If you already know how to use a certain type of equipment, it’s worth investigating the costs of renting — you can always hold off on extra expenses until you’re more established.

>> MORE: 25 low-cost business ideas

Step 5: Register the business

The legal parameters around domestic services like house cleaning and babysitting aren’t always clear, especially when the service is just one individual and clients are paying in cash. The amount of registration and income reporting you need to do depends on the extent of your business (namely, your revenue).

Cleaning your aunt’s kitchen once a week in exchange for $20 doesn’t really constitute a business, so if you’re only providing services for immediate family, it’s probably safe to hold off on registering your business. If you’re making more than a few hundred dollars in a month, you need to use the formal channels for reporting income to the IRS.

You can choose to operate a cleaning business on your own as a sole proprietor or as a partnership with another individual, or you can set up a limited liability corporation if you want to separate your business and personal finances.

When considering how to start a cleaning business, you might also look into becoming a franchisee of a large cleaning services chain. The benefit here is that you already have built-in brand recognition, policies, and procedures. However, you won't have as much control over your business.

If you’re interested in working as a cleaner outside of homes, it’s worth noting that it’s much easier for private individuals to pay other individuals than it is for a business to pay an individual who is not an employee. Business registration and proper tax documentation are particularly important for cleaning services with corporate clients.

Commercial vs. consumer

Individuals working in private homes are classified as “consumer” cleaning services, whereas “commercial” cleaners like janitorial service providers have contracts with state or corporate entities.

1099 contractor

Depending on the services you offer, a local business might be willing to contract your services on a recurring basis. The IRS requires a business to provide a 1099 contract to individuals who provide services exceeding $600 annually.

When registering your business, you'll also need to pick a business name. You'll want to be thoughtful in the name you select for your business, as it is an important aspect of your marketing and branding efforts. The name you choose should reflect the services you provide, the values of your company, or some combination of both.

Step 6: Find and maintain clients

Increasingly, online forums and service platforms connect individuals with local cleaning businesses, but word-of-mouth still plays a big part in the domestic services industry. Consider asking clients who are particularly pleased with your cleaning services to share your Facebook page, or give them your business card to pass on to interested friends.

Since showing prospective clients your best work can be difficult, it’s a good idea to provide contact information of past customers who are willing to be available for references. Better yet, ask pleased customers to provide a written referral for your website.

Home cleaners often find new business through current clients. While you don’t want to rely on clients for new jobs, establishing a rapport with customers can help you build confidence, and in turn, they might let you know about potential opportunities.

An important part of finding and maintaining clients is having set rates that you can provide. According to HomeAdvisor, the average price to clean a single-family home is $120-$150.

These prices can be impacted by your location, level of competition, the services you offer, and other factors. In terms of your pricing model, there are three ways cleaning services will typically quote prices: by the hour, by the square footage of the area being cleaned, or with a simple flat rate.

Regardless of the pricing model you choose, it would be a good idea to do some market research to ensure your rates are competitive, especially when just starting out. What's more, you may also want to invest in a payment processor, such as Square, to help you accept payments for clients who want to pay via credit card. Just keep in mind that you will be charged fees for accepting credit card payments.

Step 7: Invest in advertising and expanding

Even if you rely on clients to find new customers, investing in an online presence for your service benefits your business in the long run. It’s important that current and potential customers can find you online — even if you don’t have a full website. Create a business Facebook page, and keep your contact information up-to-date.

Once you have an established service and roster of clients, you can sign up for a platform like Care.com , TaskRabbit , or Handy to make it easier for clients to find your business. Having customer reviews and a registered business will strengthen your online profile. For offline networking, consider printing business cards.

Start Your Dream Business

The bottom line

Cleaning may seem like a simple business, but it’s hard work. Before you make cleaning your side job or full-time career, it’s worthwhile to spend a few days “on the job” to ensure you’re cut out for the work.

With a cleaning service, you can incrementally take on more work and new customers as you get accustomed to the job. As you figure out your scheduling and accumulate regular customers, you’ll be able to optimize your time and spending, and continue to deliver excellent service, provided you take the right steps in advance.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

On a similar note...

House Cleaning Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting your own house cleaning business can be a great way to earn extra income. However, it can often be difficult to know where to start, and how to ensure your business will reach its full potential. Thankfully, there is now a comprehensive guide to help you get your business up and running, the #1 House Cleaning Business Plan Template & Guidebook. This template guidebook contains all the information, advice and resources needed to create an effective business plan tailored for the house cleaning industry. Get ready to take your business to the next level with this comprehensive guide!

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable House Cleaning Business [11 Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable House Cleaning Business Ideas [2023]

How to Write a House Cleaning Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your house cleaning business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your house cleaning business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a house cleaning business:

The purpose of our house cleaning business is to provide quality, affordable, and personalized services with our dedicated team of employees who focus on customer satisfaction and safety. We strive to continuously improve our services and customer experience by providing excellent customer service, efficient and detailed house cleaning services, and the utmost attention to safety.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your House Cleaning Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your house cleaning business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your house cleaning business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your house cleaning business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your house cleaning business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a house cleaning business?

• Cleaning supplies (such as brooms, mops, sponges, vacuum cleaners, detergents, etc.)
• Protective clothing and equipment (such as gloves, aprons, masks, etc.)
• Business insurance
• Business license/permit from local/state government
• Cleaning buckets
• Sponges and rags
• Scrub brushes
• "Green" cleaning products (optional)

5. Management & Organization of Your House Cleaning Business.

The second part of your house cleaning business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your house cleaning business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. House Cleaning Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a house cleaning business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a house cleaning business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your house cleaning business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your house cleaning business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your house cleaning business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About House Cleaning Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a house cleaning business.

A business plan for a house cleaning business is essential in order to ensure that the business is successful and profitable. The plan will help to clarify the company’s goals and objectives, as well as provide a roadmap for how the business will be operated, promoted and managed. Additionally, having a business plan allows potential investors to better understand the business and evaluate its potential for success.

Who should you ask for help with your house cleaning business plan?

It is recommended to seek the advice of a business consultant, accountant, or small business advisor when creating a business plan for your house cleaning business. Additionally, industry-specific resources such as local cleaning services associations may be able to provide guidance.

Can you write a house cleaning business plan yourself?

Yes, you can write a house cleaning business plan yourself. While there is no single, standard format for a business plan, in general it should include an executive summary, information about the business and its owners, a description of the services offered and how they will be delivered, a market analysis and strategy outlining how the company plans to compete in the local market, a personnel plan highlighting employee roles and responsibilities, and a financial plan that includes projected income, expenses, cash flow and balance sheet. Additionally, depending on the scope of your business plan you may also address such topics as marketing plans, operations plans and legal structure.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

How to write an effective cleaning services business plan

Key takeaways

• Write your executive summary last to create the most compelling start
• Include an actionable business strategy and clear financial plan to prove your growth potential
• Frame your cleaning business in a positive light—especially for lenders and others outside your team—but always be realistic

Cleaning your house—sweeping, mopping, vacuuming—are chores everyone has to do but few people love. It’s no wonder thousands of homeowners and business owners across the country outsource their cleaning every year. With a strategic cleaning services business plan , you can start a profitable new business that makes the most of this demand.

Here are six key sections you need to include in your business plan template to help you successfully start your cleaning company .

1. Executive summary

Every cleaning services business plan starts with a compelling executive summary that offers a concise overview of its contents.

First impressions are important, and the executive summary is your first chance to introduce your business and explain your purpose. If you’re sharing your business plan outside of your team—perhaps to lenders or potential business partners—it’s crucial to make your summary as enticing as possible. If not, they may not even read the rest of your plan. 

Even if you’re only sharing your business plan within your management team, a strong start gives busy managers the key facts about your business. This allows them to understand and implement your purpose and values until they have time to sift through the more detailed parts of your business plan. An executive summary also helps excite your team about the business they’re helping to build.

A solid executive summary should include:

• A brief intro to your business
• Your mission statement , which is a short, powerful phrase that defines what you do (for example, “to provide healthier, safer workspaces for professionals”)
• What makes you stand out, as compared to other cleaning services
• An overview of your business strategy and financial plan

Keep your summary brief and put the most impressive facts forward. This section should be no more than one page long, so make sure to leave out unnecessary minor details or flowery language. You can go into much greater detail with the rest of your business plan , which should be at least 30 pages long .

Some business owners find it better to write the executive summary last, which allows you to easily narrow down the best points to highlight and saves time on later revisions.

2. Business description

Your business description section is the place to talk about the details of your company and what it does best. Start off with a paragraph or two that provides details about:

• Your company’s purpose: Are you a commercial cleaning company or a residential cleaning business ?
• Your company history: Are you a startup ? If not, how long have you been in business? What experience do you bring to the table? 
• Your location: Where do you operate? What area do you serve? Do you have office space?
• Your team: How many employees do you have? How many people work in the front office? How many are on your janitorial team?
• Your objectives: What specific, measurable goals do you have? You can update your cleaning business plan over time, but choose 1–3 goals you’ll focus on for the next three years, such as “increasing net profits by 110% and reaching 75% growth within our first year .”

Target market

No cleaning business can be the perfect fit for everyone. Be specific about the clientele you want to serve, including your ideal client’s demographics and interests. Explain the problems they’re facing that may lead them to search for a cleaning company .

As an example, a house cleaning service may specifically target upper-middle-class families with children and busy work lives. They need a cleaning company so they can have more time to relax and be with their kids.

If you’re not sure what types of clients you want to focus on yet, do some research on other cleaning businesses in your area. Who are their typical clients? Are there any noticeable gaps you could fill? Are there less saturated parts of your local cleaning industry you could enter?

Value proposition

Your value proposition explains why you’re uniquely suited to serve your target market . You can use this part of your cleaning services business plan to highlight your greatest strengths—for example, if your team members are cleaning industry veterans or if you use particularly high-quality or eco-friendly products.

Cleaning services

It’s crucial for you to describe each type of cleaning service you offer. If you offer carpet cleaning , you may give some brief insight into what carpet materials you can clean and what carpet cleaning plans you offer. If you offer window cleaning services , specify whether you work with high-rises or only single-story buildings.

3. Market analysis

As the owner of a cleaning business , you need to keep an eye on trends in your industry and immediate market. The market analysis section of your cleaning services business plan shows your investors and partners both your knowledge and ability to succeed by answering questions like:

• What is the current state of the cleaning industry ? Is demand or spending projected to grow? Who is seeking services right now?
• Who are your competitors? Who are their potential customers ?
• What opportunities and challenges will you face entering the market?
• Despite the challenges, what gives you a competitive advantage? For example, you may be entering a saturated market, but you could still be the only office cleaning service in your area focused on serving small businesses .

Answer these questions as accurately as possible and back them up with thorough research and data. While you should always aim to put your cleaning business in a positive light to impress potential lenders, partners, and others, your business plan also serves as a guiding document for your company so it should be realistic. Your management team will benefit from understanding the actual challenges they’re facing and how you plan to overcome them.

4. Business strategy

Growth is essential for every company. In this portion of your cleaning services business plan , you’ll flesh out exactly the actions you’ll take to achieve that growth.

A great business strategy includes two components:

Pricing strategy

How you price your cleaning services can have a significant impact on your sales and your ability to reach your target audience. If you’re a new business , it can also affect your ability to attract new customers.

If you’re trying to attract money-conscious clients, it makes sense to offer coupons and deals on your services when you’re first launching your business. Coupons and deals can get their attention quickly, allowing you to make them loyal to your brand before you charge full price—which may still be at or below typical prices in your market. 

On the other hand, if you want to position yourself as a luxury cleaning business, your potential customers might not be seeking competitive pricing and be willing to pay more for higher-quality janitorial services .

Learn about nine pricing strategies you can implement in your business.

Sales and marketing strategy

The other essential component of your cleaning business strategy is your sales and marketing strategy , which explains how you intend to grow your cleaning company through driving business and making sales. This is where you can explain:

• How you’ll generate leads
• How you’ll engage those leads and drive them toward a purchase
• How you’ll keep engaging and retaining customers over time

This section should include all of the strategies you’ll use to promote and market your cleaning business (with details), such as running social media ads, claiming your Yelp Business Page , sending emails, or using traditional marketing like direct mail or print ads.

Most business plans will also include a sales forecast here that explains the results you expect to see based on your marketing efforts.

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Promote your business to local customers.

5. Management summary

The management summary of your cleaning services business plan details how your company will operate on a day-to-day basis. A strong management summary will prove your team’s competence as a whole. Below are some subsections to consider including in this part of your plan.

Business structure

This section is relatively simple—just explain who owns your company and what business structure you have ( sole proprietorship , LLC, S corporation, etc.). If you have any other stakeholders, such as employees with equity in your business, make sure to provide this information too.

Management structure

The people behind the wheel of your business are the ones who shape its direction the most. That’s why your business plan should provide a brief biography of each member of your leadership team, as well as their relevant experience. Highlight all of their education and credentials, along with any relevant career accomplishments. For example, if you have 10 years of experience as the operations manager of a national cleaning company, highlight that.

Operations plan

Create a visual organizational chart for readers ( these free templates can help), so potential investors can easily see the hierarchy structure within your company. How do your cleaning technicians receive assignments? Do you have a customer service representative taking calls? Expand on how your cleaning service functions in individual departments and as a complete unit.

6. Financial plan

Writing a business plan doesn’t have to cost any money unless you hire a business consultant to write it for you, which usually costs at least $1,500. However, as you’re writing your plan, you do need to be aware of the costs of running your business.

Use this section to describe what expenses you’ll face as a business. Separate any startup costs (like LLC formation costs ) from ongoing operational costs (like rent, payroll, and cleaning equipment expenses) to present a clear picture of your potential.

It’s critical to be highly accurate with your financial figures in your cleaning services business plan. Overestimating expenses is better than underestimating them so that you or your team aren’t surprised by any additional expenses later on. Do your research on average prices and expenses or even chat with other cleaning business owners if you’re not sure.

Using your sales forecast as reference, present your expected financials for the next three to five years. What will your profit and loss statements, cash flow statements, and other financial documents look like? Use charts and graphs with specific numbers whenever possible. You may want to work with an accountant on this step, as they can advise on what’s realistic.

Put your cleaning services business plan into action

Once your cleaning services business plan is complete, it’s time to start putting it into action. After launching your business, enact your business strategies. Your business plan should provide guidance for at least the next three years, though it’s perfectly normal to need to make adjustments to your objectives and strategies at any time. Get more tips on how to market your cleaning business to take your cleaning services to the next level.

The information above is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and may not be suitable for your circumstances. Unless stated otherwise, references to third-party links, services, or products do not constitute endorsement by Yelp.

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How To Write a Cleaning Services Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for cleaning services businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every cleaning services business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Cleaning Business Plan Template

What is a Cleaning Services Business Plan?

A cleaning services business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Cleaning Services Business Plan?

A cleaning services business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Cleaning Services Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful cleaning services business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a cleaning services business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your cleaning services company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your cleaning services business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your cleaning services firm, mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a cleaning services business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the cleaning services industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, the customers of a cleaning services business may include:

• Small businesses
• Commercial businesses
• Industrial businesses

List the needs and wants of each customer segment, as they relate to your cleaning services. For example, a small business owner may need their office cleaned on a regular basis, but may not have the time or resources to do it themselves. Conversely, a homeowner may want their home cleaned but may not be willing to pay for professional services.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or cleaning services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or, you may promote your cleaning services business via word-of-mouth.

Operations Plan

This part of your cleaning services business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a cleaning services business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include expanding to a new city or adding additional services.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific cleaning services industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Cleaning Services Business

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Cleaning Services Business

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup cleaning services business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Cleaning Services Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your cleaning services company. It not only outlines your business vision, but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

Now that you know what should be included in a cleaning services business plan, it’s time to get started on writing your own. The template we’ve provided can help you get started, but don’t forget to personalize it to reflect your unique company and its goals.   

Finish Your Cleaning Business Plan in 1 Day!

Wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Cleaning business plan?

With our Ultimate Cleaning Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

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Cleaning Service Business Plan

There are a lot of reasons why you need a solid business plan for your cleaning service business . One of the most important reasons is that it acts as an official document which helps you with framing your objectives, goals and the ways to achieve them. Preparing a business plan may require little upfront investment and research from your side. However, if you are not getting enough time to reap a quality plan, you can try downloading free business plan documents and modify it according to your business requirements .

Check the below 10+ cleaning services business plan examples and choose the one that fits your business goals .

12+ Best Cleaning Service Business Plan Examples

Cleaning service business plan template.

• Google Docs

Size: US, A4

Cleaning or Janitorial Marketing Plan Template

Commercial Cleaning Service Business Plan Template

• Apple Pages

Size: 38 KB

Simple Cleaning Services Business Plan

Size: 714KB

Every business plan must be simple and easy to interpret the ideas while implementing it. Similarly, while creating a cleaning service business plan, there must be concise information about the management of your business, the mission statement for your company, location where you are going to offer your services, start-up cost, foreseen profits and losses, local competition, pricing and a lot more. So while creating a business plan make sure you have added all basic information which makes the plan simple yet effective. Check out the sample that highlights five elements essential to winning the competitors.

Sample Cleaning Business Plan

Size: 570KB

There are many parts you need to keep your eyes on while creating a business plan for cleaning business , budget is one of them. It will take you to the edge of the needle if you overspend your budget. If you are not taking the budget part very seriously while creating a business plan , you may end up with troubles smudging you. You can use the existed equipment for cleaning services instead of buying a new one. Having said that, you need to set the budgetary review on a monthly basis, so that you can review the ins and outs and modify the plan according to it. You can also consult with any cleaning business owner who has been in the field for more than years to learn the ideologies they followed in their journey.

Cleaning Operational Plan

Size: 120KB

Well, everyone can start a cleaning business, but not everyone can turn it into a thriving business. It needs a perfect plan to find a road map to success. A perfect cleaning business plan needs market research and business idea validation in order to differentiate your service offerings. A well-researched business plan asks you research on the present market standards. Once you are done with researching you will know certain strategies to break the ways of competitors to overcome your future plans.

Start-Up Cleaning Service Business Plan

A start-up agency must compose a perfect cleaning business plan in order to succeed in the race. It is very important to prepare a well-researched business plan to avoid pitfalls that may happen in future. One of the important things to be aware of is pricing. As a start-up, it is important to identify the ideal target audience before finalizing the charges. Pricing depends on various factors like the size of your house, how often and when you clean and equipment you use to clean the area. Depending on the above-mentioned things, a cleaner can charge the client, however as a newbie in this business you should not overprice for your services. This must be included in the pricing part of the business plan .

‘How to Start’ Cleaning Business Plan

If it is a start-up company you need to start with finding answers for why you need a business plan for your service. Even though your target is to boost your audience, you need to make sure you earn potential clients. Audience in common may not be a potential client for your service.

Commercial Cleaning Services Plan

Size: 140KB

The term itself denotes that the commercial cleaning company must earn good response over its commercial aspect. For this, having a perfect business plan is mandatory. Among various business tools for promoting your service and boosting your audience, you need to find the ideal one for you. You can start googling for business plan making software so that you find many ready-made templates available in the market.

Commercial and Residential Cleaning Business Plan

It is always essential to have thorough research on the present market status before creating a market plan . You need to analyse over the existing competitors, demographics and size of the market as an initial point. However, the information will not be concise to remember by heart, but you will certainly get an idea of how your business plan should be.

Maid-to-Clean Business Plan Example

Size: 119KB

If it is a cleaning company, the business owner will have to employ four to five maids to offer their services, but as an individual maid, it is out of the pattern. If it is maid to create cleaning business plan for their limited services, then it will be of comprising content includes objective, market analysis, company description and the services they provide. Check out the sample maid-to-clean business plan attached here.

Janitorial Business Plan Sample

Size: 196KB

janitorial business includes almost all kind of cleaning services such as housekeeping, building maintenance, commercial cleaning services, etc. So while preparing a business plan for janitorial services you need to be keen on including all the relevant services. A perfect cleaning service business plan must be ended up with proper validating of your idea and the facts. In this, you need to make sure all the information is true to the present market standards in order to avoid future hassles.

Standard Residential Cleaning Service

A successful business plan includes sections like an executive summary, a company description, extensive market analysis , business operations , financial projections and a lot more. This sample residential cleaning business plan comes in a way smarter than contemporary plans. This sample document contains details like vision, mission, management of the company, manpower solutions with overall services they provide. Check out the sample now.

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How to Start a House Cleaning Business

  Starting a house cleaning company can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful house cleaning service.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a house cleaning business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start a House Cleaning Service:

• Choose the Name for Your House Cleaning Business
• Develop Your House Cleaning Service Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your House Cleaning Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your House Cleaning Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Lease for Your Location
• Register Your House Cleaning Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your House Cleaning Business
• Buy or Lease the Right House Cleaning Business Equipment
• Develop Your House Cleaning Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your House Cleaning Business
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your House Cleaning Business

The first step to starting a residential or house cleaning business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a cleaning business name:

• Make sure the name is available. Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple. The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing. Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your cleaning business.

2. Develop Your House Cleaning Service Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a house cleaning company is to develop your business plan. The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your cleaning business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your cleaning business and what type of cleaning business you plan to operate. For example, will you provide full service residential cleaning services, or other cleaning services such as move in/out cleaning services, window washing or exterior cleaning?
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the cleaning business industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing services like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
• Prices : Document the pricing structure of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract your first customers and more to your cleaning company? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization, advertise in your local paper or local business directories, and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your cleaning company make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

3. choose the legal structure for your house cleaning business.

Next you need to choose a legal business structure for your cleaning service business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal business structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the business owner and the business are the same legal person. The business owner, or sole proprietor, is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of this business structure is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the business owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business. This business structure is most common to a self-employed cleaner.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small cleaning businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a cleaning business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A Limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the cleaning business owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a residential cleaning business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a cleaning business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your cleaning business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your cleaning business.

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4. Secure Startup Funding for Your House Cleaning Business (If Needed)

In developing your cleaning service business plan , you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a cleaning business to consider are personal assets and savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a new cleaning company that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Business Location

When you’re starting a cleaning business, you’ll need to find a location for your business. If you are going to rent a space, you’ll want to find a space that is big enough to accommodate all of your equipment and provides ample office space. Once you’ve found a place, you’ll need to sign a commercial lease. It is important that you have a written lease so that both parties are aware of their responsibilities.

You can also operate your business out of your home, if you choose to.  You can set-up a home office to manage the business and take appointments. 

6. Register Your House Cleaning Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a business checking account in your cleaning company’s name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your business to help you keep personal and business finances separate.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the business name, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

In order to start a cleaning business, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Some of the licenses and permits that you may need include a business license, a sanitation permit, and liability insurance.

If you will be using any equipment, such as floor buffers or carpet shampooers, in your cleaning business, then you should check with local ordinances to make sure that you are allowed to use them. For example, some cities require noise permits for certain types of equipment.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your House Cleaning Business

Below are the main types of business insurance to consider for your business:

• General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
• Auto insurance : If a vehicle is used in your business, this type of insurance will cover if a vehicle is damaged or stolen.
• Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right Cleaning Equipment

To start a cleaning company, you will need to invest in some basic equipment. This includes a vacuum cleaner, mop, and broom. You may also want to invest in some cleaning chemicals and  supplies, such as window cleaner, furniture polish, and carpet cleaner.

12. Develop Your House Cleaning Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your cleaning business.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your cleaning business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional cleaning business website provides potential customers with information about the services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your cleaning business.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Cleaning Business

You’ll need to be able to track your clients, schedule appointments, and keep track of your finances. There are a few different software options that can help you do all of this:

• G Suite : This software is made by Google and is great for small businesses. It offers a lot of features such as email, calendar, and document storage.
• Accounting software offered by companies like QuickBooks. Xero or Zoho Books that allows you to invoice customers, keep track of payments and manage your sales and expenses.

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your cleaning business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

How to Finish Your Ultimate Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your house cleaning business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

How to Start a House Cleaning Business FAQs

Is it hard to start a successful cleaning business.

No, it's easy to start a cleaning business. 

It consists of hiring good people who represent you well and treating them like family, providing excellent customer service, booking the right cleaning jobs with the right clients, and negotiating prices for your services consistently but reasonably.

How can I start a residential cleaning service business with no experience?

If you're looking to start a cleaning company with no experience, it's important to do your research. First, you'll need to decide what services you want to offer and create a business plan that outlines your goals and strategies. You'll also need to get licensed and insured, and build a client base.

One of the best ways to get started is by marketing your business. You can also market your business online or through word-of-mouth. Be sure to provide excellent customer service and keep your rates competitive.

Is a cleaning business a good idea and/or a good investment?

There is certainly a lot of potential for profit in this industry;  it depends on your specific situation and what you're looking for in terms of a business venture. If you're interested in starting a cleaning business, do your research and make sure you understand all the associated risks and rewards. First, it’s important to make sure that there is a market for your services. Second, you should have a good understanding of what you’re offering and how best you can help your clients. Finally, you need to be prepared to invest time and money into your business in order to make it successful.

What type of cleaning business is most profitable?

The most profitable type of cleaning business is one that offers a full range of services, from basic cleaning to deep-cleaning. This allows you to appeal to a wider range of customers and charge higher rates. It's also important to have a good marketing strategy in place, so you can reach potential customers and let them know about your services.

How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?

The cost of starting a cleaning company can vary depending on the size and scope of the business. Some basic expenses that you will likely incur include advertising and marketing, licenses and permits, insurance, equipment and cleaning supplies, and wages for employees (if you choose to hire them). You can expect your annual expenses to include things like vehicle maintenance, office supplies, and taxes.

Your costs will vary depending on the geographic region you are in, how much it costs for you to rent a space, whether or not you have employees, and how much it costs to buy equipment, cleaning supplies, and insurance. Consider purchasing cleaning solutions and supplies in bulk to help you save money.

What are the ongoing expenses for a cleaning business?

The ongoing expenses for a cleaning business can include advertising and marketing, automobile expenses, insurance, licensing and permits, office and cleaning supplies, and training. It's important to factor in these costs when starting a residential cleaning business to ensure that you are able to cover them on an ongoing basis.

How does a cleaning business make money?

A cleaning company makes money by charging an agreed upon rate for each service performed. The services typically performed by a cleaning company include:

• Window washing 
• Cleaning floors
• Vacuuming carpets/rugs
• Washing walls
• Changing bedding and doing laundry
• Doing dishes and kitchen work 

A cleaning business can make money by charging an hourly rate for each service performed. Alternatively, they can charge customers for each room cleaned. Sometimes, customers may prefer the flat rate for each service performed and others might want to pay on a square feet basis.

A cleaning business can also be commissioned by other businesses such as real estate companies or property management companies to clean the homes of their clients before and after the clients move in and out of them. In such cases, a fixed fee based on an hourly rate or a per room rate would be set by contract between the cleaning business and the business that commissions them for service.

How profitable is a cleaning business?

The market for cleaning services is growing. People are always looking for ways to make their lives easier through outsourcing or delegating, and hiring a cleaning company allows them to focus on the things they really care about.

Owning a cleaning business provides you with the opportunity to work for yourself. If you live in an area where this service is needed, then it can be very rewarding.  As with any business, it takes hard work and dedication to achieve success.

Why do cleaning businesses fail?

Cleaning companies can fail for a number of reasons. One of the most common is that people don't plan properly and don't set up their business correctly from the start. Other reasons include not having enough customers, not pricing their services correctly, or not marketing their business effectively.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Cleaning Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Cleaning Business Plan Template

If you want to start a Cleaning business or expand your current Cleaning service, you need a business plan.

The following Cleaning business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning cleaning service business plan.

You can download our Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Cleaning Company Business Plan Sample

I. executive summary, business overview.

[Company Name], located at [insert location here] is a new home cleaning service providing home and apartment cleaning services to its clients. [Company Name] is headed by [Founder’s Name], an experienced home cleaner and cleaning services manager.

[Company Name] will focus on providing weekly home cleaning services to upper class residents as well as specialty cleaning services to other clients. These specialty services will include exterior cleaning services (porches, patios, building exteriors) and deep cleaning of homes that have heavy build up of debris and garbage (preparation for moving or estate sales).

The founder, [Founder’s Name], will also develop proposals for cleaning services specific to the needs of the client and the amount of space to clean. [Founder’s Name] will write newsletters to clients describing the best practices in home cleaning, reviewing new products, and answering frequently asked client questions.

Customer Focus

[Company Name] will primarily serve the residents within a 10 mile radius of our location. The demographics of these customers are as follows:

• 27,827 residents
• Average income of $74,700
• 58.9% married
• 49.6% in Mgt./Professional occupations
• 75% of residents are homeowners
• Median age: 38 years

In addition to this relatively wealthy adult demographic for a cleaning service business, there are five large apartment buildings in the area. The management companies of these apartment buildings may require cleaning services to prepare for new tenants to move in.

Management Team

[Company Name]’s most valuable asset is the expertise and experience of its founder, [Founder’s Name]. [First name] has been a cleaning services manager for the past 15 years. He has spent much of his career working with Regal Hotel Management, where he oversaw housekeeping operations for fifteen hotels. He spent the more recent portion of his career at a smaller firm, King’s Cleaning, where he sold cleaning services worth over $1 million to homes and businesses.

[Company name] will also employ an experienced assistant manager to manage cleaning operations. This will be an experienced operations manager who will be trained in cleaning services operations by [Founder’s Name].

Success Factors

[Company Name] is uniquely qualified to succeed due to the following reasons:

• [Company Name] will fill a specific market niche in the growing community we are entering. In addition, we have surveyed the local population and received extremely positive feedback saying that they explicitly want to make use of our services when launched.
• Our location is in a high-wealth area where customers are in need of house cleaning services.
• The management team has a track record of success in the cleaning services business.
• The local area is currently under served and residents rely on independent and often illegal house cleaners.

Financial Highlights

[Company Name] is seeking a total funding of $92,000 of debt capital to open its cleaning service. The capital will be used for funding capital expenditures and location build-out, hiring initial employees, marketing expenses and working capital.

Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Headquarters design/build: $46,000
• Working capital: $46,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even

Top line projections over the next five years are as follows:

II. Company Overview

Who is [company name].

[Company Name], located at [insert location here] is a new home cleaning service providing home and apartment cleaning to its clients. [Company Name] is headed by [Founder’s Name], an experienced home cleaner and cleaning services manager.

While [Founder’s Name] has been in the cleaning services sector for some time, it was in [month, year] that he decided to launch [Company Name]. Specifically, during this time, [Founder] met with a former friend and fellow independent cleaning services provider in Fort Lauderdale, FL who has had tremendous success. After discussing the business at length, [Founder’s Name] clearly understood that a similar business would enjoy significant success in his hometown.

Specifically, the customer demographics and competitive situations in the Fort Lauderdale location and in his hometown were so similar that he knew the business would work. After surveying the local population, [Founder’s name] went ahead and founded [Company Name].

[Company Name]’s History

Upon returning from Fort Lauderdale, surveying the local customer base, and finding a potential retail office, [Founder’s Name] incorporated [Company Name] as an S-Corporation on [date of incorporation].

The business is currently being run out of [Founder’s Name] home office, but once the lease on [Company Name]’s office location is finalized, all operations will be run from there.

Since incorporation, the Company has achieved the following milestones:

• Found office space and signed Letter of Intent to lease it
• Developed the company’s name, logo and website located at [website]
• Determined equipment and fixture requirements
• Began recruiting key employees

[Company Name]’s Services

[Founder’s Name] will be able to provide clients with the following services:

• Weekly Residential Cleaning: regular, general residential cleaning services, customized to the needs of each client, for apartments, small homes, and large homes.
• Exterior Cleaning: cleaning of exterior walls, patios, porches, driveways, etc
• Deep Cleaning: garbage removal, carpet cleaning and deep cleaning of walls and floors for tenants who are moving, home sales, and landlords of apartment buildings
• [Company Name] Newsletter: frequently asked questions, cleaning tips, and product reviews for clients

As [Founder’s Name] understands, the key to a successful cleaning service is being responsive to the particular needs of clients. [Founder’s Name] will have a full-time assistant manager who will, among other things, manage operations including scheduling, supply procurement, inventory, and bookkeeping. This will free up the time of [Founder’s Name] to work on sales and customer service.

III. Industry Analysis

The cleaning industry is generally strongly correlated with the strength of the real estate market. However, last year, according to Freedonia, the commercial and residential contract cleaning services market was $48.4 billion in the U.S. The market will grow at 5.3 % annually for the next three years and that “gains will be driven by the shift toward “”do-it-for-me”” cleaning services in the residential market and by the outsourcing of noncore functions in the nonresidential market.”

The cleaning industry includes nonresidential interior building, residential interior, swimming pool, street and parking lot, exterior building, chimney, transportation equipment, window, and more. Within the residential interior segment, some providers specialize in areas such as carpets, kitchens, walls, and floors.

Trends in the cleaning industry include the following:

• Customer interest in companies that clean with all-natural or environmentally-friendly products only.
• Customer interest in companies that clean with non-toxic products.
• Market downturn leads to growth in residential customers hosting dinners and events at their homes to save money, leading to increase in cleaning services before and after such events.
• Customer interest in expert advice as to how they clean and maintain their homes better.

IV. Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

[Company Name] will serve the residents of [company location] and the immediately surrounding areas in a 10 mile radius.

The area we serve is populated mostly by the middle and upper class and lead busy lifestyles; as a result, they have both the need for cleaning services and the means to pay for it.

Customer Segmentation

The Company will primarily target the following three customer segments:

• Middle and Upper Class Homeowners: The area in which the Company will operate has a significant population of homeowners. Many homes have two working parents with limited time to keep up with housekeeping and cleaning. Even homes with one parent staying at home can have a need for regular cleaning services or specialty services from time to time, especially when there are three or more children to care for.
• Wealthy Renters: Many wealthy singles and couples chose to rent apartments and homes rather than to buy because of a temporary living situation in [company location]. These renters tend to work long hours at consulting companies, banks, and financial services and do not have the time or interest in cleaning their apartments regularly.
• Apartment Management Companies: There are five apartment buildings in the vicinity which may be interested in outsourcing their cleaning services for apartment units when they are vacated.

V. Competitive Analysis

Direct & indirect competitors.

The following two cleaning services firms are estimated to serve 50% of the house cleaning services customers within a 10 mile radius of [Company Name], as determined by a survey of 100 homes. Independent housekeepers are used by many more, although the exact number is difficult to determine.

King’s Cleaning

King’s Cleaning is an established local business and residential cleaning service that has been in operation for ten years. The company earns approximately half of its revenue through residential cleaning and half through business and office cleaning. [Founder’s Name] is very familiar with this competitor, having served as its sales manager for the past five years.

King’s customer reviews are often mixed. There are often reports of cleanings being incomplete. While King’s does send crews back to redo any shoddy work, their reputation has been damaged by these incidents over time.

[Company Name] will create a brand built around the specific cleaning needs of homeowners and renters rather than serving both home and business owners.

Merry Maids

Merry Maids is a nationally franchised brand that cleans more than 300,000 homes, apartments, and condos in North America every month. Founded in 1979, the company has more than 300 locations and calls itself the largest home cleaning franchise network in the world.

Merry Maids operates on a similar model to [Company Name], providing customized proposals to clients based on an estimate of their specific needs. They encourage weekly service, but can provide service on any schedule chosen by a customer or one-time cleanings.

However, Merry Maids does not offer any rates on their website, insisting that a home inspection must take place before any cleaning rates can be discussed. [Company Name] will offer basic rate ranges (competitive with Merry Maids) on their website, helping customers to come to a decision faster. Furthermore, [Company Name] will build its brand as a cleaning expert through its intelligent weekly newsletter.

Independent Housekeepers

Dozens of independent housekeepers operate their own businesses, generally illegally, for area residents. These housekeepers advertise their services through word-of-mouth and flyers in supermarkets and local stores. They offer low rates (as low as $10 per hour) to clean homes and require payment in cash.

While many customers seek out these “off-the-books” workers to clean their homes, others are wary of hiring illegal workers who avoid taxes and don’t hold insurance or business licenses. Those who are legal to work in this country can potentially become employees of [Company Name], effectively buying them out as competition.

Competitive Pricing

Competitive advantage.

[Company Name] enjoys several advantages over its competitors. These advantages include:

• Client-oriented service: [Company Name] will have a full-time sales manager to keep in contact with clients and answer their everyday questions. [Founder’s Name] realizes the importance of accessibility to his clients, and will further keep in touch with his clients through weekly newsletters about cleaning.
• Management: [Founder’s Name] has been extremely successful working in the cleaning services business and will be able to use his previous experience to assure clients of the care that [Company Name] will take to do the job right. His unique qualifications will serve customers in a much more sophisticated manner than [Company Name’s] competitors.
• Relationships: Having lived in the community for 25 years, [Founder’s Name] knows many of the local leaders, newspapers and other influences. Furthermore, he will be able to draw from his ties to homeowners from his work at King’s Cleaning to develop an initial client base.

VI. Marketing Plan

[Company Name] will use several strategies to promote its name, develop its brand and reach its target customers. By using an integrated marketing strategy, [Company Name] will win clients and develop consistent revenue streams.

The [Company name] Brand

The [Company name] brand will focus on the Company’s unique value proposition:

• Client-focused home cleaning services, that treat each home individually and get the job done right the first time
• Service built on long-term relationships
• Big-firm expertise in a small-firm environment

Promotions Strategy

Targeted Cold Calls

[Company Name] will initially invest significant time and energy into contacting potential clients via telephone. In order to improve the effectiveness of this phase of the marketing strategy, a highly-focused call list will be used; targeting individuals in homes are most likely to demand the services of a cleaning company. As this is a very time-consuming process, it will primarily be used during the startup phase to build an initial client base.

[Company Name] understands that the best promotion comes from satisfied customers. The Company will encourage its clients to refer their friends and neighbors by providing discounts for new client produced. This strategy will increase in effectiveness after the business has already been established.

Additionally, [Company Name] will aggressively network with local area hardware and cleaning supply stores that sell products used by [Company Name]. This network will generate referral leads and give out flyers to customers at no charge in exchange for the steady purchase of cleaning supplies. In return, clients who seek to use the high-quality products that [Company Name] uses will be directed to these stores.

[Company Name] will invest resources in two forms of geographically-focused internet promotion—organic search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertising. The Company will develop its website in such a manner as to direct as much traffic from search engines as possible. Additionally, it will use highly-focused, specific keywords to draw traffic to its website, where potential clients will find a content-rich site that presents [Company Name] as the trustworthy, well-qualified home cleaning firm that it is.

Publications

[Company name] will place print advertisements in key local publications, including newspapers, area magazines, and local sport programs. Additionally, the Company will print brochures and place them in specific locations frequented by target individuals, such as supermarkets and real estate offices.

Pricing Strategy

[Company Name]’s pricing will be competitive compared with Merry Maids and lower than King’s Cleaning, although higher than illegal independent housekeepers. For regular, weekly clients, pricing will be based on the average labor needed for a job and a steady fee will be set. For one-time clients, or clients who are trying out the firm’s services, a competitive hourly rate will be charged.

VII. Operations

[Company Name] will carry out its sales operations through phone calls and home visits/consultations. House cleanings will be scheduled within time ranges (i.e. 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday) rather than at exact times to allow leeway for jobs that may be longer or shorter than expected. After clients are served a number of times, appointments will be scheduled more tightly together based on the average service time for each home.

The headquarters will not be used for client meetings, allowing savings on the renovation costs needed for this space. This space will house the three full-time, non-cleaning staff as well as cleaning supplies for the cleaning staff. Cleaning staff will be required to travel to client homes in their own vehicles and will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

[Founder’s Name] will work as the primary salesperson for the company’s services, although the assistant manager and administrative assistant may be trained in sales activities over time. The assistant manager will manage company operations, under [Founder’s Name]’s supervision. The administrative assistant will handle basic scheduling work for the assistant manager, as well as light bookkeeping, answering phones, and organizing human resources.

[Company Name]’s long term goal is to become the highest quality provider of consistent home cleaning services in the [city] area. We seek to do this by ensuring customer satisfaction and developing a loyal and successful clientele.

The following are a series of steps that will lead to this long-term success. [Company Name] expects to achieve the following milestones in the following [xyz] months:

VIII. Management Team

[Company Name]’s most valuable asset is the expertise and experience of its founder, [Founder’s Name]. [First name] has been a cleaning services manager for the past 15 years. He has spent much of his career working with Regal Hotel Management, where he oversaw housekeeping operations for fifteen hotels. At Regal, [First name] learned the requirements for detailed cleaning from both a technical and customer service perspective.

[First name] spent the more recent portion of his career at a smaller firm, King’s Cleaning, where he sold cleaning services worth over $1 million to homes and businesses over the past five years. During this time he witnessed firsthand successes and failures in service operations and service quality, while developing deep expertise as a customer service representative.

[Company name] will also employ an experienced assistant manager to manage cleaning operations. This will be an experienced operations manager who will be trained in cleaning services operations by [Founder’s Name]. The desired individual with have an undergraduate business degree or years of small business operations management experience.

Hiring Plan

In order to launch the business we will hire the following employees:

• Cleaning Staff: 9 full-time, experienced home cleaners. Must be read and speak English in order to take directions directly from clients, as needed. Cleaning staff will be added consistently to fill the growing need for [Company Name] services.
• Administrative Assistant: Must be organized, with good phone skills, facility with numbers for bookkeeping, and good writing skills.

IX. Financial Plan

Revenue & pricing.

[Company Name]’s revenues will come primarily from cleaning fees to residential clients.

[Company Name]’s main revenue streams will be:

Key Cost Drivers

As with most services, labor expenses are the key cost drivers. Cleaning staff will earn a competitive salary, allowing [Company Name] to hire workers who previously operated independent businesses. Furthermore, the costs of supplies and travel to client sites are expected to be roughly 20% of revenue.

The major cost drivers for the company’s operation will consist of:

• Cost of cleaning (supplies and travel to homes)
• Lease on company headquarters

Moreover, ongoing marketing expenditures are also notable cost drivers for [Company Name].

Capital Requirements and Use of Funds

[Company Name] is seeking a total funding of $92,000 of debt capital to open its cleaning business. The capital will be used for funding capital expenditures and location build-out, hiring initial employees, marketing expenses and working capital.

Key Assumptions & Forecasts

The following table reflects the key revenue and cost assumptions made in the financial projections model.

5 Year Annual Income Statement

5 Year Annual Balance Sheet

5 Year Annual Cash Flow Statement

Summary Crafting a cleaning services business plan is an essential part of the business planning process. The cleaning company business plan template above provides you with the a solid foundation to get started on your own cleaning services business plan.

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Residential Cleaning Business Plan PDF Example

• February 28, 2024
• Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful residential cleaning business. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your residential cleaning business’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a residential cleaning business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the service industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your residential cleaning business concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our residential cleaning business plan is carefully crafted to include all essential elements needed for a detailed strategic blueprint. It outlines our service operations, marketing strategies, market environment, competitors, management structure, and financial forecasts.

• Executive Summary: Offers an overview of your Residential Cleaning business’s concept, including the range of cleaning services, market analysis, management team, and financial strategy.
• Services & Rates: Details the types of cleaning services offered, such as regular home cleaning, deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleans, and specialized services like window washing and carpet cleaning. Also includes pricing structure.
• Key Stats: Shares industry size, growth trends, and relevant statistics for the residential cleaning market.
• Key Trends: Highlights recent trends affecting the residential cleaning sector, such as the rising consumer demand for green cleaning services and the adoption of technology for service efficiency.
• Key Competitors: Analyzes main competitors within your service area and how your business differentiates itself, focusing on aspects like service quality, customer service, and additional services like eco-friendly cleaning options.
• SWOT: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis tailored to the residential cleaning business.
• Marketing Plan: Strategies for promoting your cleaning services and attracting customers, including digital marketing, local advertising, and partnerships with local businesses.
• Timeline: Key milestones and objectives from the initial setup through the first year of operation and beyond.
• Management: Information on who manages the Residential Cleaning business, detailing their roles, experience in cleaning services and business management.
• Financial Plan: Projects the business’s 5-year financial performance, including revenue from cleaning services, profit and loss statements, cash flow analysis, and balance sheet, aiming for significant growth and profitability by the target year.

Residential Cleaning Business Plan

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary introduces your residential cleaning business’s plan, offering a concise overview of your company and its services. It should detail your market positioning, the range of cleaning services you offer, including standard cleaning, deep cleaning, and specialized services, its operating regions, size, and an outline of day-to-day operations.

This section should also explore how your cleaning business will integrate into the local market, including the number of direct competitors within the area, identifying who they are, along with your company’s unique selling points that differentiate it from these competitors.

Furthermore, you should include information about the management and co-founding team, detailing their roles and contributions to the company’s success. Additionally, a summary of your financial projections, including revenue and profits over the next five years, should be presented here to provide a clear picture of your cleaning business’s financial plan.

Make sure to cover here _ Business Overview _ Market Overview _ Management Team _ Financial Plan

Dive deeper into Executive Summary

Business Overview

Detail the variety of cleaning services your company provides to cater to different needs, such as standard house cleaning, deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and specialized options like eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Emphasize the customization of services to fit each client’s unique requirements, ensuring a thorough and personalized cleaning experience.

Explain your pricing model, which could be based on the size of the property (e.g., per square foot), the type of cleaning service (standard vs. deep cleaning), or a flat rate for specific packages. Ensure the rates are competitive yet reflective of the quality and reliability of your services.

Market Overview

Industry size & growth.

Begin with an overview of the residential cleaning sector, emphasizing its steady growth driven by factors like busier lifestyles and a heightened focus on cleanliness for health reasons. Highlight the industry’s resilience and the consistent demand for cleaning services.

Key Market Trends

Discuss trends such as the increasing preference for eco-friendly cleaning products, the integration of technology for service booking and management, and personalized cleaning plans catering to unique household needs.

Key Competitors

Address the competitive landscape, noting the variety from local independents to national franchises. Highlight your business’s unique selling points, such as specialized services, eco-friendly options, or superior customer care, to distinguish it from competitors.

Make sure to cover here _ Industry size & growth _ Key competitors _ Key market trends

Dive deeper into Key competitors

First, conduct a SWOT analysis for the residential cleaning business, highlighting Strengths (such as professional and trustworthy cleaning staff, comprehensive service offerings), Weaknesses (including the challenges of differentiating in a competitive market, reliance on client retention), Opportunities (for example, the growing emphasis on home cleanliness and the potential for niche markets like eco-friendly cleaning), and Threats (such as economic downturns impacting discretionary spending on cleaning services).

Marketing Plan

Next, develop a marketing strategy that outlines how to attract and retain clients through targeted advertising on local and digital platforms, promotional offers for new and referral clients, an engaging and informative social media presence that highlights the quality and reliability of your services, and active community involvement to build brand recognition and trust.

Finally, create a detailed timeline that outlines critical milestones for the cleaning business’s launch, initial and ongoing marketing campaigns, achieving client base targets, and evaluating opportunities for service expansion or enhancement, ensuring the business progresses with clear goals and adaptability to market needs.

Make sure to cover here _ SWOT _ Marketing Plan _ Timeline

Dive deeper into SWOT

Dive deeper into Marketing Plan

The Management section focuses on the residential cleaning business’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the residential cleaning business towards its financial and operational goals.

For your residential cleaning business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

Financial Plan

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your residential cleaning business’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your residential cleaning business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

Privacy Overview

Free Cleaning Service Business Plan (Download PDF Sample)

Download Our Free Template to Get Started

A cleaning company business plan is a comprehensive document outlining your cleaning company’s objectives and explaining your marketing plan , cleaning services, and funding information. It serves as the blueprint for your cleaning business. 

• Savvy entrepreneurs create a business plan when starting a new business, and they continue to update it as their business grows. 
• A well-written business plan will guide you through your journey as a small business owner. It will help you make critical decisions as you work hard to reach your goals over the years.
• You’ll be able to glimpse the bigger picture and keep track of your progress when you’ve got it all written down.
• A business plan will significantly increase your company’s chances of success , setting a clear path to long-term growth and helping you plan efficient organizational processes. 

If you’re aiming to gain the trust of potential investors, a business plan is a must-have tool that will show them if your business is worth taking the risk.

We’ve created a downloadable cleaning services business plan PDF that you can easily edit to fit your needs. Get my sample template below:

Components of a Cleaning Services Business Plan 

Now that you understand the importance of a cleaning company business plan, the next step is to start creating your own. But there’s no need to worry! We’ve done much of the legwork to ease the process of creating a business plan for you. 

Our free downloadable cleaning services business plan PDF contains essential components to help you define your goals and make better business decisions. 

However, keep in mind that every business plan is unique. You can remove or add any section as you deem necessary to create the best business plan for your cleaning company. 

Include the following elements to get started in the right direction: 

1. Executive Summary 

The first part of a comprehensive business plan is an executive summary, which provides an overview of your company and summarizes your entire business plan.

Highlight what makes your cleaning business stand out from competitors in the cleaning industry. You can also describe the weaknesses and shortcomings of other cleaning firms and how your company aims to solve these problems. 

You can include the following information in your executive summary: 

• Owner’s experience
• Mission statement
• The leadership team and employees
• Financial and growth goals

2. Company Description 

• Why did you decide to start a cleaning services company?
• What particular problems are you trying to solve, and how do you intend to beat competitors in the cleaning industry?

Your company description is where you emphasize the strengths and competitive advantages of your cleaning business. 

3. Objectives

Set the best objectives that will help keep your cleaning business on the right track.

• Think about the key goals you want to achieve, whether to reach a certain amount of sales revenue or expand your operations to a broader service area.
• When you carefully define your main goals and objectives, you’ll be able to take the proper steps to get where you want to go. 

4. Market Analysis

Market analysis gives you an insight into your target market share, the needs and demands of your customers, and your competitors.

• Do some research about the cleaning company industry and what your competitors lack to know how your company can gain an edge over others.
• With proper market analysis, you can also analyze the need for funding from financial institutions and investors. 

5. Organizational Structure 

• Define the specific roles that need to be filled, such as cleaners, an office manager, and a project manager.
• You can also talk about hiring competent personnel as your company grows and outsourcing services for processes like digital marketing and accounting. 

6. Cleaning Services

An essential part of a cleaning company business plan is identifying the type of cleaning services you intend to provide: 

• Scope of Cleaning Services – Do you plan to focus on bidding on commercial janitorial jobs , residential cleaning, housekeeping, post-construction cleaning or all types?
• List of Specific Cleaning Services – Talk about your company’s services and prices, from interior home cleaning and damage restoration to industrial cleaning. 
• Benefits of Your Cleaning Services – How will your target market benefit from your company’s services? Think about the problems you’re trying to solve for your customers, like giving them a wide selection of cleaning services to reduce the need for hiring multiple contractors. 

7. Marketing and Sales 

To survive in a competitive industry, your cleaning business needs to employ tailored marketing strategies to help you stand out and beat competitors.

Outline your marketing and sales strategies to promote your cleaning services, gain leads, and ultimately boost sales. You should determine the number of clients you must win to achieve your cleaning company’s profit goals. 

The most effective marketing strategies for cleaning businesses include: 

• Online Marketing – Your objectives can include building an authoritative business cleaning service website design , using paid advertising like Facebook ads , leveraging social media, implementing email marketing, and maintaining an excellent reputation online. 
• Offline Advertising – Timeless strategies include direct mail, distributing pamphlets and flyers, connecting with the local community, and creating branded merchandise. 

8. Funding Requests 

• Add this section if you need additional funding for day-to-day functions and operational expenses.
• You can create a table outlining your cleaning company’s expenses, letting potential investors and lenders know precisely where their money will go. 

9. Financial Projections 

Your cleaning company business plan should have a realistic financial forecast based on your extensive market analysis and company goals.

• It should include well-researched financial projections for the future to demonstrate your targeted profits. 
• Try to include a cash flow estimate, capital expenditures, and approximate payrolls for the next few years.
• You can create an annual or quarterly target profit that your team can work to accomplish. 

Pro-Top : include a cash flow estimate, capital expenditures, and approximate payrolls for the next few years. You can create an annual or quarterly target profit that your team can work to accomplish. 

10. Appendix

Your business plan ends with an appendix where you add all relevant documents, definitions, legal notes, and other critical information.

• You can include resumes, certifications, bank statements, credit reports, charts, and other supporting documents. 
• Refer readers to this section anywhere in your business plan when necessary. For example: “See Appendix, page 5, for management team certifications.”

Example of a Cleaning Services Business Plan PDF

You can open or download our free cleaning business plan PDF below:

To get an editable version on Google Docs, enter your email below:

Why Does My Cleaning Company Need a Business Plan? 

You might think, “But making a business plan sounds like a lot of work! Do I really need it for my cleaning company?” The quick answer is: Yes, you definitely need that business plan!

As tedious as it sounds, preparing a strategic business plan is crucial to set yourself up for success and not get lost along the way. 

Take a look at the following key reasons why your business will benefit from a cleaning company business plan: 

Find Out If Your Cleaning Services Business Idea Is Viable

Creating a business plan will help you test if your business idea is feasible, saving you time, money, and energy. Many aspiring entrepreneurs believe they have outstanding ideas that could never fail.

However, around 20% of business startups fail during the first year due to a lack of planning, among other things. 

To survive the cleaning business startup phase, you must perform careful and methodical planning and create a well-developed business plan. It’s the key step between visualizing the concept for your cleaning company and turning your vision into a successful business. 

Increase Your Chances of Growth and Success 

The cleaning industry is enormous, and competitive residential and commercial cleaning businesses are everywhere. There’s always demand for cleaning services. Around 80% of households in the US are expected to use home cleaning services by 2024. 

Considering the competition you’ll be facing, it helps to create a business plan that will help you identify how your cleaning company will stand out. 

• Extensive planning will help you pinpoint your target market, determine your unique selling proposition, and develop a startup and operating expenses budget.
• This process will ultimately set your cleaning business up for long-term growth and success.

Secure Financing

Established financial institutions, lenders, and investors typically perform an extensive investigation before committing to an investment. With a solid business plan, you’ll be more likely to secure the funds you need to get your business up and running. 

Common Questions about Cleaning Company Business Plans

A business plan will help you determine if your cleaning business idea is viable, increase your chances of success, and secure financing.

An executive summary includes a mission statement, information about the leadership team, and financial goals.

Final Thoughts: Driving Your Cleaning Company’s Success With a Solid Business Plan 

Equipped with a well-researched business plan, you’ll have much higher chances of succeeding in the cleaning services industry. It’s also a valuable tool that can help you secure funding for your operational expenses as a cleaning startup. 

After downloading our free cleaning services business plan PDF, make sure to edit each section and include all essential information to create a comprehensive document.

Our free sample cleaning company business plan serves as an excellent starting point – a helpful template that you can personalize as necessary.

Written by Nelmie Jane Pardo

Nelmie Jane Pardo is a senior contributing writer who lends insight into digital marketing methods and business solutions. She regularly writes at BusinessHue to help business owners take their online marketing to the next level.

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A Fresh Start: How to Start a Cleaning Business And Get Ahead

Ambitious entrepreneurs who want to launch a business venture may find success in starting a cleaning business..

By Katie Flannery and Catherine Hiles | Updated Dec 22, 2023 12:07 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Photo: istock.com

Starting a cleaning business can be a lucrative venture for aspiring entrepreneurs. In a world where cleanliness is important, there’s steady demand for professional cleaning services. Whether a business owner aims to launch a house-cleaning business, a carpet-cleaning business, a remote cleaning business, or wants to offer business-cleaning services, they can navigate the rewarding journey of starting a cleaning business and watching it grow.

“The cleaning industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world,” says Sharon Tinberg, residential cleaning industry expert and a business owner who also designs process and procedure training for the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) . “Covid and post-Covid era has seen an 8 percent increase in the industry. What has grown even faster is the amount of money individuals and businesses are willing to pay to have their homes and facilities cleaned.”

By learning how to start a cleaning business, entrepreneurs will be well on their way to building a successful venture that keeps spaces clean and clients satisfied.

Before You Begin…

Before diving into the process of becoming a house cleaner and starting a cleaning business, it’s important for entrepreneurs to be aware of a few key considerations to ensure a successful and well-prepared launch. These critical points can help a business owner navigate the initial stages of their cleaning-business journey.

While an individual can offer cleaning services to friends and family fairly easily, they’ll need to become familiar with licensing and insurance requirements if they want to create a legal business. The exact requirements vary by state, so aspiring business owners can start by contacting their Secretary of State’s office to determine what, if any, types of business licenses are needed to start their cleaning business.

The business owner will also want to be sure they fully understand cleaning-business start-up costs , as well as the cost of running a business. This means budgeting for cleaning-business license costs , cleaning supplies, cleaning equipment, and cleaning-business insurance costs .

Tips for How to Start a Cleaning Business

• Research the local market to understand demand and competition.
• Choose the right business structure.
• Ensure compliance with local licensing and regulations.
• Invest in high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment.
• Develop a competitive pricing strategy.
• Create a comprehensive marketing plan to build a client base.
• Network with potential clients and local businesses for referrals.

STEP 1: Research the local market to determine what types of cleaning services to offer.

Even the best cleaning services need to research their local market. To determine what types of cleaning services to offer, an owner can start by conducting market research. It’s recommended they begin by surveying their area and analyzing the cleaning needs of the community; this way, they can gauge the potential demand in their area for an additional cleaning business. The owner may also want to engage with potential clients or community members to gather their input. Conducting surveys or interviews can help an entrepreneur understand each client’s preferences regarding cleaning services.

The business owner will also want to research existing cleaning businesses in the vicinity. Analyzing the service offerings, pricing, and customer reviews of their competitors can provide business owners with insights into gaps or opportunities in the market that their business can capitalize on. Following this, they may consider specializing in a niche area of cleaning, such as eco-friendly cleaning, deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, or post-construction cleaning. Specializing can help the business stand out and cater to specific client needs.

It’s important for a business owner to be aware of any seasonal variations in demand. For example, residential spring cleaning or vacation-rental cleaning services might be a prominent need in the area. The owner can also collaborate with local businesses that could be potential clients or sources of referrals, such as real estate agencies, property management companies, or office complexes.

By carefully researching the local market, the business will be equipped to tailor its cleaning services to the specific needs and preferences of the community. This tailored approach can help attract and retain clients in the area, setting the stage for a successful cleaning-business start-up.

how to start a cleaning business

STEP 2: Choose a business structure and register your business name.

Selecting the right cleaning-business structure and registering the business name are important steps in the process of starting a cleaning business. A cleaning-business name sets the tone for the enterprise, and it’s crucial that it reflects the owner’s vision and the services offered. These decisions have legal and financial implications, so it’s essential for an owner to make informed decisions.

There are several options when it comes to choosing a business structure:

• Sole proprietorship. If an owner plans to operate the cleaning business on their own, a sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common structure. The owner will be personally responsible for business debts and liabilities.
• Partnership. If the owner is planning on partnering with someone in the cleaning business, a partnership structure allows them to share responsibilities and profits. They can choose between general partnerships and limited partnerships, each with different liability arrangements.
• Limited liability company (LLC). An LLC provides a balance between liability protection and simplicity. The owner’s personal assets are protected from business debts, and they can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.
• Corporation. Creating a corporation offers a higher level of liability protection but involves more complex paperwork and formalities. It’s a suitable option if the owner plans to expand significantly or seek outside investors.

Once the owner has decided on the business structure, they’ll need to choose a name that reflects the cleaning business and is easy for clients to remember. It’s recommended that the business owner check the names for cleaning businesses in their area to make sure the name they’re considering isn’t already in use. Once the business has a unique name, the owner will need to register it with the appropriate authorities; this process may vary depending on the location and business structure.

The business structure can impact taxes, personal liability, and management, so business owners may want to consult with a legal or financial adviser, or with one of the best LLC services (such as LegalZoom or Northwest Registered Agent ). After the owner has settled on a business structure and registered the business name, they’ll be well on their way to establishing a legal framework for the cleaning business. This groundwork will ensure the business is compliant with local regulations and positioned for future success.

STEP 3: Get the appropriate business licenses.

Obtaining the necessary cleaning-business licenses and cleaning-business insurance coverage is an essential step owners can take to ensure the cleaning business operates legally and responsibly. The first thing a business owner will want to do is research the specific licensing requirements for cleaning businesses, as well as how to get a business license in their city or state. Requirements may include general business licenses and special permits for certain cleaning services.

Once the owner knows what licenses are needed to start a cleaning business , they will need to complete the application process. This often involves submitting an application form, paying a fee, and providing any required documentation, such as proof of insurance or business registration. Depending on the location, there may be zoning regulations that dictate where an owner can operate their cleaning business. The owner will want to ensure that the chosen location is compliant with these regulations.

STEP 4: Get the appropriate business insurance coverage.

When it comes to insurance, a cleaning-business owner may need one or more of the following coverages from one of the best small-business insurance companies (such as NEXT or Thimble ):

• General liability insurance. General liability insurance for cleaning businesses protects the business from financial loss in the event the cleaning business is responsible for property damage, injury to a client, or any other type of accident while cleaning services are being performed.
• Workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured while on the job; this coverage is often mandatory if the business has employees.
• Bonding. Some clients may require the business to be bonded, which protects clients against employee theft.
• Commercial auto insurance. If the cleaning business has company vehicles, the owner will need to ensure they are covered by commercial auto insurance.
• Umbrella insurance. A business owner will want to consider umbrella insurance to provide additional coverage beyond the limits of the general liability policy.
• Professional liability insurance. If the business offers specialized cleaning services or advice, professional liability insurance (also known as errors and omissions insurance) can protect against claims related to professional mistakes or negligence.

STEP 5: Set up a business bank account and create a budget for monthly expenses.

Choosing the right business bank account is important. The business owner will want to research their options to ensure they’re selecting a reputable bank or credit union that offers business banking services. Once the business owner has chosen a bank, they can schedule an appointment with a bank representative to open a business account. The representative will guide the owner through the process, help choose the right account type (business checking or savings), and assist with paperwork. Then, the owner will deposit the initial funds required to open the account. This amount may vary depending on the bank and account type.

Business owners can start creating a budget by listing all their anticipated monthly expenses. These could include rent, utilities, insurance premiums, cleaning-business supplies, employee wages, transportation costs, marketing expenses, and any loan repayments. They’ll then need to organize expenses into categories, such as fixed costs (rent, insurance) and variable costs (cleaning supplies, marketing). The business owner can then research the average costs of each anticipated monthly expenses to create a budget.

Once the business is up and running, the owner will want to regularly review and adjust the budget as the business evolves. They can keep an eye on the actual expenses relative to their estimated budget and make changes as needed to stay on track. It’s important for an owner to remember to track the monthly income from the actual cleaning business. This will help them assess the financial performance and make informed decisions.

STEP 6: Purchase cleaning supplies and equipment for business use.

The business owner will need to acquire the right cleaning supplies and equipment. To determine what types of supplies and equipment they’ll need, the business owner will want to make a comprehensive list of the cleaning services they’ll offer. Different types of cleaning require specific supplies and equipment, and this list can be a guide to purchase the right items. Common cleaning supplies include disinfectants, all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, bathroom cleaners, floor cleaners, and cleaning cloths. Depending on the services offered, the business may need equipment such as vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, floor scrubbers, and pressure washers.

Business owners will also want to purchase safety gear, such as gloves, goggles, and masks, to protect themselves and their employees from potential hazards associated with cleaning chemicals. They may also want to consider providing employees with uniforms that have cleaning-business logos to maintain a professional appearance.

Although an entrepreneur might be tempted to stick with the cheapest supplies when they’re first starting out, they’ll want to remember that the quality of the cleaning equipment and supplies directly impacts the quality of the services. Investing in the right tools from the beginning will not only enhance the cleaning-business’s reputation, but it will also lead to satisfied, repeat clients.

STEP 7: Price your services.

It’s essential for a business owner to price cleaning services effectively in order to create a successful business. These prices will need to cover the costs of running the business, generate a profit, and be competitive in the local market.

Owners can begin by calculating their overall costs. To do this, they’ll need to consider all expenses, including labor ( house-cleaner salaries for the owner and any employees), cleaning supplies, equipment maintenance, transportation, insurance, business licenses, and overhead (rent, utilities, marketing). Then, they’ll need to decide on the ideal profit margin—the amount the owner wants to make beyond covering their costs.

Business owners will want to research the pricing of local competitors. The business doesn’t necessarily have to match competitors’ prices, but knowing what others charge will help owners know how to set a competitive rate. An owner will also need to decide whether they want to charge clients on an hourly basis or offer flat-rate pricing. Hourly rates are more transparent, while flat rates can be more appealing to clients who prefer to know the total cost up front. The owner can also adjust their pricing based on the type of cleaning service that’s provided. For example, deep cleaning or specialized services might command higher rates than for standard cleaning.

Cleaning-business owners can offer contract options for clients who want regular, ongoing services. Providing discounts for long-term contracts can encourage client loyalty. The owner may also want to consider offering introductory rates or promotions when the business is getting off the ground to attract the first clients.

As the business grows, the owner will want to continuously review the pricing strategy and adjust it as needed. Factors such as changes in costs, market conditions, and the business’s growth can impact the overall pricing. If an owner is unsure about their pricing, they can consider testing it in the market. They can start with a particular rate and make adjustments based on client feedback and demand.

STEP 8: Create a marketing plan and build a business website.

The next step is for the business owner to come up with a marketing plan to help get clients for their cleaning business and reach a wider audience. There are numerous ways to market a business, including flyers, business cards, social media marketing, paid advertising, and creating a comprehensive website.

One of the most important steps is for the business owner to have a logo created for the business. Those with experience in graphic design can attempt to DIY this step, but others may prefer to outsource this task to a professional designer. The logo must represent the business and stand out, and the business owner will need to include it on all of their marketing materials.

Once the business owner has their strategy laid out, they can start to market their business. They can visit local businesses and ask to leave cleaning-business flyers and cleaning-business cards for the business owner to pass out to their clients. They can also look into placing an ad in a local newspaper or other circular to spread the word. Digital advertising can also drive leads; posting ads on social media platforms such as Facebook, as well as paying for Google ads to show up in search results, can drive new customers to the cleaning business.

Without a well-laid-out and optimized website, however, digital marketing strategies won’t be successful. The website needs to explain the business’s unique selling point (USP) and must include a list of services provided, along with prices for those services. A clean, user-friendly, and professional website is a must for attracting customers. It’s also crucial for business owners to ensure that it’s mobile-responsive, as many users access websites from smartphones. Using a domain hosting service such as GoDaddy can help business owners create a professional website quickly and easily.

After a professional website is built, it’s important for business owners to populate it with essential content, including a home page with a brief introduction to the business and USP; a services page detailing the types of cleaning services offered; an about page to introduce the team and business history; a contact page with the location, contact information, and a contact form; testimonials or reviews from satisfied clients; and a blog or resources section to showcase the business’s expertise. The website should also include clear calls to action (CTAs), prompting visitors to contact the business, request a quote, or schedule services.

STEP 9: Set up a process for invoicing customers and ensuring payment.

Setting up an efficient process for invoicing customers and ensuring prompt payment is important for the financial stability of a cleaning business. The business owner will want to design professional and easy-to-understand invoices that include the business name, contact information, and logo. The invoice can include the services provided, rates, and the total amount due.

The invoice will also need to specify the payment terms, such as the due date and any late-payment fees. It will also need to clearly state the accepted payment methods, which may include cash, checks, credit cards, online payment platforms, or electronic funds transfers.

It’s recommended that business owners send invoices to the clients as soon as the cleaning services are completed or according to the agreed-upon billing schedule. Prompt invoicing encourages timely payments. Owners might want to consider sending reminders for upcoming or overdue payments a few days before the due date and after it has passed. They can use email, phone calls, or automated invoicing software to send reminders.

If the business uses accounting software or invoicing tools, these can automate the invoicing process, send reminders, and even offer recurring invoices for regular clients. Keeping detailed records of all invoices, payments, and outstanding balances can help business owners track finances and allow for follow-ups with clients as needed.

By establishing a well-structured invoicing process and following up on payments consistently, an owner can ensure the financial health of their cleaning business while maintaining good relationships with their clients. Effective invoicing practices contribute to a smooth cash flow and business sustainability.

STEP 10: Invest in cleaning-business software to help manage the business and customer relationships.

Investing in cleaning-business software can help owners significantly streamline operations, enhance customer relationships, and boost the business’s efficiency.

To start, the business owner will need to identify the specific needs of their cleaning business: Does it need software for scheduling, invoicing, customer management, or all of the above? Once they know what features they need, the business owner can research and compare cleaning-business software solutions available in the market. They can look for reputable options that offer the features that are needed; Jobber is a top option. It’s also advisable for the business owner to take advantage of any free trials that allow them to test out software before committing to a subscription.

A customer relationship management (CRM) program can help maintain a database of client information, track communications, and manage appointments efficiently. This enables personalized service and streamlined communication. Owners can also look for software that offers scheduling tools to assign cleaning jobs, manage employee schedules, and optimize routes. This helps in efficient time management and reduces travel time between jobs.

Cleaning-business software can include invoicing and payment-processing capabilities to simplify the billing process and allow clients to make payments conveniently. It can also provide reporting and analytics features to help the business owner track key performance indicators, measure profitability, and make data-driven decisions about their business.

Investing in cleaning-business software can transform the way an owner manages their operations, streamline customer relationships, and optimize the business processes. It’s a worthwhile investment that can lead to increased efficiency, improved customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, business growth.

STEP 11: Hire employees and train them on your processes.

Once a cleaning business is established enough, the owner can consider hiring employees. Before hiring, the business owner will want to clearly define the roles, such as cleaners, supervisors, or office staff. They will want to outline the specific requirements for each role, including qualifications, experience, and skills. Next, they’ll need to write compelling job listings that highlight the job roles, responsibilities, and qualifications for each position. These listings can be posted on the website, job boards, social media, and local classifieds.

After listing the job openings, the owner can review applications and resumes to identify candidates who meet the requirements. By conducting phone or video interviews, the owner can assess each applicant’s suitability for the job. It’s recommended that owners invite promising candidates for in-person interviews to assess the candidates’ communication skills, work ethic, and alignment with the company culture.

Before making an official offer, the business owner will want to perform background checks and contact references to verify candidates’ work history, reliability, and integrity. This is especially important for a cleaning business, since clients will need to be able to trust any employees they let into their home.

It’s advisable that the owner develop a structured training program that covers essential aspects of the cleaning business. This will need to include proper cleaning techniques and safety procedures, use of cleaning equipment and supplies, client communication and professionalism, quality control and inspection procedures, and time management and work efficiency. Continuous education is also essential. Owners will want to regularly assess the skills and performance of their employees and provide additional training as needed.

By following these guidelines, a business owner will not only lay a strong foundation for their business, but they’ll also be able to navigate the complexities of the cleaning industry with confidence. Whether it’s crafting a comprehensive marketing plan, investing in business software, or hiring and training skilled employees, business owners will want to be intentional in their actions. Each of these steps contributes to a business’s growth and efficiency, helping an entrepreneur turn a startup business into one of the best move-out cleaning services , deep-cleaning services, or commercial cleaning businesses.

The importance of maintaining meticulous records, adhering to safety standards, and continuously improving services cannot be overstated. These practices ensure the well-being of the clients and employees and also enhance the reputation and longevity of the cleaning business.

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20+ SAMPLE Cleaning Service Business Plan in PDF | MS Word

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House Cleaning Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Home Improvement » Cleaning Service » Housecleaning

Are you about starting a house cleaning business ? If YES, here is a complete sample housecleaning business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a house cleaning business. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample house cleaning service marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for house cleaning businesses. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Why Start a Housecleaning Service Business?

The cleaning industry has two primary market groups: consumer and commercial. The consumer arena consists primarily of residential maid services, along with carpet cleaners, window cleaners and a variety of other cleaning services required on a less-frequent basis.

The commercial arena is dominated by janitorial services, which typically provide a wider range of services than maid services, along with other cleaning companies, such as carpet and window cleaners that target businesses rather than individual consumers.

While it’s recommended that you decide on a niche and concentrate on building a business that will serve your chosen market, it’s entirely realistic to expect to be able to serve multiple markets successfully.

Before you leap into the cleaning business, it’s important to look at it with 20/20 vision. Though technology has certainly had an impact on cleaning services, this is not a high-tech business.

But the upside is that you can build an extremely profitable business that will generate revenue very quickly. Most cleaning service businesses can be operated on either a part-time or full-time basis, either from home or from a commercial location. That flexibility gives this industry a strong appeal to a wide range of people with a variety of goals.

Another positive aspect of the industry is that within each category of cleaning businesses are market niches and operating styles that vary tremendously. This means you can build a company that suits your individual style and talents.

If you like doing the work yourself, you can stay small and do so. If your skills are more administrative in nature, you can build and manage teams to do the work.

For people who like working outside, the opportunities in service areas such as window cleaning and pressure washing are abundant. Residential maid services offer fairly predictable hours; disaster restoration and cleanup can mean calls at all hours of the day or night.

Few industries offer this tremendous range of choices and opportunities, and the need for general and niche cleaning is expected to increase in the future

A Sample House Cleaning Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The cleaning industry of which house / residential cleaning falls under provides several different services. Franchises in this large industry mostly fit into one of three areas: cleaning and janitorial services, carpet and upholstery cleaning services, and dry cleaning and laundry services.

In 2010 there were about 50,000 cleaning services operating in the united states and about 9,000 carpet and upholstery companies, which brought in a total of about 40 billion dollars in annual revenue.

About 90 percent of the cleaning revenue is accounted for by cleaning companies, versus about 10 percent by carpet and upholstery.

There were 30,000 companies in the laundry and dry cleaning business that brought in about 10 billion dollars in revenue last year, 70% of which were retail laundry and dry cleaning operations, and 30% of which were coin-operated laundry locations.

There were 824,394 workers in the cleaning industry in 2010.  The industry is fairly top-heavy – the fifty largest companies account for about thirty percent of the revenue. About 7% of cleaning workers were self-employed.  There are both small and large cleaning companies.

But small companies tend to be restricted to residential cleaning, since large commercial cleaning requires many employees and specialized skills.

The economic depression of the last few years hit the cleaning industry as it hit most American industries, but the healthcare industry played a large role in managing to keep the cleaning industry profitable.  As the number of elderly Americans increased, there was a greater need for cleaning services.

Low vacancy rates in office spaces are important to the continuing success of both the cleaning and carpet cleaning sectors, as they depend on getting most of their business from offices and commercial buildings.  When office vacancy rates went up during the recent depression, business suffered significantly.

For residential cleaning, the economy is also important.  When incomes are lower, residents will choose to save money by putting off carpet cleaning.

Competition may come to cleaning services from larger catch-all companies who offer cleaning as part of a bundled program of many more services, such as parking, snow removal, and pest control. In-house janitorial services operated by buildings and management companies may also serve as competition.

The cleaning industry is one of the fastest growing service industries in the United States. It is predicted that cleaning services will experience a five percent growth rate between 2008 and 2018, and this growth will be largely due to the healthcare industry, where elderly care needs will only increase over that period.

In addition, personal consumption for cleaning, laundering and repair of clothing is predicted to increase at a compound annual rate of 3 percent from 2015 to 2019.

Just like any other business, the demand for cleaning services usually declined during recession period / economic downturn and this is due to the declining household spending on cleaning services and reduced demand from business clients.

As the economy grows, and income increases, there will be corresponding increase in the demand for cleaning related services such as house / residential cleaning.

Over and above, house / residential cleaning businesses all over the world are still enjoying good patronage particularly if they are well positioned and if they know how to reach out to their target market (residential estates and household et al).

2. Executive Summary

The name of our company is Cristobel House Cleaning Company. We are a registered and standard house / residential cleaning business that is incorporated under the law of the United States of America. Our head office will be located in a densely populated residential estate in the heart of Atlanta – Georgia, U.S.

We are strategically positioned in between a residential center and a campus community and we are set to services the whole of the community.

Our basic service offerings to our highly esteemed customers as a house cleaning company will revolves around general house cleaning such as swimming pool cleaning & maintenance, parking lot sweeping, drain & gutter cleaning, snowplowing, ventilation duct cleaning, chimney sweep services, window washing, drain, duct and gutter cleaning, pool maintenance, parking lot and driveway washing, and providing other cleaning services.

Although our intention of starting a house cleaning business is to offer only the above stated services, but we will not close our doors to diversification ( additional services ) as long as it does not affect our core services. This is in a bid to maximize our position as the leading house cleaning company in Atlanta – Georgia.

At Cristobel House Cleaning Company we are passionate in the pursuit of excellence and financial success with uncompromising services and integrity which is why we have decided to start our own house cleaning business; we are in the industry to make a positive mark.

We are quite optimistic that our values and quality of service offering will help us drive our house cleaning business to enviable heights and also help us attract the numbers of clients that will make the business highly profitable. We are a company that will be dedicated to establishing good business relationship with our clients giving them value for their money and reasons for them to hire our services over and over again.

We are in the cleaning Industry to favorably compete with other leading brands in the industry both in the United States and other parts of the world. Our corporate business goal is to be among the top 10 house cleaning brand in the United States of America.

As a company, we are willing to go the extra mile to invest in some of the finest professionals we can find and also, we have put, process and structures in place that will ensure that we are always at the top of our game when it comes to excellent and detailed services deliveries. We have been able to secure permits from all relevant departments in Georgia.

We are quite aware that in order to become the number one choice in our city, we must continue to deliver quality house cleaning services and that is exactly what we will do. We are open to the use of latest technology in the cleaning industry.

No doubt our excellent customer service and detailed cleaning services we offer will position us to always welcome repeated customers.

Cristobel House Cleaning Company is owned and managed by Mrs. Cristobel Ian – Robinson and Family. Mrs. Cristobel Ian – Robinson has well over 15 years of experience managing some of the leading cleaning companies and industrial cleaning brands in different cities in the United States of America prior to starting Cristobel House Cleaning Company.

3. Our Products and Services

Cristobel House Cleaning Company is a standard and well – equipped house / residential cleaning company that offers a wide range of services that revolves around the cleaning industry and other complementary services.

We intend giving our customers every reason to always hire our services which is why we have customized our services. Basically, our services will involve us going out to services of clients’ needs. These are the services we will offer as a house cleaning company;

• General house cleaning
• Swimming pool cleaning & maintenance
• Parking lot sweeping
• Snowplowing
• Ventilation duct cleaning
• Chimney sweep services
• Window washing
• Drain, duct and gutter cleaning
• Pool maintenance
• Parking lot and driveway washing
• Providing other indoor maintenance services
• Other related cleaning services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision is to become the number one house cleaning company in the whole of Atlanta – Georgia with active presence in major cities in the United States of America and Canada.
• Our mission as a house cleaning company is to develop a highly successful, profitable all round house cleaning business which provides quality services in our community and to become a standard for an ideal house cleaning business not only in the State of Georgia but also throughout the United States of America and Canada where we intend selling our franchise.

Our Business Structure

We are quite aware that the success of any business lies in the foundation on which the business is built on, which is why we have decided to build our house cleaning company on the right business foundation.

As a matter of fact, we are set out to build a house cleaning business that will be a standard for the house cleaning industry in the United States of America and Canada. We want to build a business of dedicated workforce who will go all the way to ensure that our customers are satisfied and they get value for their money.

In other to achieve this, we aware that it takes a business with the right employees and structure to achieve all what we have set to achieve, which is why will be putting structures and processes in place that will help us deliver excellent services and run the business on autopilot. The success of our house cleaning business will be anchored on the team not on any individual.

With the wide range of our service offerings and the plan to sell franchise, we are only expected to employ more than it is required to run a conventional house cleaning business. Definitely, we will have various employees to man the various services offering of Cristobel House Cleaning Company.

Cristobel House Cleaning Company will employ professionals and skilled people to occupy the following position;

• Manager (Owner)

Accountant / Cashier

Marketing and Sales Executive

Client Service Executive

• Cleaners / Pressure Machine Operators (6)
• Truck / Van` Driver

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Manager (Owner):

• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals and payment of salaries
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for managing the daily activities in the organization
• Ensure that the facility  is in tip top shape and conducive enough to welcome customers
• Prepares budget and reports for the organization
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries  out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for all employees
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (clients and member of the board) to review the effectiveness of the business Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of organization.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents Cristobel House Cleaning Company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for Cristobel House Cleaning Company.
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for the organization
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Cristobel House Cleaning Company
• Serves as internal auditor for Prime Cristobel House Cleaning Company.
• Welcomes clients and visitors by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products and, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

Cleaners / Pressure Machine Operators (6):

• Responsible for handling core services that revolve around general house cleaning, swimming pool cleaning & maintenance, parking lot sweeping, snowplowing, ventilation duct cleaning, chimney sweep services, window washing, drain, duct and gutter cleaning, pool maintenance, parking lot and driveway washing, chimney sweep services, providing other indoor maintenance services and other industrial cleaning services et al as requested by clients
• Maintains a clean working area by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows, etc. if required.
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the manager.

Truck / Van Driver:

• Responsible for transporting equipment, supplies and workers to project site
• Runs errand for the organization
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the manager,

6. SWOT Analysis

House cleaning business is one of the many businesses that can easily generate business deals with little stress as long as they are well positioned and equipped to carry out their services. We are building a standard house cleaning business with variety of services which is why we have decided to subject our business idea (company) to SWOT Analysis.

Ordinarily we can successfully run a normal house cleaning business without the stress of going through the required protocol of setting up a new business including writing a detailed business plan, but because of the nature of the kind of house cleaning business we want to establish, we don’t have any option other than to follow due process.

We hired the services of Mr. Coleman Carrington, an HR and Business consultant with bias in startups to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our company and he did a pretty job for us. Here is a of the result we got from the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Cristobel House Cleaning Company Atlanta – Georgia;

Cristobel House Cleaning Company is centrally located in a densely populated residential estate in Atlanta – Georgia; our location is in fact one of our major strength. We are also one of the very few house cleaning companies in the whole of Atlanta – Georgia that is well equipped to carry out a wide range of services as it relates to house / residential cleaning.

Another strength that counts for us is the power of our team; our workforce and management. We have a team that are considered experts in the house cleaning industry, a team of hardworking and dedicated individuals.

Cristobel House Cleaning Company is a new business which is owned by an individual (family), and we may not have the financial muscle to sustain the kind of publicity we want to give our business and also to attract some of the well – experienced hands in the cleaning industry.

• Opportunities:

We are centrally located in one of the busiest area in Atlanta – Georgia and we are open to all the available opportunities that the city has to offer. Our business concept also positioned us to be a one stop shop in the cleaning industry.

The truth is that there are no standard and well – equipped house cleaning businesses within the area where ours is going to be located; the closest house cleaning company to our proposed location is about 6 miles away. In a nutshell, we do not have any direct competition within our target market area.

Some of the threats that is  likely going to confront Cristobel House Cleaning Company is unfavorable government policies , seasonal fluctuations, demographic / social factors, downturn in the economy which is likely going to affect consumers spending and of course emergence of new competitors within the same location where ours  is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The house cleaning market is a market that is dependent on loads of factors. The fact that it helps keep our environment clean, and also help in saving energy gives room for people to patronize the business. As a matter of fact, it is now common and trendy to find house cleaning companies and industrial cleaning companies leveraging on ‘Climate Change and Save Energy’ to market their services.

Of course house cleaning business responds to the increase in household spending and improvement in the economy which is why it is trendy to find house cleaning businesses and industrial cleaning businesses located around areas where residence and businesses can show that they can afford the services.

Another common trend in the cleaning industry is that in the bid to survive global economic melt – down and to ensure steady flow of income to effectively run the business, most house / residential cleaning companies engage in other related services.

Some of them even go as far as establishing a car wash, snow removal services and a carpet cleaning business simply because they all fall within same line of business.

8. Our Target Market

Before choosing a location for our house / residential cleaning business, we conducted our feasibility studies and market survey and we were able to identify those who will benefit greatly from our service offerings.

Basically those who will benefit from our service offering are households, facility managers, hospitals, hotels, hostels and government et al. They cut across various different sectors of the economy. Below is a list of the people and organizations that our house / residential cleaning service is designed for;

• The government (government guest house and housing estates
• Facility managers
• Restaurants
• Hotels and Motels
• Residential areas
• Camp grounds
• Retail locations
• Medical facility (Hospitals)

Our Competitive Advantage

House / residential cleaning business is an easy to set up business that does not require formal training to achieve; anybody can set a house cleaning business if they have the required startup capital and informal training on how to operate the various pressure washers.

It means that the possibility of house / residential cleaning businesses springing up in the location where ours is located can’t be ruled out. We are aware of this, which is why we decided to come up with a business concept that will position us to become the leader in Atlanta – Georgia.

Our competitive edge is that we are a standard and well – equipped house cleaning business that has loads of complimentary business offerings that can easily assist us in attracting both corporate and individual customers within the radius of our business operations.

We can confidently say that the location of our house / residential cleaning business will definitely count as a positive for us amongst any competitor that might start a house cleaning business or any other related cleaning business in same location where ours is located.

For the time being, Cristobel House Cleaning Company has no real competitors that can compete with the quality of services we offer and our business offerings et al. Our customer service will be customized to meet the needs of all our customers.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups house / residential cleaning business and other related cleaning businesses in the United States) in the industry.

It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Cristobel House Cleaning Company is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the cleaning industry and we are going to go all the way out to ensure that we do all it takes to attract both individual clients and corporate clients on a regular basis.

Cristobel House Cleaning Company will generate income by offering the following services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain; there would always be corporate organization and individual clients who would need the services of house / residential cleaning business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Atlanta – Georgia and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our house cleaning business and our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the house cleaning industry – market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Atlanta – Georgia.

Below is the sales projection for Cristobel House Cleaning Company, it is based on the location of our business and of course the wide range of related services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $200,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the house / residential cleaning industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional related services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

The marketing strategy for Cristobel House Cleaning Company is going to be driven basically by excellent customers service and quality service delivery.

We will ensure that we build a loyal customer base. We want to drive sales via the output of our jobs and via referral from our satisfied customers. We are quite aware of how satisfied customers drive business growth especially businesses like house / residential cleaning and related services.

Cristobel House Cleaning Company is a house cleaning business that is strategically located and we are going to maximize the opportunities that is available which is why we spend more to locate the business in a location that will be visible and accessible to our target market.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of Cristobel House Cleaning Company.

Our goal is to grow Cristobel House Cleaning Company to become the leading house / residential cleaning company in Atlanta – Georgia which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with in the house cleaning industry.

Cristobel House Cleaning Company is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our house / residential cleaning business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in Page – Arizona.
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
• Use friends and family to spread word about our business
• Post information about our house cleaning company and the services we offer on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops et al
• Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our house cleaning company and the services we offer
• Leverage on referral networks such as agencies that will attract clients who would need our customized services
• Advertise our house cleaning company in relevant magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• Attend relevant expos, seminars, and business fairs et al to market our services
• Engage in direct marketing approach
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied students
• Join local chambers of commerce and industry to market our services.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Cristobel House Cleaning Company is set to create a standard for house / residential cleaning business in Atlanta – Georgia and throughout the United States which is why we will go all the way to adopt and apply best practices to promote our business.

Good enough there is no hard and fast rule on how to advertise or promote a house cleaning business. The challenge is that most house cleaning companies do not have the required money to pump into publicity and advertising. The cash they have will be reserved to take care of overhead and operational cost.

We will ensure that we leverage on all conventional and non – conventional publicity and advertising technique to promote our house cleaning business. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Cristobel House Cleaning Company;

• Encourage our loyal customers to help us use Word of Mouth mode of advertisement (referrals)
• Advertise our house cleaning business in relevant magazines, local newspaper, local TV stations and local radio station
• Promote our business online via our official website
• List our business on local directories (yellow pages)
• Sponsor relevant community programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations
• Direct coupon mailing approach
• Engage in road show from time to time in target communities
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our customized clothes, and all our official cars and trucks are customized and well branded.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Our pricing system is going to be based on what is obtainable in the house cleaning industry, we don’t intend to charge more (except for premium and customized services) and we don’t intend to charge less than our competitors are offering in Atlanta – Georgia.

Be that as it may, we have put plans in place to offer discount services once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers especially when they refer clients to us. The prices of our services will be same as what is obtainable in the open market.

• Payment Options

At Cristobel House Cleaning Company, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different clients would prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a standard house cleaning company; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. We have been able to pull cash that will be enough for us to successfully launch a standard house cleaning company in Atlanta – Georgia, US. These are the key areas where we will spend our start – up capital on;

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Atlanta – Georgia – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $1,500.
• Marketing promotion expenses (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• Cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,000.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $30,800.
• Cost of accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• Cost for leasing a small office facility – $70,000.
• Cost for facility remodeling – $30,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000)
• Phone and utility deposits – ($3,500).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $40,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory – $15,000
• Cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• Cost of pressure washing and house cleaning equipment – $75,000
• The cost for the purchase of office furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs,  tables and chairs et al) – $4,000
• The cost of Launching a Website – $600
• The cost for our grand opening party – $1,500
• Miscellaneous – $10,000

We would need an estimate of $200,000 to successfully launch our house cleaning business in Atlanta – Georgia, US.

Generating Funding / Startup Cristobel House Cleaning Company

Cristobel House Cleaning Company is a business that will be owned and managed by Mrs. Cristobel Ian – Robinson and Family. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $80,000 and soft loan from family members $20,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Cristobel House Cleaning Company is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our house cleaning services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Cristobel House Cleaning Company will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check : Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Acquiring facility and remodeling the facility: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed pressure washing machines and industrial cleaning equipment, electronic appliances, office appliances and bar accessories: In Progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – suppliers of all our needed cleaning accessories and supplies et al: In Progress

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Starting a cleaning business? A good business plan will give you a leg up on the competition. To get an idea of what your business plan should look like, check out these sample business plans for cleaning services, janitorial services, carpet and upholstery cleaning services, and other related businesses.

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Cleaning Service Business Plan Sample

OCT.30, 2013

Do you want to start a cleaning services business plan?

Are you thinking of starting a cleaning services business? Well, the business can be a great choice if you looking for an easy yet profitable startup. Starting a cleaning service business plan pdf doesn’t require you to hold technical knowledge, a large amount, or a large team. You can start it at any scale and can expand or narrow down your offerings whenever you want.

Despite that the venture is relatively easier, it is still essential to follow a proper procedure of starting a cleaning services business plan . First, you will have to make a business plan for cleaning services. To learn how to make a cleaning service business plan, you can take help from this sample. Here we’ve provided the detailed business plan developed for ‘Pro Cleaning Services’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Pro Cleaning Services will be a cleaning services startup owned by Jack Franklin. The cleaning services business plan will aim at providing residential and commercial cleaning services to people throughout Manhattan. A wide range of services will be offered from small home one-time cleaning to large facilities’ maintenance.

2.2 Management of Cleaning Services Company

To make sure that all aspects of the business are well managed, you must prepare a startup cleaning service business plan. In your cleaning services business plan for starting a cleaning service you should study the technical, financial, and human resources you possess. And then construct a way to utilize and manage these resources to the fullest.

In this cleaning services business plan on how to write a cleaning service business plan we’re providing all the details of Pro Cleaning Services to help you in devising a plan for your startup.

2.3 Customers of Cleaning Services Company

Our customers will belong to almost all work domains as professional cleaning and maintenance are required by all. However, our potential and recurring customers are identified as follows:

• Residential Community
• Small/ Large Businesses
• Educational Facilities
• Manufacturing Units

2.4 Business Target

Our target is to become the most trustworthy and reliable choice for our target customers whenever they need temporary or permanent cleaning work.

Our financial targets to meet for the first three years of our launch are demonstrated below:

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Jack Franklin will be the owner of Pro Cleaning Services. Jack has completed his MBA a few years back. After his academic career, he worked at a managerial post for two years in a famous resort. However, he left his job to fulfill his dream of running his own cleaning services business plan .

3.2 Why the cleaning services company is being started

Jack noticed that the cleaning service businesses around him were using the traditional methods to serve their customers. He realized that he can bring innovation in existing modes through his intellect and management knowledge. Therefore, he decided to start his own cleaning business to fully implement the great ideas he possessed.

3.3 How the cleaning services company will be started

Step1: Plan Everything

The first step before starting a cleaning business is to write cleaning services business plan . To help you in creating a business plan for cleaning we’re providing a cleaning service business plan example. Jack decided to offer both residential and commercial cleaning services. So if you are looking for commercial cleaning services business plan samples or a business plan for cleaning for a start-up residential cleaning service, you can have help from here.

Step2: Define the Brand

The next step is to get recognized by defining your business’ services and values. During this time you will have to develop and brand your policies so that your customers can identify your competitive advantages over others.

Step3: Establish Your Corporate Office

Jack decided to rent a building in Manhattan to establish his business office. He will procure the latest cleaning equipment and inventory to set up his cleaning services business plan .

Step4: Establish a Web Presence

These days, it has become a necessity to establish a strong online presence. Jack decided to make a mobile app, website, and social media page for his cleaning services business plan to reach out to a wider audience. This online presence will also help him in staying in contact with his customers.

Step5: Promote and Market

The last step is to develop and execute a marketing plan to promote your services.

Before starting a cleaning services business plan , you must decide the services you want to provide your customers. So that you can plan your business accordingly.

The commercial cleaning services business plan will be different than a residential one as a commercial cleaning business requires more resources and management.

Since Jack decided to offer a wide range of services, the cleaning services business plan developed for his business can be used in any case. You can take help from this cleaning service business plan template free of cost if you’re starting commercial or residential cleaning business.

• House Cleaning Service

We will provide all the basic house cleaning services listed below. Our customers will be able to book a cleaner for their home cleaning service through our mobile app or website.

• Sweeping Kitchen
• Cleaning Rooms and Bathrooms
• Specialized Cleaning Program

In our specialized cleaning program, we’ll clean all the things and areas that remain ignored in day-to-day cleaning. By availing of this service after a few months’ gaps, our customers will be able to renew the look of their properties.

Our offerings in this domain will include:

• Ceiling & Wall Cleaning
• Window Cleaning
• Polishing Woodwork
• Blind Cleaning
• Curtain Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Deck and Patio Cleaning
• Swimming Pool Cleaning
• Office Cleaning

We’ll also provide professional office cleaning service. Since offices possess large equipment in congested space, we’ll use special tools to do the cleaning work efficiently and swiftly.

• Industrial Cleaning Services

Our last service will industrial cleaning services. We have certified cleaners experienced in dumping construction, metallic and plastic waste.

Marketing Analysis of Cleaning Services Company

You should have an in-depth knowledge of your target market before starting a cleaning services business plan . The best way to know your customers and competitors is to do the market analysis in your office cleaning service business plan. The market analysis should also study the previous, existing, and forecasted market trends. Moreover, it should assess the market prices and your business’s financial goals to figure out the prices you can set for your services.

excellent work

excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

If you don’t know the components of detailed marketing analysis, you can take help from this business plan for starting cleaning services for free. In this cleaning services business plan pdf on how to write a business plan for cleaning services, we have studied the market trends and groups of target customers of Pro Cleaning Services.

5.1 Market Trends

According to IBISWorld, residential cleaning service franchises hold a market size of $888 Million in the United States. The commercial cleaning businesses hold even more market size i.e. nearly $47.5 billion, according to Statista. In general, the demand for cleaning services is rising as people prefer to hire professional cleaners to renew their properties. Moreover, the demand is extremely high in the commercial and manufacturing sector as they need special services to dump their huge and hazardous waste material.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The potential customers of Pro Cleaning Services are divided into the following groups:

5.2.1 Residential Community

Our primary customers will be the residents living in our vicinity. They are expected to avail of our basic house cleaning services on almost daily basis. And they are also expected to avail our specialized cleaning service to refresh their exterior, interior, walls and everything, two to three times a year.

5.2.2 Small/ Large Businesses

Our second target customers will be commercial property owners, they will utilize all of our services especially office cleaning and specialized cleaning.

5.2.3 Educational Facilities

This will be our third target group of customers. Educational facilities usually have their own cleaners and janitors. However, for detailed and grand cleaning of their buildings, they are expected to avail of our specialized cleaning program.

5.2.4 Manufacturing Units

Lastly, construction sites and chemical and other manufacturing industries will also be availing our specialized and green cleaning. With us, they will be able to safely and quickly discard industrial waste.

5.3 Business Target

• To become the number one cleaning service throughout Manhattan
• To expand our offerings to also include metallic waste disposal by the end of the first five years
• To earn a net profit margin of $31.7k per month by the end of the third year
• To achieve and maintain a CSAT score above 93%

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices for specialized cleaning are a little higher than those of our competitors. However, our other offerings are available to our customers in a similar price range as that of our competitors.

Marketing Strategy

To become prominent amidst a huge competition, you need to come up with several competitive aspects. Moreover, you also need to develop a strong marketing strategy so that more and more people recognize you.

In this sample business plan for commercial cleaning services, we’re providing the sales strategy of Pro Cleaning Services. You can learn a lot from here if you are making a business proposal for a cleaning services company.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• We have excellent customer care service. We’ll record customers’ feedbacks to provide them improved services every time they hire us.
• Through our website and user-friendly mobile app, our customers would be able to book our services remotely.
• We’ll implement green cleaning practices by using eco-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable cleaning products.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We’ll advertise our services through Google Local ads service and social media.
• We’ll offer a 50% discount on basic house cleaning services for the first two months of our launch.
• We’ll offer a 30% discount on specialized cleaning services for the first month of our launch.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan

The cleaning services business plan depends a lot on the efficiency, behaviors, and dedication of the cleaners. Jack knew the importance of hiring the most collaborative and skilled employees. Therefore he created a list of required employees along with selection criteria while writing a cleaning service business plan pdf .

7.1 Company Staff

• 1 Co-Manager to help in overall operations
• 6 HCT Certified Residential Cleaning Professional
• 6 CIMS Certified Commercial Cleaners
• 8 General Cleaners
• 1 Technician to upkeep the machinery
• 1 Web Developer/ Mobile App Developer to manage online sites
• 2 Sales Executives to organize and promote sales
• 1 Accountant
• 1 Receptionist

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Just increasing sales doesn’t ensure that your cleaning service business plan pdf has become successful and is yielding profits. To earn profits, it is essential to manage your operations timely and efficiently. To make sure that your cleaning service business plan pdf is not getting into a loss, you must carry out a detailed financial analysis while you create a business plan cleaning service.

In your financial plan, you must identify when and how you’ll be able to cover your investment amount with the earned profits. Moreover, you should also analyze your yearly expenses to find out the possibilities of reducing them.

Here we’re providing the detailed financial plan made for Pro Cleaning Services. So that you can get an idea of the business finances.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

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When hiring a residential cleaning service, it's important to consider the type of services you need, the frequency of the cleaning, and your budget. You should also ask about the cleaning products and techniques that the company uses, as well as their policies on issues such as cancellations and missed appointments. It's also a good idea to get references and read online reviews before hiring a residential cleaning service.

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