The demand for professional and quality cleaning services is ever-increasing. From residential homes, commercial spaces, or specialized cleaning needs, there is a growing market for individuals looking to start a cleaning business. Beginning your entrepreneurial journey has many benefits including financial independence, and being able to build a company with your own preferences and goals in mind. However, starting a cleaning business requires lots of planning, strategic decision-making and understanding the industry and your career goals.
From business registration, pricing strategies, marketing tactics, and client retention, learn everything you need to know to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey and start a cleaning business in this comprehensive guide.
1. Research The Cleaning Business Market
Starting a cleaning business from scratch requires strategic thinking about your business structure and knowing your market. You should take the time to research other Cleaner Pros in the area and what services they offer and consider any gaps they may be missing that you could offer at your business.
You should also read reviews on other cleaning businesses on search engines such as Google and Yelp. By reading complaints from homeowners, you can see what they are finding lacks when it comes to hiring professional cleaners. You can also look at the positive reviews to see what you should make sure you include in your business, or add to it. This research will help you with the mission and objectives of your business and help you build an organized structure of what you want your cleaning business to be known for.
2. Decide On the Type of Cleaning Services You Want to Offer
After conducting your market research, you can decide on the specific cleaning niche you want to target. This will determine what licenses you may need, the equipment and tools you will need to invest in, insurance to choose, and any other training. You should also consider which niche has the least competition or how you can stand out from other cleaning businesses.
Commercial Cleaning Services
Commercial cleaning services refer to professional cleaning services for institutions, businesses, offices, schools, restaurants, and other commercial properties. In Canada, the commercial cleaning industry generates revenue of $9 billion and has seen annual growth each year. These services may vary based on the needs of each client, such as:
- Carpet cleaning
- Sanitization and Disinfection
- Pressure washing
- Trash removal
- Deep cleaning
- Window washing
These cleaning services will offer a clean, safe and comfortable environment for employees and customers to help promote a positive image of their institution. It is common for commercial spaces to require you to clean at off-peak hours such as evenings or overnight when employees and visitors are not around. It will require meticulous attention to detail, and quality cleaning services.
Residential Cleaning Services
Residential cleaning services involves the professional cleaning of houses, condominiums, apartments, and other residential properties. The needs of residential properties depends on the homeowners or renters, so your day-to-day can be different, depending on what homeowners are asking to be done that day. Residential cleaning includes a variety of tasks such as:
- Dusting
- Vacuuming
- Mopping
- Appliance cleaning
- House and apartment cleaning
- Window cleaning
- Air duct cleaning
- Carpet cleaning
- Move-in or move-out cleaning
When working for a residential cleaning company, you can offer more flexible hours to accommodate when homeowners are home or out of the house. You must also pay attention to how items are arranged in the home and keep things consistent. The goal of residential cleaning services is to ease the burden of housework for homeowners and enhance the overall cleanliness and tidiness of their living space.
Post-Construction Cleaning Services
Post-construction cleaning services involves the cleanup after renovations, construction, and building projects. This service helps remove dust, debris, and construction residues so that the space is safe and clean for workers and visitors.
Industrial Cleaning Services
Industrial cleaning includes services in warehouses, factories, manufacturing plants and cleaning large equipment. This is a heavy-duty cleaning service and involves working in high spaces while adhering to important safety standards.
3. Get Licenses and Certifications
Starting your own cleaning business requires more than a passion for entrepreneurship and the willingness to work hard. It also entails navigating the legal landscape and obtaining the right licenses and certifications to get started. It is crucial to be aware of these in order for your business to operate legally and professionally. Not taking proper licensing seriously can result in your business being fined and forced to shut down. Your licenses and qualifications will vary depending on your location and the types of services you plan to offer. For example, carpet cleaning services includes the use of hazardous disinfectants that may cause respiratory issues and skin problems if it comes in contact with your bare skin. Learning how to use these chemicals or other heavy and technical cleaning equipment is essential to stay safe at work and to work professionally in the industry.
Make sure to keep your licenses up to date with renewals if needed, and current with new trends in the industry. By obtaining the appropriate licenses and certifications, you will stand out among other Cleaner Pros and build trust and credibility with your clients, making your cleaning business more successful and reputable.
4. Decide On Your Cleaning Business Name
Now that you have figured out your niche and obtained the right qualifications, you can get to the fun part – deciding on your cleaning business name! This is a crucial step in establishing your brand and making your cleaning business memorable and stand out. You can brainstorm ideas on names such as a play-on words with your own name, a pun, or keeping it simple, like “Cleaning Services by (your name).
How to Register Your Cleaning Business in Canada
In order to register your cleaning business name, you must conduct thorough research on other businesses in the industry to make sure yours is unique and not already in use by another cleaning company. Once you have come up with a name, check with your local business registration office to figure out the specific requirements and procedures you need to take for registering your cleaning company name. These requirements may include paying a fee and filling out a registration form.
You can check if your business name idea is taken by:
- Searching on Google if another cleaning business comes up
- Conduct a NUANS database search by region
- Look at Canada business registries
Trademarking Your Cleaning Business
Another thing to consider is to trademark your business name for added protection and exclusivity. A unique and distinct business name can set you apart from other Cleaner Pros and clients will easily remember you and call you for jobs.
5. Get Your Cleaning Business Insured
Any job has high risks without adequate insurance, including your cleaning business. When cleaning a commercial space or someone’s home, accidents are bound to happen, such as cleaning supply spills, falling from a height, or breaking something while cleaning it. It is crucial that you have the safety net of being insured to avoid hefty costs or your cleaning business being shut down.
There are a few types of insurance you will want to consider for your cleaning business:
- Commercial General Liability Insurance
- Commercial Property Insurance
- Vehicle Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Getting the right insurance will ensure that your cleaning business is safeguarded against any issues or accidents that may arise while on the job.
6. Set Up a Business Bank Account
Setting up a bank account for your cleaning business is important to help keep your transactions organized and separate from your personal banking endeavors. After creating a business bank account, you can organize your cash flow and budget it regarding your business expenses such as buying equipment, gas, advertising, or license renewal costs. If you have employees, this is also how you can track their pay cheques. It is important to track all your income and expenses meticulously so that when tax season is here, you are prepared. Another key aspect of opening a business bank account for your cleaning business is if you need to apply for a loan or help with financing to start your business.
7. How to Decide Price Rates For Your Cleaning Business
Deciding on a pricing strategy for your cleaning business is a very important step for your standing in the industry. Your prices is what keeps you competitive among other Cleaner Pros as well as how you can make a profit. Start by researching other cleaning service rates in the area to understand the price range that homeowners are willing to pay.
You can decide whether you want to charge an hourly rate, a flat rate, or make your rates depending on the size of the area to be cleaned. Offering reasonable prices that make sense to homeowners and business owners will increase trust in your cleaning business and make people continue to hire you as a Pro. You should also base your cleaning service prices on your expertise and the quality level of cleaning you are giving. Be sure to stay up to date with the cleaning industry to keep your prices competitive as well as profitable.
For your cleaning services, some factors to consider in pricing are:
- The square footage of the space to be cleaned
- The frequency of the service (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, once a month)
- Additional services or special requests
As a Cleaner Pro, you need to consider things such as:
- Labour costs
- Supplies
- The desired profit you want
- Employee pay cheques
Payment Methods
Set up a method of how you want your clients to pay you for your cleaning services. Create an invoice for your clients after a job is done to outline what work you completed, the price rate, and any other information.
You should also decide what payment methods you accept such as cash, cheques, credit, debit, or e-transfer.
8. Purchasing Supplies and Equipment For Your Cleaning Business
Starting a cleaning business will require purchasing the right supplies and equipment for each job. You will need to consider the process of cleaning from beginning to end to determine which supplies you will need. If you are providing services such as window washing, carpet cleaning, or large spaces, you may need to invest in high-quality and pricier equipment that requires extensive research. Some equipment may also require training before use. It is important to keep track of a list of daily cleaning supplies you use, and how long each product lasts to ensure you are not at a job and run out of a crucial product.
Some essential cleaning supplies you may need are:
- Mop
- Disinfectant sprays
- Brooms
- Gloves
- Sponges
- Vacuum
- Paper towel
- Garbage bags
- Duster
As you begin working, you will realize the supplies that you need more of and supplies you may not need at all. If you decide to hire a team of employees, you will need to consider purchasing double the products or getting them in bulk. It is all about trial and error and figuring out what works best for your business as a Cleaner Pro.
9. Create A Digital Marketing Plan and Advertise Your Cleaning Business
Having a powerful marketing strategy for your cleaning business is essential to find clients and get your business up and running. Here are a few ways you can begin advertising your cleaning business:
Social Media
Utilizing social media platforms can be a great advertising tool for your cleaning business. A popular trend on social media is ASMR videos, such as recording cleaning rugs or carpets, car detailing, or straightening up a room. Using platforms such as TikTok is a great way to showcase your skills, quality of work, and expertise when it comes to being a Cleaner Pro. Creating a Facebook Business page is another way to advertise your cleaning services. You can also use social media to share tips and advice to homeowners when it comes to removing stains, or share your favorite cleaning products.
Create a Free HomeStars Listing
You can create a free HomeStars listing to gain more customers and create a reputation for your cleaning business. HomeStars is the largest marketplace in Canada for home service professionals to get connected with homeowners. It is a great platform to use when getting started with your cleaning business to get connected with leads, and begin to collect a client base. On your HomeStars listing, you can include your website, images, links to your social media accounts, outline a description of your services, and include your contact information.
Create a Google My Business Listing
Creating a Google My Business listing is essential for advertising your cleaning business. This is where you can input your contact information, images, receive reviews once you begin working and completing jobs, add your website URL, a description of your services, and any social media links. Once you begin taking customers and creating a client base, you can continuously update your listing with images, respond to reviews, and increase traffic to your cleaning business.
Networking and Referrals
Spreading the word about your new cleaning business is how people can refer your services to people they know. You can go to office buildings, stores, and local neighborhoods to give people your business card and let them know you are starting a cleaning business. They will most likely spread the word to friends and family that they know who may be seeking a cleaning service. Cold-calling businesses and institutions about your cleaning business is another way to get the word out about your services.
Vehicle Decals
Since your cleaning business is at different locations every day, you are most likely driving the same vehicle to and from work. Sticking vehicle decals on your car or truck displaying your business name and contact information is a way to spark conversation about your services while on the go. It’s also a free way to advertise yourself to other businesses and homeowners.
10. Hire Employees and Create Job Postings
Now that you have the base of your cleaning business figured out, you can decide if you are starting your cleaning business solo or need to hire a team. You will want to consider things such as the kind of people you want to work with on a daily basis. You will also need to make sure that they have the right licenses and credentials, and relevant past experience. A few free job posting sites you can use are:
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Job Bank
- Monster
- Using your social media platforms
Take into consideration the training you will have to give new employees to reach your standard, and to keep your new cleaning business reputation high.
Starting a Cleaning Business in Alberta
Starting a cleaning business in Alberta requires you to conduct market research on the province to understand the demand for cleaning services. All businesses operating in Calgary must register their business with The City of Calgary and register their business name. Cleaner Pros are required to get location approval for their business, even if a license is not required for that service. Obtaining local approval is crucial to ensure that you are operating your cleaning business legally and safe for you and all occupants.
All housekeepers, residential cleaners, commercial cleaners, and window washing cleaners require a municipal licensing. Registration will occur at the same time as getting your municipal license. You can apply online with the City of Calgary.
To get started, you need to create a myID business account. Make sure you have the following ready at the time of application:
- Planned business activities
- Location of your cleaning business
- Fee payments at the time of application
- Ownership
- Name of your cleaning business
- Contact information for you as the business owner
Be sure to keep track of your application process and any renewals you may need for your license along the way. You can learn more on cleaning services requirements in Alberta.
Starting a Cleaning Business in British Columbia
To start a cleaning business in British Columbia (BC), you need to register your business with the government, and register your business name on the BC name registry. You are required to register with both the federal government and the provincial government on where you plan to operate your cleaning business.
You will need to:
- Obtain a business number
- Register for GST/HST
- Register for payroll deductions if you plan to hire a team of employees
After you have registered your cleaning business, you will need the necessary licenses and permits. Some municipalities in BC will require a separate permit for home-based businesses, such as if you are planning to work in residential homes. Your cleaning business must carry liability insurance to protect yourself against injuries, damage, or claims. If you are hiring additional employees, you will need worker’s compensation insurance.
All cleaning businesses in BC need to register for Provincial Sales Tax and register for a GST/HST account. Be sure to register for taxes and collect your cleaning business taxes so you don’t get involved in any legal issues or penalties.
Starting a Cleaning Business in Ontario
To begin your cleaning business journey in Ontario, you must register with Ontario Business Central or register your business with Service Ontario. You will also need to obtain a business license provided by the government which will allow you to perform any cleaning services. Business renewals in Ontario are required every five years.
All services involving handing chemical cleaning supplies, will be required to be trained in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). This will be essential in Industrial Cleaning services.
Once your cleaning business is registered, you will have a CRA Tax Account with a Business Number (BN). This is what you will use when submitting tax forms. Your BN number is important for any other registration needed for your business. You will use your CRA account for HST registration, and payroll for employees.
Begin Your Entrepreneurial Journey with Marketing Services
Starting a new business in the home services industry can be nerve-wracking and requires lots of planning to get things in order, create a business structure, and make a profit. HomeStars is the largest online marketplace for homeowners to get connected with home service professionals. You can start attracting clients for your cleaning business with a free listing on HomeStars and build a reputation. It is the perfect marketplace to kickstart your cleaning business and stand out among other Cleaner Pros in the industry.
To get started, you can get in touch with us to ensure your cleaning business is being found by homeowners who are looking for an Cleaner Pro.
