Can I really start a cleaning business for under $2,000?

Yes, and many successful cleaning businesses started with even less. If you already have a reliable car, you can buy a quality vacuum, a mop system, a caddy of cleaning chemicals, microfiber cloths, and basic supplies for $300-$500. Add in your business license, a simple website or social media presence, and business cards, and you are well under $2,000. The key is to start with residential clients, use those earnings to upgrade your equipment, and reinvest profits into marketing as you grow.

Do I need any special licenses or certifications to clean houses?

In most states, you do not need a special license to offer residential cleaning services beyond a standard business license. However, some cities and counties require a home solicitation permit if you go door-to-door. If you plan to offer commercial janitorial services, some states require a janitorial contractor registration. Getting a surety bond is not legally required in most places but many clients and property managers expect it. Consider getting ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association) certification to stand out from competitors.

Should I provide my own cleaning supplies or use the client's?

Bringing your own supplies is strongly recommended and is the industry standard for professional cleaning businesses. It lets you control the quality and consistency of your work, ensures you always have what you need, and positions you as a professional rather than a casual helper. It also lets you charge higher rates since the cost of supplies is built into your pricing. The exception is when clients have specific product preferences or allergies, in which case you should accommodate their requests. Budget about $5-$10 in supplies per residential cleaning job.

How much can I charge per cleaning job?

Residential cleaning rates vary significantly by market, but the national average is $120-$250 per standard cleaning for a typical 3-bedroom home. Deep cleans and move-in/move-out cleans command $200-$500 or more. Commercial cleaning is typically priced per square foot, ranging from $0.05 to $0.20 per square foot depending on the type of facility and frequency. Most cleaning businesses charge either flat rates per job or hourly rates of $25-$50 per cleaner per hour. As you build a reputation and client base, you can increase rates by 5-10% annually.

Do I need insurance for a cleaning business?

General liability insurance is essential from day one, even if you are a solo operator cleaning residential homes. One accidental broken TV, stained carpet, or slip-and-fall injury on a client's property could cost you thousands or even your entire business. Most policies for solo cleaning businesses start around $30-$40 per month. If you hire employees, workers compensation insurance becomes legally required in most states. Commercial clients and property management companies will almost always require proof of insurance before hiring you.

How do I get my first cleaning clients?

The fastest path to your first clients is a combination of personal network outreach and local marketing. Start by telling friends, family, and neighbors that you are starting a cleaning business and ask for referrals. Post on Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, and community boards. Distribute door hangers in your target neighborhoods. Set up a Google Business Profile so you appear in local search results. Many new cleaning businesses get their first 5-10 clients within the first month using these free or low-cost methods. After that, online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals become your primary growth engine.

Home / Cleaning Business Startup Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Cleaning Business?

$2,000 – $50,000

A cleaning business is one of the lowest-barrier service businesses you can start, with solo residential cleaners getting going for as little as $2,000 in supplies and basic marketing. Costs scale significantly when you move into commercial cleaning, hire employees, or invest in specialty services like carpet or window cleaning. Your biggest cost variables are whether you stay solo or build a team, and whether you target homes or commercial properties.

Last updated Feb 2026 · Based on ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) cost benchmarks, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Building Cleaning Workers, Housecall Pro and Jobber industry reports on cleaning business startup costs

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Where This Data Comes From

ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) cost benchmarks
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Building Cleaning Workers
Housecall Pro and Jobber industry reports on cleaning business startup costs
r/cleaningbusiness and cleaning business owner community surveys

All figures are estimates based on publicly available data and industry benchmarks. Actual costs vary by location, timing, and business decisions.

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