How to become a cleaner: a step-by-step guide

How to start a cleaning business in 8 simple steps

1. Identify your market

First, you need to decide what kind of cleaner you’re going to be, and what market you’re going to serve. There are three main cleaning markets: domestic, commercial, and specialist.

Your choice of market will likely depend on your existing experience and expertise, but you should also make sure that you do some research. A key question to ask is what are the relative sizes of those markets in your local area?

Read our guide to finding a gap in the market to help you identify any possible opportunities for your business.

2. Check qualifications

Domestic cleaners don’t generally require any qualifications. However, you may need a qualification and commercial cleaning equipment for specialist cleaning jobs.

For more information on cleaning qualifications, contact the British Institute of Cleaning Science.

3. Set a budget

If you’re planning on running a domestic cleaning service, you may only need to invest in a few essential items such as cleaning chemicals, mops, and microfibre cloths.

On the other hand, commercial and specialist cleaners will need to consider buying important items such as professional vacuum cleaners or carpet cleaners which can cost thousands of pounds. Think about what you’ll need and make sure you’ve got enough to cover the basics.

4. Decide how much to charge

How much will you charge for your services? Will you charge by the hour or a flat fee? An hourly rate could be a good idea if you’re unsure of how long you’ll be cleaning for, while a flat fee is often preferred by clients as they’ll know exactly how much they need to pay you in advance. It’s also a good idea to research prices in your area first to get an idea of what the going rate is.

You should also consider setting up an online payment system so you can easily take payment from your clients.

You may also want to consider setting up a business bank account so you can keep your personal finances separate.

5. Write a business plan

Before you go any further, you should consider writing a business plan. This document helps you to build a sound foundation for your venture as you start and grow it. Within your plan you’ll conduct market research, build financial plans, and work out your marketing channels.

Read a comprehensive guide to this step in our step-by-step guide to writing a business plan.

6. Buy cleaning supplies

Now that you’ve finalised your budget and your business plan, you can start buying your cleaning equipment. While this will differ depending on the type of services you offer, here’s some ideas of what to buy for a domestic cleaning business:

• cleaning agents – such as all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant, floor cleaner, and wood cleaner
• sponges, cloths, and brushes – use a range of different tools depending on the surfaces you’re cleaning
• mops and buckets – you may have multiple mop heads for different floor types
• vacuum cleaner
• bin liners – check with your clients whether they’ll provide these
• gloves – either disposable or reusable
• step ladder – check whether your client has their own you can use
• protective gear – such as goggles or marks
• uniform – to keep your clothes clean or to advertise your business

7. Look for clients

Now it’s time to pitch. The ways you’ll attract clients will depend on the market you’ve chosen. For example, if you’re a domestic cleaner, it might be as simple as knocking on doors.

However, you might also consider more advanced marketing techniques, which you can read about in our guide to marketing and growing your cleaning business.

8. Plan for growth

It might be that you want to stay small, particularly if you’re a one-man-band domestic cleaner. However, cleaning businesses have the potential to grow from single-person operations into small companies employing several people. As your business grows, you might look to take on additional cleaning staff to help you spread the workload.

If you do this, make sure you’re aware of national minimum wage legislation and your obligation to take out employers’ liability insurance, which we cover below.

Self-employed cleaner legal obligations

As with any other self-employed profession, self-employed cleaners have a few legal obligations, particularly with regard to tax.

You need to register as self-employed with HMRC, and you’ll need to complete an annual Self Assessment tax return. You’ll also need to pay your tax bill by 31 January each year, and make a payment on account every 31 July.

You can read more about how to do a Self Assessment tax return in our guide.

It’s also important to think about cleaning insurance. Consider taking out a public liability insurance policy to protect yourself against claims arising from injury or loss suffered by a member of public as a result of your work. And if your business has grown and you have employees, you’ll be legally obliged to take out employers’ liability insurance.

Top tips from a professional cleaner

Another way to become a cleaner is to get advice from someone with experience in the industry. To help, we reached out to Harriet Thomas, founder of Calm Oasis Cleaners, to give you some top tips for starting a cleaning business. Watch Harriet guide you through the process in this video, or read the tips below.

1. Be prepared for a challenge

Starting a business from scratch can be tough, but it can also be hugely rewarding. Think about ways to manage variations in your income and, as your business grows, get ready to take on the responsibility of managing staff. And above all, don’t get disheartened when the going is tough – as Harriet says, “stay true to your vision!”

2. Take advice

Talk to as many people as possible – by canvassing opinion you can help to make sure that you’re on the right track. And crucially, look into speaking to a range of financial advisors.

3. Get ready for unusual requests

Cleaning is an incredibly personal business, and your clients will each have their own needs. It’ll keep you on your toes.

4. Think about catering to landlords

By making yourself an end-of-tenancy pro, you can serve a large and growing market. Many landlords simply don’t have the time to conduct thorough cleans between tenants, so this can be a great niche for a cleaning business.

5. Don’t forget insurance

Your customers will want to be confident that you’re covered if something goes wrong while you’re working in their property. And don’t forget, if you’re employing people, you’re legally obliged to take out employers’ liability insurance.

Still deciding whether to start your own cleaning business?

If you’re still making your mind up, take a look at some of our other guides on setting up your own business.

• small business ideas – best businesses to start yourself
• gardening business
• cake and baking business
• self-employed hairdresser
• dog walking business
• personal trainer

Is there anything else you’d like to know about setting up a cleaning company? Let us know in the comments.

More guides for small businesses

• Business Name Generator
• How to start a business
• Self-employed tax deductible expenses: what can I claim?
• Going self-employed in the UK: a guide
• How to do market research: an affordable guide for small businesses
• What type of business insurance do I need?

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