How to Start a House Cleaning Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve been searching for how to start a house cleaning business, you’re not alone. Thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners are exploring how to launch a cleaning company that’s profitable, flexible, and in high demand. The cleaning industry continues to thrive thanks to busy households, two-income families, and people who value outsourcing their home cleaning.
But while the opportunity is strong, starting from scratch can be challenging. Many aspiring owners face hurdles such as finding clients, building efficient systems, managing staff, and keeping quality consistent. That’s why choosing the right approach matters from the start.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to start a house cleaning business, from planning to scaling, and show how The Cleaning Authority offers an established franchise model that removes the guesswork, fast-tracks your success, and helps you build a business backed by a trusted national brand.

Table of Contents:

• Plan and Research Your Market
• Define Your Service Offering
• Build Operational Systems
• Branding, Marketing & Customer Acquisition
• Create Systems, Processes & Automation
• Scaling and Growth

Step 1: Plan and Research Your Market

Before you start cleaning homes, you need a solid plan. Researching your market gives you clarity on where demand exists and what customers in your area value most.

Start by analyzing your local area:

• Who lives there? Families? Professionals? Seniors?
• What’s the average household income?
• Are there already cleaning companies nearby?
• What types of services do they offer, and how do they price them?

Identifying your target market and defining your target audience and business structure is critical. Knowing exactly who your ideal customers are helps you tailor your services, pricing, and marketing strategies for maximum success. You should also consider what type of cleaning business you would like to have. Do you want to offer residential cleaning or commercial cleaning services?

You’ll also need to take care of foundational logistics:

• Register your business name and structure (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)
• Obtain any required local business licenses and permits
• Get general liability insurance and bonding
• Plan your startup budget and potential marketing costs

With The Cleaning Authority:
When you franchise with The Cleaning Authority, you gain access to an established business plan built on decades of experience. You’ll receive operational guidance, and a market launch plan designed to help you hit the ground running. Instead of spending months figuring out what works, you start with a clear roadmap and data-driven strategy. In addition, you will receive a franchise development representative who will guide you on selecting an ideal open territory.

Learn more about The Cleaning Authority’s franchise investment process

Step 2: Define Your Service Offering

Your services are the heart of your business. A strong service offering not only attracts clients but also keeps them coming back. Defining the types of cleaning services your business will offer is key. Most successful house cleaning businesses offer a combination of recurring and specialized services, such as:

• Weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleanings
• Deep cleaning and move-in/move-out cleaning services
• Eco-conscious or green cleaning options
• One-time or seasonal cleanings

Determine your pricing model early. Will you charge hourly or per square foot? Will you offer packages or custom quotes? Transparent pricing builds trust and help customers understand your value. Also, create clear expectations for quality and communication. Customers should know exactly what’s included, how long cleanings take, and how to provide feedback.

With The Cleaning Authority:
Franchise owners benefit from a fully developed service model that’s already established to win customers and retain them for the long term. The Cleaning Authority’s signature Detail-Clean Rotation System delivers consistent results that customers love, and franchisees don’t have to spend time reinventing processes or pricing models. By operating on a subscription-based model, The Cleaning Authority provides franchise owners with a reliable source of recurring revenue, supporting sustainable growth and long-term business success.

Explore how The Cleaning Authority’s proven cleaning process sets franchisees apart

Step 3: Build Operational Systems

Running a cleaning business isn’t just about providing excellent service, it’s about managing people, schedules, and systems efficiently.

Key operational priorities include:
Staffing: Recruit and hire employees who are reliable, professional and trustworthy. Background checks, fair pay, and consistent schedules help reduce turnover.
Training: Create clear procedures and checklists to ensure every cleaning meets quality standards.
Equipment and Supplies: Invest in durable vacuums, eco-conscious products, and branded uniforms to present a professional image.
Scheduling: Use scheduling software to group clients geographically and optimize routes.
Customer Communication: Confirm appointments, send reminders, and follow up for feedback to strengthen relationships.

Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

The right tools make all the difference in cleaning quality and efficiency. Every successful house cleaning business needs dependable equipment like mops, vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaning tools, microfiber cloths, and dusters to handle a range of household surfaces and cleaning challenges.

Choosing the right cleaning supplies and products can also affect client satisfaction and long-term retention. Many homeowners are increasingly eco-conscious, preferring non-toxic and sustainable cleaning options.

With The Cleaning Authority:
When you join The Cleaning Authority, you receive comprehensive operations training from experts who’ve built and scaled cleaning businesses successfully. Franchisees gain access to tools, templates, and management systems designed for efficiency, from scheduling and quality control to staff onboarding and customer care. You’ll be supported every step of the way.

Learn how The Cleaning Authority’s training and support empower franchise owners

The Cleaning Authority business model emphasizes the use of eco-conscious cleaning products that deliver a sparkling clean without harsh chemicals. This not only protects customers’ homes and families but also aligns with modern environmental values, giving franchisees a competitive edge and advantage when marketing to today’s health- and sustainability-minded clients.

Step 4: Branding, Marketing & Customer Acquisition

Once your foundation is set, it’s time to attract potential customers and turn them into loyal, recurring clients. Marketing a residential cleaning business effectively means being visible, trustworthy, and consistent.

The most successful cleaning companies understand how to connect with potential clients who value reliability and professionalism. They invest in marketing that builds relationships, not just transactions, and create offers that encourage long-term loyalty.

Here are several established marketing strategies:
Local SEO: Optimize your business for Google searches like “house cleaning near me” and “home cleaning service in [city].”
Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews online.
Community Engagement: Sponsor local events or partner with real estate agents and property managers. Have some business cards handy to promote your business!
Digital Ads: Invest in Google Ads and social media ads targeting your ideal audience.
Referral Programs: Offer discounts for word-of-mouth referrals from loyal customers.

As a new cleaning business, building an online presence and effectively marketing the business will help you expand your reach. Marketing can quickly become time-consuming and expensive for independent business owners. That’s why many entrepreneurs choose a franchise model that already has the systems and strategy in place.

With The Cleaning Authority:
Franchisees with The Cleaning Authority have access to a dedicated national marketing team focused on attracting and retaining customers. From targeted digital advertising and direct mail to local lead generation and customized retention incentives, franchise owners get the tools to grow and keep their client base strong. The Cleaning Authority handles much of the heavy lifting. You’ll also benefit from the power of a recognized national brand, one that customers already trust when they see the name. A marketing effort by The Cleaning Authority includes a direct mailing program, where The Cleaning Authority sends roughly 80,000 pieces of direct mail per week targeting individual households that are most likely to become customers.

Discover The Cleaning Authority’s marketing advantage and support network

Step 5: Create Systems, Processes & Automation

Successful cleaning businesses are built on consistency. Standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and automated tools make it easy to deliver reliable service every time.

Consider implementing systems for:

• Scheduling and routing
• Invoicing and payments
• Quality inspections
• Employee accountability
• Customer satisfaction tracking

Automation also helps reduce your workload. Software can automatically confirm appointments, send invoices, and collect reviews, freeing you to focus on growth.

With The Cleaning Authority:
The Cleaning Authority has already perfected these systems. Franchise owners leverage integrated technology platforms and streamlined processes that simplify daily operations and ensure top-tier customer experiences. From optimized route planning to customer management, these systems save time and maximize profitability.

Learn more about The Cleaning Authority’s technology and systems

Step 6: Scaling and Growth

Once your business is running smoothly, you can shift focus to scaling. Expansion might mean adding more crews, offering new services, or expanding into additional territories. A scalable cleaning business can eventually lead to semi-passivity with team leads managing day-to-day work.

Growth in this industry often comes from:

• Increasing your client base through referrals and marketing
• Improving efficiency to serve more homes per day
• Building customer loyalty and long-term contracts
• Expanding to nearby neighborhoods or cities
  
  

With The Cleaning Authority:
The Cleaning Authority’s franchise model is designed for growth. With ongoing coaching, business planning support, and a scalable structure, franchisees often expand into multiple territories. The brand’s established infrastructure helps owners move from hands-on management to strategic leadership, without losing quality or control.

See how The Cleaning Authority helps franchisees scale efficiently

Why Franchise Instead of Starting Independent?

Starting a cleaning business independently means creating everything from scratch, from systems, branding, marketing, and hiring to customer retention. It can take years of trial and error to reach consistent profitability. Franchising offers a faster, lower-risk way to get started. You’re not alone; you’re joining a network of professionals with established systems and shared success stories.

The Cleaning Authority is a leading residential cleaning franchise for a reason. Franchise owners gain:

• A recognized national brand
• Extensive training and ongoing support
• Exclusive territory rights
• Established marketing and customer acquisition systems
• Advanced scheduling and management software
• A model built around recurring, reliable revenue

You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. With The Cleaning Authority, you get the confidence of running a business backed by a name people know and trust.

Learn more about the benefits of franchising with The Cleaning Authority

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a house cleaning business?
Starting costs can vary based on equipment, marketing, and staffing. However, investing in a franchise like The Cleaning Authority typically ranges from $76,000 to $147,100, depending on location and other factors. Learn more here.

Do I need cleaning experience to own a franchise?
Not at all. Many successful franchisees come from management, operations, or corporate backgrounds. The Cleaning Authority provides all the training you need to run the business confidently.

How soon can I open my business?
With the franchise’s established training and onboarding process, many owners launch faster than they would independently.

Is there ongoing support?
Yes. The Cleaning Authority offers continuous business coaching, operational support, and national marketing resources to help you grow long after your grand opening.

View more FAQs

Ready to Start Your House Cleaning Business?

Starting a house cleaning business can be one of the most rewarding and scalable paths to entrepreneurship, especially when you choose a model that’s built for success.

With The Cleaning Authority, you’re not just starting a cleaning company; you’re joining a brand that’s helped hundreds of franchisees build thriving businesses backed by systems, training, and trusted reputation. You’ll have a team guiding you through every stage, from market research to launch to expansion. Skip the uncertainty and start with confidence.

Get started on your ownership journey today!

Launch your business with established systems, national recognition, and the support you need to succeed. The Cleaning Authority is ready to help you take the first step toward ownership, the smarter, simpler, and more successful way to start a house cleaning business.