I started my cleaning business at 19 while I was working full-time in government recruitment. I'd never done a professional clean myself when I hired my first staff member. I was building my first house at the time, and later I was running the business with a newborn in my arms.
That business, Beskar Cleaning, grew across multiple locations, and I made almost every mistake you can make on the way. I learned it the hard way, through trial and error.
So this guide is how to start a cleaning business the way I wish I had: with the systems in place early, so the business grows without swallowing you whole.
▶ Watch: How to Grow a Cleaning Business in 2026 (Real Plan)
Why most new cleaning businesses stay stuck
When I first started, things looked great from the outside. Clients were coming in and word was spreading around town. Behind the scenes I was an absolute mess. I was quoting every job individually, going backwards and forwards with enquiries on Facebook, and relying on my brain to remember who to follow up.
I was working seven days a week covering for a different staff member every day, and I was proud of it. Looking back, I'd built myself a very stressful job with a logo on it.
Being brilliant at cleaning and being brilliant at running a cleaning business are two completely different skill sets. Nobody tells you that when you start. So here are the steps, in the order I'd do them again.
Step 1: Decide who you clean for
Before you buy a single product, decide who your ideal client is. Residential recurring (weekly or fortnightly)? End of lease? Commercial offices? Prestige homes?
This decision shapes everything: your pricing, your photos, your website, even who you hire. When I moved the family to Byron Bay, Beskar went prestige-only, and every part of the business had to change to match.
If you're unsure, residential recurring is usually the easiest place to start. Fortnightly clients give you predictable income and a roster you can hire around.
Step 2: Set up the business properly
Register your business, check your business name is available, and get insurance before your first job. In Australia that means an ABN, public liability insurance and, once you hire, workers' compensation. In the US, look at your state's registration, general liability insurance and bonding.
Set up a separate business bank account from day one. Future you will thank you at tax time.
Step 3: Price for results from your very first job
This is where I see the most money lost. When I started, I charged by the hour like everyone else. The day I stopped saying "it's $50 an hour" and started offering a flat-rate full property refresh with guaranteed results, my clients started treating my business like a professional company.
Hourly pricing invites people to watch the clock and haggle. Flat rates and clear packages build trust. I've written a full guide on how to price cleaning jobs if you want the detail.
Step 4: Build a brand and a real website
When someone needs a cleaner, they search, look at a few options and decide in seconds. In those seconds they're asking: can I trust these people, and do they look professional?
You need a proper logo, real photos of the kind of homes you want to clean, and a real website. I mean a site that says who you are, who you serve, what makes you different, and makes it easy to take the next step. Ideally it gives an instant quote. See what goes into a cleaning business website.
▶ Watch: How to start and grow a cleaning business that runs without you
Step 5: Get found on Google
Most people searching for a cleaner are searching locally. Set up your Google Business Profile with an accurate name, service area and real, current photos. Then start collecting reviews from your very first client.
Reviews are your most powerful asset. Fifty reviews from real people in your area do more selling than any ad you could ever run.
Step 6: Capture every lead and follow up
Leads will come through Instagram, Facebook, your website, email and your phone. If they all land in different places, some will get missed, and every missed lead is money walking out the door.
Put every enquiry in one place and reply fast. The business that responds first wins most of the time. Then follow up, because people who don't book usually haven't said no. Life just got in the way. My cleaning business marketing plan and how to get cleaning clients guides go deeper here.
Step 7: Systemise before you're busy
I put this off for years, and it cost me. Every quote, follow-up, booking reminder and review request that you do by hand is a task you'll be stuck doing forever.
Start simple: a quote template, a welcome email, automatic reminders, and a review request after every job. Then add more as you grow. If you're unsure what to fix first, read how to automate your cleaning business. This is exactly what we built the Aetos software to do.
Step 8: Plan your first hire early
The day someone quits is the day most cleaning businesses fall apart. Keep a "join our team" page live on your website all year, so you have people ready when you need them. Have a structured interview, onboarding and training process, even when you're small. More on that on our hiring funnels page.
How to start a commercial cleaning business
Commercial cleaning follows the same steps with a few differences. Your clients are office managers and property managers, so your website needs capability statements, insurance details and proof you can deliver after hours. Contracts are bigger and slower to win, so follow-up matters even more. Many owners start residential, build cash flow and reviews, then add commercial.
Know your numbers from day one
Track five numbers every month: sales, profit, cost per lead, client churn and team turnover. If you can't see them, you're guessing. I break this down in this longer training on turning your ideas into a plan.
▶ Watch: How to start and grow a cleaning business in 2026
A business without systems is just a very stressful job. Build the foundation first, then turn on the tap.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?
You can start a residential cleaning business with very little: insurance, business registration, basic equipment and products, and a simple website. Most of your early costs are time. Put your first profits into a proper website and systems before you spend on ads.
Can I start a cleaning business with no money?
Yes, many people start with their own car and a small kit of products. Keep it lean, price properly from your first job, and reinvest early profit into insurance, branding and a website so you look like a real business from the start.
How do I start a cleaning business in Australia?
Register for an ABN (and GST once you pass the threshold), get public liability insurance, choose your business name and check it is available, then set up your pricing, website and Google Business Profile. If you hire staff, learn your award rates, super and workers' compensation obligations before your first hire.
Should I start with residential or commercial cleaning?
Residential recurring cleaning is usually the easiest place to start because you can win jobs fast and get reviews quickly. Commercial cleaning brings bigger contracts and after-hours work, but longer sales cycles. Pick one to start, and build your systems around it.
How do I get my first cleaning clients?
Set up a Google Business Profile, a website with an instant quote, and a professional Facebook page, then tell everyone you know. Follow up every enquiry within minutes, and ask every happy client for a review.
Start with the right foundation
Start your free 30-day Aetos trial and get the software that runs your leads, quotes, bookings and follow-ups from one screen. Your trial includes our business document templates, including the business plan, policies and hiring documents. $97/month after your 30-day free trial, cancel anytime.
