How To Start A Commercial Cleaning Business

With 77 billion square feet of commercial floor space in the United States, the profit potential in the commercial cleaning industry is huge.

Especially if you consider the fact that office buildings, while being the largest segment in the industry, only account for 31% of the total contracts.

There is a great opportunity to come into the commercial cleaning industry and make a killing, but it’s important that you know what you’re doing.

The average commercial cleaning company will lose up to 55% of their customer base every year. This may seem like a scary statistic, but it’s really just more opportunity for you.

These contracts are lost because of a lack of quality service.

So if you are able to enter the industry and provide a great service, you’ll be in high demand. The key is retaining your clients and keeping them happy.

Luckily, we cover all of that here.

There is nothing more attractive than walking into a place that is both organized and clean. It may seem simple to start your own commercial cleaning venture, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re opening a new business.

Most people find it is most challenging when they are starting up because of all the legal work that comes when they incorporate. But once you get past the initial hurdles, there’s not much to cover other than the cleaning.

Here’s one thing to think about: Choose your products wisely; consumers will also decide whether or not to hire you based on what you use. There’s a big green effort right now and a concern about the chemicals we’re exposed to on a daily basis.

Did you learn the struggles of having to do chores at a young age?

Do you understand what it is like to have to tidy your room, clean the dishes, and mop the floors?

If so, you are natural, and this will not be a struggle for you. Professionally cleaning a place should be no different than cleaning your home. It is a business that those that have an eye for cleaning will enjoy and will truly appreciate.

How Big Is The Commercial Cleaning Industry

Over 3.2 million people in the US are working in this multi-billion dollar industry.

Did you know most businesses are operated by an individual? Even the most successful of cleaning companies continually have people partnering with them as a franchise.

However, there are just as many solo businesses that people start from scratch without the assistance. You will have to choose which of the two options you would like to pursue.

Whichever path you choose to take, you’ll need a solid business plan in order to separate yourself from the competition and keep your customers happy.

Why Starting a Commercial Cleaning Business Now is a Good Idea

The best thing about starting any business is the ability to be your own boss. With no schooling or advanced skills required, it’s easy to get your family and close friends involved in the beginning.

The industry is continuing to grow and is projected to experience a 5% spike. With more opportunities and the ability to do a better a job than your competition, you can start your own commercial cleaning company now and create a great future for yourself.

Commercial Cleaning Business Facts

Commercial Cleaning Business Startup Costs

The amount will depend entirely on you, but the good thing is it can be as inexpensive as you’d like.

You could start an office or home cleaning business with nothing more than $100 in your hand. Now that is a shoe-string budget.

Or you can go big and start a corporation that can handle many different jobs at once.

Choose the option that fits your budget. If you start out small now, you can always grow once you’ve generated some revenues.

How Much Do Commercial Cleaners Make?

The typical range is $30,000-$150,000 annually.

The good thing about starting this business is that you can hit the ground running and start making money right away.

Clients may start calling you within a few days and you will start sending them quotes in the same week.

How Much Do Commercial Cleaners Charge?

The easiest way for you to figure out your pricing structure would be to shop around in your area and look at other cleaning businesses.

See what they charge and how their payment plans work.

Most will charge by the hour and rates vary with how many workers there are.

You’ll also want to consider the space — are you cleaning a kitchen or a bathroom? How dirty does space get on a daily basis?

Time is money, so make sure you are getting paid appropriately for yours.

For example, you may charge $30 per hour for one person cleaning or $50 when two clean.

What Do I Need for A Commercial Cleaning Businesses?

What you’ll need will depend on how big you plan on starting out. Here are the basics:

You will need to have a surface cleaner for tiles, granite, wood and other types of solid surfaces.

You should have a broom, dustpan, mop, cleaning clothes, vacuum, dusters, stepladders, buckets and possibly a carpet cleaner.

The greener your equipment, the better.

Can I Start From Home?: Yes

Average Startup Cost: $1,000 – $40,000

How Many People Work In The Industry (US): 3.2 million

Average Earnings: $30,000 – $50,000 annually

What Skills Are Required: You just need to know how to clean and enjoy doing it.

How Do Commercial Cleaners Find Customers: Through referrals, businesses, homes, and advertising.

Detailed Startup Requirements

Legal: $300

Uniforms: $100

Brochure: $200

Insurance: $500

Stationary: $50

Cleaning Equipment: $800

Communication Equipment: $100

Office Furniture: $100

Supplies: $200

Total: $2,350

Cleaning Business Ideas

Promote and use Green or Organic products. You can even make them on your own. Vinegar and baking soda work perfectly together.

You can also cleanse with a citrus solution like lime or lemons.

You can find a lot of eco-friendly products like Seventh Generation to use. It is best to refrain from chemicals.

What About A Name?

Try not to pick one that sounds cutesy. Find one that sounds professional and easy to remember. Choose a name that best embodies your company and decide on something that shows what you do.

JR’s Xtreme Clean Miami’s Professional Commercial Cleaning

City’s Best Cleaning Maids Sarah’s Serious Cleaning Business

Shine and Sparkle Cleaning Florida’s One and Done Cleaning Service

Peachy Clean Dirt Busters

April’s Fresh Cleaning Service Green Clean Team

Tip Top Married to the Mop

Dust to Shine Cinderella Cleaners

Whisk Drive Krystal Clear Cleaning Service