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Kickstart Your Home Cleaning Service: A No-Nonsense Plan to Launch Quickly and Land Your First Clients

  • Writer: DM Monticello
    DM Monticello
  • Jul 3
  • 7 min read


Looking for a simple, low-cost way to start your own business? A home cleaning business might be the perfect fit. With minimal startup expenses, flexible hours, and growing demand, residential cleaning is one of the easiest service businesses to launch.

This step-by-step guide walks you through everything—from setting up your business to landing your first paying clients.



Why Home Cleaning Is a Great Business to Start

Whether you're starting part-time or going full speed, a home cleaning business offers several key advantages.


Low Startup Costs

You don’t need a storefront, expensive equipment, or even a large team to begin. With basic supplies, transportation, and a well-organized plan, you can start cleaning homes within days.


High Recurring Income Potential

Most homeowners want ongoing service—weekly, biweekly, or monthly. That means you can build recurring income, which leads to stable cash flow and easier scheduling.


Flexible Schedule and Fast Market Entry

You can set your own hours, work locally, and begin serving your first clients without waiting weeks or months. It’s an ideal option for new entrepreneurs and side hustlers alike.



Step 1 – Choose Your Service Focus

Before you begin marketing or buying supplies, get clear on what type of home cleaning you’ll offer.


Standard vs. Deep vs. Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Most home cleaning businesses fall into these categories:

  • Standard cleaning: Light dusting, vacuuming, and kitchen/bathroom cleaning

  • Deep cleaning: More intensive—inside appliances, baseboards, vents, etc.

  • Eco-friendly: Using natural products, often appealing to families and allergy-sensitive clients

Offering different packages helps you upsell and attract a variety of clients.


What Homeowners Care About Most

Clients aren’t just buying cleaning—they’re buying trust, reliability, and peace of mind.

Make sure your service delivers:

  • On-time arrivals

  • Friendly and respectful communication

  • Consistent results

  • Safe cleaning products (if requested)


How to Differentiate in a Crowded Market

Set yourself apart with a clear value proposition:

  • “Kid- and pet-safe cleaners”

  • “Same cleaner every visit”

  • “Satisfaction guaranteed or it’s free”

You can also niche down—like cleaning for real estate agents or busy professionals—and charge a premium for fast, reliable service.



Step 2 – Set Up Your Business Properly

This step helps you stay legally compliant and professionally prepared from day one.


Register Your Business Name (DBA)

If you’re using a business name (e.g., “Fresh Start Home Cleaning”) instead of your legal name, file a Doing Business As (DBA) with your state or county.

This lets you:

  • Open a business bank account

  • Accept checks and payments in your brand name

  • Look more professional


Get a Business License and EIN

Most cities/counties require a general business license, even for home-based businesses. Fees are usually under $100.

You’ll also need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS to:

  • File taxes

  • Hire employees or contractors

  • Open a business bank account

Apply for an EIN for free on the IRS website.


Insurance and Bonding Basics

At minimum, get general liability insurance to protect against accidents or property damage. Residential clients also appreciate if you're bonded, which protects them in case of theft.

These give you an edge when marketing and help you qualify for higher-paying jobs.



Step 3 – Define Packages and Pricing

Having clear, well-priced service packages helps you convert inquiries into paying clients faster.


Hourly vs. Flat-Rate Pricing

  • Hourly rates (e.g., $30–$50/hour) are simple but can feel vague to customers

  • Flat-rate pricing (e.g., $150 for a 2-bedroom deep clean) helps set expectations and builds trust

Most home cleaners offer a mix, depending on job type.


Popular Home Cleaning Service Packages

Offer 2–3 tiers that align with different client needs:

  • Basic Clean: Light dusting, vacuuming, surface wipe-down

  • Deluxe Clean: Includes inside fridge/oven, baseboards, light fixtures

  • Move-in/Move-out Clean: Includes full detail, windows, and trash removal

Make sure you list what's included clearly on your website or estimate form.


How to Offer Recurring Discounts

To boost retention and steady income, offer price breaks for ongoing service:

  • Weekly: 20% off

  • Biweekly: 15% off

  • Monthly: 10% off

This turns one-time cleanings into long-term relationships.



Step 4 – Get Your First Clients Fast

You don’t need a big marketing budget to land your first 5–10 clients. You need hustle, reputation, and a few local tactics.


Local Networking and Referrals

Start with friends, family, and neighbors. Ask for:

  • Referrals

  • Google reviews

  • Permission to use before/after photos

You can even offer a free or discounted first cleaning in exchange for testimonials.


Google Business Profile + Reviews

Create a Google Business Profile with:

  • Your name, service area, and phone number

  • A few photos

  • A description of your services

  • Request reviews from early clients

This helps you show up when someone searches “home cleaner near me.” Learn more in How to Run SEO Accurately.


Flyers, Facebook Groups, and Nextdoor

Use neighborhood apps like Nextdoor and Facebook Buy/Sell groups to post about your service. Include:

  • Service areas

  • A simple offer (“$25 off your first cleaning”)

  • Your contact info or booking link

Print flyers and post them at coffee shops, dog parks, and local libraries. Even a basic marketing outreach system run by a VA can help you scale these efforts.



Step 5 – Set Up Basic Tools and Systems

Now that you’re getting clients, you need systems to stay organized, look professional, and reduce admin time.


Scheduling and Payment Apps

Don’t rely on text messages and cash to run your business. Use simple tools to streamline:

  • Calendly or Square Appointments – for scheduling

  • Wave, QuickBooks, or Square Invoices – for billing

  • Venmo Business or Stripe – for secure, trackable payments

These tools make your business feel polished and save hours each week.


Client Intake and Reminders

Create a basic client intake form with:

  • Name, address, preferred schedule

  • Home size and cleaning concerns

  • Pet or alarm info

You can use Google Forms or Typeform. Then, automate email or SMS reminders 24 hours before each cleaning.

Not tech-savvy? Hire a virtual assistant to set this up for you in just a few hours.


Use a VA to Stay Organized

A VA can:

  • Track bookings

  • Send follow-up emails and invoices

  • Maintain your review system

  • Update your calendar and website



Step 6 – Hire Help and Build Systems to Grow

You don’t have to do it all yourself. To scale past your own availability, start delegating.


When to Add Your First Team Member

Once you’re turning down jobs or feel stretched thin, it’s time to hire. Start with:

  • A second cleaner to assist on large jobs

  • A part-time contractor to take overflow

  • A VA to run the admin side

You’ll keep your quality high and reduce burnout.


Build SOPs for Client Visits

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) make onboarding easy and ensure consistency.

Document:

  • Arrival and departure process

  • What’s included in each cleaning tier

  • How to handle supplies, damage, or client questions

Use Google Docs or Notion to keep SOPs organized and accessible. A VA can even build these for you.


Automate Admin with OpsArmy Support

Use OpsArmy to handle:

  • Onboarding new clients

  • Sending quotes and reminders

  • Managing reviews and local SEO

  • Tracking recurring appointments

You get pro-level back-office support without hiring full-time staff.



Common Mistakes New Home Cleaners Make

Avoid these pitfalls to stay profitable and grow faster.


Undervaluing Their Time

Many new cleaners charge too little. Price your time based on:

  • Market rates

  • Your desired income

  • Travel time, supplies, and overhead

Remember, undercharging leads to burnout and difficulty hiring help later.


Not Tracking Leads and Follow-Ups

If you don’t follow up, clients forget. Use a simple CRM or a VA to track:

  • Who requested a quote

  • Who hasn’t rebooked

  • When to ask for a review


Doing Everything Manually

Manual admin eats into your profit. Use automation to handle:

  • Scheduling

  • Invoicing

  • Client reminders

Or delegate everything to a support VA from OpsArmy.



Essential Supplies for Your First 10 Clients

Starting lean doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Here’s a checklist of reliable, budget-friendly supplies to get you through your first jobs:

  • Microfiber cloths and dusters – reusable and streak-free

  • Multi-surface cleaner + disinfectant – opt for eco-friendly options

  • Glass cleaner – vinegar-based options are safe and effective

  • Vacuum + mop – lightweight models for speed and portability

  • Protective gloves + aprons – show professionalism and stay safe

  • Caddy or tote – keeps supplies organized and reduces trips

Bonus tip: Buy in bulk from warehouse stores or janitorial suppliers to save money. As you grow, you can delegate inventory tracking to a VA for even greater efficiency.



Case Studies: Real Founders Who Used OpsArmy to Grow


From Zero to 25 Recurring Clients in 3 Months

A solo cleaner in Austin used OpsArmy to:

  • Launch her website

  • Automate review requests

  • Set up a CRM

Within 90 days, she had 25+ recurring clients and hired her first assistant.


Reducing Admin Work by 15+ Hours a Week

One part-time cleaner struggled with email, scheduling, and invoicing. After hiring an OpsArmy VA, they:

  • Cut admin time by 75%

  • Reduced no-shows

  • Tripled their client capacity


Better Client Retention Through Automation

Another client set up a simple review and referral system using email automation. Their VA managed it all—leading to more 5-star reviews and word-of-mouth clients.



Final Tips to Build a Business That Lasts

Running a successful home cleaning business isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things.


Focus on Recurring Clients

They provide:

  • Stable income

  • Easier scheduling

  • Higher lifetime value

Offer recurring discounts and prioritize top-tier service for them.


Delegate Admin Early

You don’t have to wait until you’re overwhelmed. Use a VA from the beginning to help with:

  • Scheduling

  • Billing

  • Review collection

  • Email responses

This frees you to clean, market, and grow.


Systemize Everything

Create processes for:

  • New client onboarding

  • Quality checks

  • Client communications

Use tools + people to manage operations efficiently.



Why OpsArmy Is the Best Partner for Home Cleaning Entrepreneurs

Launching your business is just the start. Staying organized, compliant, and growth-focused takes real support.

That’s where OpsArmy comes in.

We help home cleaning founders:

  • Set up repeatable systems

  • Handle admin with VAs

  • Automate client communication

  • Scale without hiring full-time staff

Whether you need 5 hours of support or 50, OpsArmy gives you the reliable, remote team you need to grow confidently.



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