Start a house cleaning business

Typically $500 to $3,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It can start part-time, around another job.

Licenses and permits

Information, not legal advice

This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.

The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city. Pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page.

What it takes

To start: Typically $500 to $3,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Time: It can start part-time, around another job.
License to practice: The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits.
How it charges: Per visit or per hour, with deep cleans quoted.

Cleaning supplies and equipment
Liability insurance, and bonding if clients ask for it
A way to get to clients’ homes

What goes wrong early

Physical work limits how many homes a day
Damage or breakage claims without insurance
Clients cancel or skip visits

Steps to start

Check the licenses and permits. The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
Get what you need to start. Cleaning supplies and equipment. Liability insurance, and bonding if clients ask for it. A way to get to clients’ homes. Typically $500 to $3,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Set your prices. Per visit or per hour, with deep cleans quoted.
Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (services, your area, reviews and a quote request form) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and unanswered message nudges. You approve anything that matters.

What Allpage sets up

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (services, your area, reviews and a quote request form) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and unanswered message nudges. You approve anything that matters.

Review requests after visits. Asks customers for a review the day after they come to a session or appointment.
Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.
Rebooking reminders. Asks customers to book again a set time after a visit, if they haven’t already.
Unanswered message nudges. Reminds you when a customer’s message hasn’t had a reply.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a house cleaning business?

Typically $500 to $3,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.

Can I start a house cleaning business part-time?

It can start part-time, around another job.

Does a house cleaning business need a license?

The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.

How do businesses like it usually charge?

Per visit or per hour, with deep cleans quoted.

What goes wrong early?

Physical work limits how many homes a day. Damage or breakage claims without insurance. Clients cancel or skip visits.