How To Start A Cleaning Business
Starting a cleaning business is one of the lowest-cost, highest-margin businesses you can launch. You don't need premises, qualifications or a big loan — most cleaners start with under £300 of equipment.
This guide walks you through every step, in order, so you can launch in 2–4 weeks and start earning.
1. Decide what kind of cleaning you'll do
The fastest path is to pick one niche to start with: domestic regular cleans, end of tenancy, Airbnb turnovers, or small office cleaning. Niching down lets you price confidently and market more effectively.
You can always add services later. Don't try to do everything from day one.
2. Register your business
In the UK, the simplest route is registering as a sole trader with HMRC — it takes 10 minutes online and is free. If you want a separate legal entity, set up a Limited Company through Companies House (~£12).
Open a separate bank account for the business. It makes tax time vastly easier.
3. Get insurance
Public liability insurance (£2m–£5m) is essential. It costs around £8–£15/month from providers like Simply Business or Hiscox. Add employers' liability if you hire staff (legally required).
4. Buy basic equipment (under £300)
- Vacuum (Henry or similar): £100–£140
- Mop, bucket, microfibre cloths: £30–£40
- Multi-surface, bathroom, kitchen, glass cleaners: £30
- Rubber gloves, aprons, bin bags: £20
- Caddy/carry case: £15
- Printed business cards: £10
5. Set your prices
See our pricing guide for the full framework. The short version: work out what one hour of work actually costs you, add the take-home pay you want on top, then price each service per job rather than per hour wherever you can.
6. Get your first 10 clients
These three steps will get you fully booked within 60 days in most areas:
- Set up a Google Business Profile (free — see our guide).
- Join 3–5 local Facebook groups and answer cleaning requests.
- Tell every friend, neighbour and family member you've started — one referral often triggers four more.
7. Set up your admin from day one
Even with one client, get this in place:
- A way to send professional quotes and invoices.
- A schedule (CleanFlow, not a notebook).
- Reminders to clients before each visit.
- A stock list so you don't run out mid-job.
8. Track everything for tax
Save every receipt — equipment, fuel, insurance, software, training. Most of these are tax-deductible. Set aside 25% of every payment for tax until you know your actual liability.
9. Plan for growth from day one
Even if you're solo now, set up systems as if you'll have a team in 12 months. It's much easier to grow into a system than to build one once you're overwhelmed. CleanFlow's £9.99/month plan grows with you — clients, jobs, invoices, team and stock in one place from day one.
Real-world example
Tom started his cleaning business in Nottingham with £240 of equipment in January 2025. By April he had 14 weekly clients (£1,950/month recurring) using only Google Business Profile and one Facebook group. He hired his first cleaner in September and was at £5,400/month by year-end.
Nothing exotic. Just consistent, professional execution.
How to start a cleaning business with no money
Starting a cleaning business with no money is realistic because the equipment cost is low (under £150 minimum) and you can do your first clean before any marketing spend. Begin with friends and family for paid practice runs, then reinvest each clean into a Google Business Profile, insurance and basic equipment.
Do you need a licence to start a cleaning business in the UK?
No specific licence is required to start a domestic or general commercial cleaning business in the UK. You need to register with HMRC (sole trader or limited company) and hold public liability insurance. Specialist services (biohazard, healthcare) require additional certifications.
Cleaning business plan essentials
A simple one-page cleaning business plan beats a 40-page document you never read again. Cover: services offered, target client, pricing, marketing channels, monthly revenue goal, and what you'll automate from day one (scheduling, invoicing, reminders).
Best cleaning business software for beginners
New cleaning businesses benefit most from an all-in-one tool that handles clients, schedule, invoices, team and stock without bolt-ons. CleanFlow's flat £9.99/month plan removes the per-user pricing trap most platforms use.
Everything CleanFlow handles for you
Built specifically for cleaning businesses — no setup fees, no per-user pricing.
People also ask
Common related searches cleaning business owners run on Google.
How much does it cost to start a cleaning business in the UK?+
Under £300 covers equipment, insurance and registration for a domestic cleaning business. Commercial is slightly higher (£500–£800) for larger machines and broader insurance.
Do I need to register a cleaning business with HMRC?+
Yes — register as a sole trader (free, 10 minutes online) or set up a Limited Company through Companies House (~£12). Open a separate bank account for the business from day one.
How much can a cleaning business earn in the first year?+
Solo cleaners typically reach £1,500–£3,500/month in the first 6 months and £3,000–£6,000/month within 12 months of consistent marketing.
What insurance do I need to start a cleaning business?+
Public liability insurance of £2m–£5m is essential. Add employers' liability if you hire staff. Most small cleaners pay £8–£15/month for full cover.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?
You can launch a domestic cleaning business in the UK for under £300 — equipment, insurance and registration. Commercial requires slightly more (better hoover, more chemicals, larger insurance).
Do I need qualifications to start a cleaning business?
No qualifications are required for domestic or general commercial cleaning. For specialist work (biohazard, healthcare deep clean) you'll need specific certifications.
Should I be a sole trader or limited company?
Most cleaners start as sole traders — it's simpler and cheaper. Switch to a limited company once you're earning £40k+/year for tax efficiency and liability protection.
How long until a cleaning business is profitable?
Most solo cleaners are profitable from month 1 because startup costs are so low. Replacing a full-time salary usually takes 4–8 months of consistent marketing.
Ready to run your cleaning business the easy way?
Join hundreds of cleaning business owners who use CleanFlow to manage clients, jobs, invoices and team in one app.