How to Start a Commercial Cleaning Business

This business is needed because not all businesses can afford (or don’t want) to maintain in-house cleaning staff. These companies fill in the gaps needed to maintain a business without requiring the business to commit to the full costs and overhead of an employee.

Learn how to start your own Commercial Cleaning Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services.

Start a commercial cleaning business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Commercial Cleaning Business
  2. Form your Commercial Cleaning Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Commercial Cleaning Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Commercial Cleaning Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Commercial Cleaning Business
  7. Get Commercial Cleaning Business Insurance
  8. Define your Commercial Cleaning Business Brand
  9. Create your Commercial Cleaning Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your commercial cleaning business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Commercial Cleaning Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your commercial cleaning business?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening a commercial cleaning business?

Costs to start a cleaning business are minimal. It can be started on a shoestring budget for less than $500. A larger company may budget up to $100,000 and start with professional cleaning equipment like floor waxing machines, floor washers, commercial mops and cleaning buckets, and cleaning and service vans.

What are the ongoing expenses for a commercial cleaning business?

Ongoing expenses for a cleaning company include cleaning supplies, utilities, insurance, and maintenance for transport vehicles. These costs may range from a few hundred dollars for smaller operations to many thousands of dollars (or millions of dollars) for larger companies.

Who is the target market?

Preferred client types are large commercial clients. Most cleaning businesses work with big chain restaurants. Undesirable clients are companies that have no need for ongoing cleaning services.

 

How does a commercial cleaning business make money?

These businesses make money by charging clients a fee for cleaning services.

How much can you charge customers?

Businesses can charge clients an hourly rate between $50 to $150 per hour, with a small crew of 2 cleaners typically charging $50 per hour. Smaller crews tend to take longer to complete jobs, however, so the total cost may be higher for the client. Cleaners can also charge a flat-rate for services. This makes sense when you know you can complete a job on time or under an equivalent hourly billing time.

For example, let's say you know a job normally takes 10 hours to complete. If you charge the customer $50 per hour, you will end up with $500 in billable cleaning hours. However, you may decide to charge a flat fee for services of $600 to $750. The higher fee guarantees that you'll finish on time and protects the customer from unexpected expenses due to longer-than-expected cleaning requirements.

The risk to the business is that a job may actually take longer than expected to complete, resulting in a partial or total loss of profit on the job.

How much profit can a commercial cleaning business make?

Profit margins for a cleaning company can be thin. Some companies only profit 1% to 5%. However, if you’re a smaller company working with a small cleaning crew, it’s entirely possible to price your services at a 20% to 40% profit. Local markets will dictate your pricing unless you offer value-added services that can’t easily be compared to the competition.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Making your business more profitable usually means specializing in one type of industry or offering value-added services. For example, you might specialize in cleaning hospital kitchens, which may require certain specialized knowledge of hospital cleaning procedures and processes (including sanitation requirements).

You might also choose to offer value-added services, like complimentary cleaning of blinds and doing laundry service for clients. You could also increase the value of your services by offering cleaning services for special equipment, like ice cream machines.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your commercial cleaning business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services. You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a commercial kitchen cleaning business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Service Agreement

Commercial kitchen cleaning businesses should consider requiring clients to sign a service agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example service agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your commercial kitchen cleaning business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations

Commercial kitchen cleaning business owners may interact with harmful chemicals and it is important to reference to OSHA’s (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) rules and general standards for chemicals:

  • Standard 1910.1200 states that employees be adequately informed of all potential hazards when working with chemicals
  • Standard 1910.132 states that the necessary personal protection equipment be provided to the employee working with chemicals, such as safety glasses, a face mask and suitable gloves

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Commercial Cleaning Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Commercial Cleaning Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners, we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended: Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a commercial cleaning business

Commercial cleaning businesses are usually started organically.

Simple ways to start a cleaning business are to go door-to-door and find prospects who need your services. Contact local business owners you know and ask if you can clean their kitchens at a discounted rate. Get referrals from those business owners and expand. You can also hire a mailing list broker and mail all the restaurants, hospitals, and other businesses with kitchens in your local area.

Follow up with a phone call and offer for services. If you have a business's email, try using email marketing.

How to keep customers coming back

Differentiate yourself through specialization. Some companies specialize in schools, for example, and may offer value-added services unique to that type of organization, such as decoration services and removal before and after holidays or during special events.

Another way to attract customers is to offer discounts on cleaning services or special packages for first-time customers. Run promotions and contests so customers have the opportunity to win free or discounted cleaning services. Offer a referral or loyalty program to your existing customers.

Permanently discount rates for long-time customers in exchange for referral business.

Finally, consider offering discounts for services that exceed a specific dollar amount or for long-term cleaning contracts.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is perfect for individuals who are passionate about cleaning and have good attention to detail. Business owners should also be passionate about working with other business owners and maintaining high standards for cleanliness.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a commercial cleaning business?

Day-to-day activities of a kitchen cleaning service include cleaning and maintenance of kitchens and related areas. Daily cleaning regimens include:

  • Changing foil linings for grills, ranges, and flattops
  • Disinfecting prep areas
  • Wiping and cleaning grills, ranges, fryers, and underneath all equipment
  • Washing can openers and meat slicers
  • Wiping down walls and back splashes
  • Mopping floors
  • Cleaning machines
  • Disinfecting waste disposal areas
  • Running hood filters through the company’s dishwasher
  • Washing and sanitizing walk-in coolers
  • Deliming sinks and faucets
  • Cleaning floor drains
  • Changing pest traps

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful commercial cleaning business?

Being a successful cleaning business means that you have staff that are well-versed in various cleaning methodologies, have good attention to detail, and are knowledgeable about how to mix and use cleaning products and equipment. This is a very labor-intensive job and, while not heavily skill-dependent, it does require stamina.

What is the growth potential for a commercial cleaning business?

Growth potential for this business is significant.

Small cleaning operations can be run by a staff of one person, but at least 2 to 3 is preferable. Larger operations can employ 10 to 50 employees, or even hundreds of cleaners. HOODZ and Janiking are examples of large cleaning companies that operate as a franchise.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a commercial cleaning business?

Focus on small business owners instead of large chain restaurants because large corporations may already have long term partnerships with professional (and established) cleaning services. Smaller companies may also have a greater need for services but can't afford to hire a full-time employee. These may be smaller jobs but will form your "core clients."

How and when to build a team

Building a team is necessary usually from the start. Unless you are working with very small businesses, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Start by hiring a small cleaning crew and expand as revenue and profit allows. A small business can be started with just one or two cleaners. You can expand the business to accommodate anywhere between 10 and 100 employees. This would be considered a mid-sized company. Large commercial cleaners employ thousands of people or franchise the business.

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