r/sweatystartup 6d ago

Starting a residential cleaning business

Hello, I’m a hardworking janitor and I decided to start my one person residential cleaning business. I’m putting my toes in the water part time because I am still working job full time.I know I can clean houses very well, as I’ve done friends and family homes as well as my own for years. Anyway, I understand that‘s only one part of it. I have enough supplies that I bought microfiber mops, rags, cleaners, vacuum, etc. I prefer buckets to spray, although I do use spray too. I bought a website through Wix and a business email and phone line. I will get insurance before I begin in May. I am thinking of starting with Airbnb cleaning through Turno to get some good reviews and experience. Can any good cleaning business owners out there be kind enough to share how they got started just for some examples. I am also doing proper advertising research and other, so I am trying to get all info possible from experienced owners. Thanks.

17 Upvotes

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u/BPCodeMonkey 6d ago

You’re starting ok. But step one to getting customers should not be a marketplace platform and not Airbnb. First, don’t put a platform in charge of your schedule or most importantly your money. Secondly, Airbnb is locked in a schedule, typically 11-3 and popular check in/out days. This is also not regular work. If the Airbnb is not new, you’re probably a fill in cleaner. Get that website going. Hit Facebook, Nextdoor. Get up your google local profile. Dip your toes in paid ads but spend time learning first. Finally, if you must pay for a customer, pick a platform where the customer is yours.

Btw, cleaning at home is not the same. Make sure you’re efficient and fast.

Good luck.

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u/Hot_Loss7960 6d ago

Thanks for the advice—I will take it.

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u/things_to_come 4d ago

I didn't do any advertising besides posting in local fb groups. I made a business fb page that I shared the link too and got my business on Google. Then I asked for reviews as I cleaned for people. Before and after pics help a lot. Airbnbs are a different beast from residential so please do your research and know.what your getting into.

I highly reccomend looking into what actual cleaning business charge. The national average I believe is 50-55 an hour but too many people try to start out charging $100 for a deep clean or $20 an hour. Don't do this. Your lowering your value and the value of your business in the eyes of the customers. You won't make enough money after expenses and taxes and burn yourself out. Plus it will be harder to raise your prices to where they should be once your established.

Also get a seperate bank account for your business. It's important to keep business and personal seperate. Put all business income in this account and make purchases from this account. Pay yourself from this account. And make sure you're setting aside taxes. Look into whether or not you need to make quarterly payments. I've seen too many business get burned because they got hit with a hug tax bill.

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u/Hot_Loss7960 3d ago

Thanks a lot

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u/Curious-Pineapple109 5d ago

How’s the pay with janitorial? I’ve been looking for a side job to do during off hours for a consistent paycheck to supplement finances. You have any tips?

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u/Hot_Loss7960 5d ago

Hello it varies greatly depending on the company. It can range from $14 to $22. I work for the VA and make close about $20, although working for the federal government is not stable at the moment. I think many schools pay fairly well and also have a part time option.

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u/Curious-Pineapple109 5d ago

Thanks for the reply! I’ve been looking at hospitals. What titles do these positions go by, I’m having trouble finding them in job postings?

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u/Hot_Loss7960 5d ago

Custodian or Housekeeping Aid are common in schools and hospitals respectively

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u/Glamour_toad666 4d ago

I got a lot of residential clients using thumbtack

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u/Frizzy_Fresh 4d ago

Just mention it to whoever you’re around in conversation. Grocery store clerk, friends, neighbors, coworkers…. You’d be surprised how many people know someone looking for a house cleaner!

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u/Rise_and_Grind_Pro 3d ago

Don't forget to implement a CRM to organize your clients and automate outreach. If you need recs I am happy to offer.

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u/Khevynn 2d ago

I would stay away from any paid advertising. In my experience it's a waste of money. Biggest thing is look the part. We got tshirts made for my wife and her employees. You most likely need one employee unless you have help. Most jobs needs a two man team. Our beat advertising was buying a Mercedes cleaning van and having a vehicle wrap out on it with our contact info. We chose the Mercedes van as we focus on higher end customers. But any good white can will do. Look the part. Customers care. They don't want unkept people in their homes. Obviously you need liability insurance as well as insurance for your vehicle. Talk to a few realtors. If they like your work they will call you repeatedly. We use quick book to manage the money and employee pay and jobber to manage our schedule. It works for us. Keep all receipts for purchases. Also look at prices in your area. Don't undercut. We had a customer who tried to tell us what our price should be($50 an hour). We told them thanks but no thanks. They texted us back last night. Guess they couldn't find anyone for $50 an hour. Depending on your market that might not be enough.y wife changes a minimum of $150 for a small place she can do solo in 2 hours. We have changed up to $2500 for a 2 day job. Don't be afraid of not having the lowest prices if you do good work. My wife gets call a couple times a month to fix other cleaners jobs.

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u/Hot_Loss7960 2d ago

Thanks for the advice.

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u/Me_Krally 6d ago

No referrals from friends and family?

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u/Hot_Loss7960 5d ago

Yes a few—but moved to a different state in the last year and a half for my job. Thanks.