5 Ways to Get Cleaning Clients for Free

5 Ways to Get Cleaning Clients for Free

When you're just getting started in your cleaning business, there’s one big challenge: finding paying clients.

You’ve got the supplies. You’ve got the drive. But what you don’t have is a budget for ads—or a clue where to begin. But, here’s the truth: most profitable cleaners get their first clients without spending a dime on marketing.

In fact, I’m going to show you exactly how to book your first 5 cleaning clients—using zero paid ads and strategies that actually work.

1. Start With Your Inner Circle

Your first clients are usually hiding in plain sight. This is exactly how I started and built my business! 

Friends, family, neighbors, your church group, moms from your kids’ school—this network is full of people who either need your services or know someone who does. You’re not asking them to book you on the spot.

All you're doing is letting people know you’ve launched your business and you’re open to taking on clients. Keeping your message simple and clear makes it easier for people to respond.

And honestly, I was surprised how often they didn’t just refer me—they’d say, “Oh! I actually need my house cleaned. Can you help?”

You never know who’s been thinking about hiring someone until you ask.

2. Use Local Facebook Groups

Facebook community groups are a gold mine for cleaners, especially when you're just starting out. These groups are full of local people—your ideal clients—who are actively looking for help around the house or know someone who is. And the best part? They're completely free to post in.

But to really make this strategy work, you need to approach it the right way.

Start by joining a handful of neighborhood or city-based groups where members post about local services, events, and recommendations. Take time to read the group rules—some allow business promotions on certain days, while others prefer you offer value before promoting yourself.

When you’re ready to post, make sure your message is friendly, honest, and clear. A short intro about who you are, what area you serve, and that you’re taking on new clients is enough. Don’t try to sound overly polished—authenticity builds trust.

Photos make a huge difference too. Include a picture of your cleaning kit, a freshly cleaned space (even your own home), or a simple behind-the-scenes shot. These visuals help people feel more comfortable reaching out.

The key is consistency. You don’t need to post every day, but being active weekly and showing up in conversations keeps your name fresh in people’s minds—without being salesy.

3. Drop Flyers at the Right Local Spots

Flyers still work—especially when you’re strategic about where you place them. The key is to show up where your ideal clients are already spending their time. Think high-traffic, community-oriented spots like hair salons, laundromats, dance studios, coffee shops with bulletin boards, local gyms, and apartment buildings. If your service caters to families or busy professionals, don’t overlook preschools, libraries, or neighborhood markets.

Your flyer doesn’t need to be fancy. In fact, simple and clear wins. Include just the essentials: who you are, what you offer, the area you serve, and how someone can reach you. Add a warm, approachable tone and a clear, friendly call to action like “Let’s chat!” or “Need help? Call today.” When it comes to design, clean and professional is more effective than flashy or cluttered—think legibility and trustworthiness over bold colors and gimmicks.

And don’t forget: flyers work best when refreshed regularly. Revisit your drop locations every few weeks to restock or swap in updated versions with seasonal offers or new services.

4. Offer a Limited-Time Client Bonus

When you're just getting started, attracting your first few clients is all about building trust and creating momentum. One simple and effective way to do that is by offering a limited-time bonus that gives people a reason to try your service now—not later.

This could be something like a discount for your first few clients, a free add-on such as baseboard cleaning or inside-the-fridge detailing, or a referral bonus for anyone who helps bring in new business. Keep it small, strategic, and value-packed. It’s not about underpricing yourself—it’s about making your offer feel a little more irresistible.

The key is to make it feel exclusive. Use phrases like “First 5 Clients Only,” “Introductory Offer Until [insert date],” to create a sense of urgency. These kinds of time-sensitive offers stand out because they feel special—and they give potential clients that little extra nudge to book now.

Incentives like these help you build trust quickly, turn one-time clients into repeat customers, and encourage word-of-mouth referrals. Best of all, they get your name out there while you build your reputation.

5. Turn Your Early Wins Into Referrals

Once you’ve cleaned a home or two and left a great impression, don’t let that momentum go to waste—your happy clients can become your strongest marketing tool. People trust recommendations from those they know, and a personal referral carries far more weight than a flyer or ad ever could.

Ask for referrals with confidence. If someone is genuinely pleased with your work, they’ll often be glad to pass your name along to a friend, neighbor, or coworker. Sometimes, they just need a little reminder or prompt. A quick follow-up text or email saying “Thank you so much—I’d love to help more great people like you. If you know anyone looking for help, feel free to send them my way!” goes a long way.

You can also offer a small bonus as a thank-you—something like a discount on their next clean, a free add-on, or a gift card when a referral books. This small gesture not only shows appreciation but also motivates them to keep spreading the word.

This isn’t just theory—it’s exactly how I was able to build my business in the early days. By showing up, doing great work, and asking for the referral, I created a steady stream of word-of-mouth clients. It’s one of the smartest and most sustainable ways to grow, especially when you're just starting out and want to build trust within your local community.

💥Bonus: Stick With It for 30 Days

You only need five yeses—but that doesn’t happen overnight.

Consistency is key. Show up in local groups, follow up with your inner circle, hand out those flyers, and stay visible. Give yourself 30 days of focused action and you’ll be amazed at the results.

🎁 Free Resource: Your Cleaning Business Start-Up Checklist

Ready to launch your cleaning business the right way—without second-guessing every step?

Grab my free Cleaning Business Start-Up Checklist to set yourself up for success from day one. This easy-to-follow checklist walks you through everything you need to get started with confidence and making a great first impression.

No fluff. Just the essentials to help you start strong and stay focused.

✨ Want more practical resources, support, and real-life strategies like this? Come join the Profitable Solo Cleaner Membership—it’s where new and growing cleaners get the tools, coaching, and community to grow with confidence.

Check Out The Membership Here🚀

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For over 30 years, Trisha built and ran her own successful cleaning business, handpicking her schedule and consistently earning $5,000+ a month—all while working part-time as a solo cleaner. Now, she’s here to help you do the same! Whether you’re just starting solo or already have a small team, Trisha’s vast experience can help you grow your business and boost profits without adding more hours. She'll teach you how to avoid common mistakes new cleaning business owners make and run your business profitably from day one. With over three decades of experience, learning from Trisha is the fastest, most reliable way to launch or scale your thriving cleaning business!