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Crafting the Perfect House Cleaning Business Plan

March 01, 20255 min read

Starting a house cleaning business can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make—but only if you set it up the right way from the beginning. The most successful cleaning businesses don’t happen by chance. They are built on a solid foundation with clear goals, smart pricing, and efficient systems.

If you want to avoid the frustration of low-paying clients, unrealistic expectations, and burnout, you need a plan—a house cleaning business plan that sets you up for long-term profitability. Let’s break down the key components of a successful plan so you can build a business that pays well, runs smoothly, and attracts high-quality clients.

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1. Define Your Business Model

Before anything else, decide what type of house cleaning business you want to run

Solo Cleaner or Hiring a Team? Will you be cleaning solo or eventually hiring employees? Many new business owners think they need a team to make good money, but I built a six-figure cleaning business as a solo cleaner. If you set up your business the right way, you can make excellent money without the headaches of managing employees.

  • Recurring Clients or One-Time Jobs? I always recommend focusing on weekly and biweekly clients rather than one-time cleanings. Recurring clients bring stability, predictable income, and less hassle than constantly chasing new leads.

  • Service Area & Niche? Decide where you’ll clean and who your ideal clients are. Will you serve specific neighborhoods, high-end homes, busy professionals, or families? Narrowing your focus helps attract the right clients..

Cleaning girl

2. Create a Pricing Strategy That Works for You

One of the biggest mistakes new cleaning business owners make is underpricing their services. Charging too little attracts low-quality clients, leads to burnout, and makes it impossible to grow.

Here’s what you need to consider when setting your prices:

  • Don’t charge hourly – Instead, price your services based on the value and results you provide.

  • Use a first-time cleaning rate – I don’t offer deep cleanings. Instead, I use a "1st Time Cleaning" approach that ensures the first clean sets the right expectations.

  • Have clear pricing for recurring cleanings – Create a pricing model that rewards consistent clients and discourages those looking for cheap, one-time cleanings

lady cleaning bathtub

3. Set Up Policies & Agreements to Protect Your Business

Having clear business policies in place from day one will save you from headaches and lost income. Clients need to know how your business operates—before they hire you.

Your policies should cover:

Payment & Deposits – When and how clients must pay you.
Late Payments & Returned Check Fees – What happens if a client doesn’t pay on time?
Cancellations & Reschedules – Will you charge a fee for last-minute cancellations? (
What’s Included (and What’s Not) – Clients need to know exactly what services you provide so there are no surprises.

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4. Get Clients Without Spending a Dime on Ads

You don’t need a fancy website or paid ads to attract great clients. I built my business entirely through referrals, networking, and Facebook groups—and you can too.

Here’s what works:

  • Optimize your Facebook profile & business page so people immediately know you run a cleaning business.

  • Join local Facebook groups where homeowners and community members are looking for trusted service providers.

  • Engage authentically – Don't just post ads; offer value, answer questions, and show that you’re a real, reliable business owner.

  • Leverage referrals – Happy clients will gladly refer you if you ask! Create a simple referral program to encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

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5. Keep It Simple & Set Yourself Up for Success

Too many new cleaning business owners overcomplicate things. You don’t need a big team, fancy software, or expensive advertising. You need:

✅ A strong foundation (pricing, policies, and agreements)
✅ A
simple client acquisition strategy (word-of-mouth and Facebook)
✅ A
repeatable system for recurring income (weekly & biweekly clients)

This business is about creating a life and income on your terms. When done right, house cleaning can provide financial freedom, flexibility, and the ability to build long-term client relationships.


Need Help Starting or Growing Your Solo Cleaning Business?

Profitable Solo Cleaner

If you’re ready to take your house cleaning business to the next level but need guidance, support, and proven strategies, The Profitable Solo Cleaners Society is here to help!

This membership is designed for brand-new solo cleaners and those who already have clients but want to grow a profitable, stress-free business.

Inside, you’ll get:

Build a solid foundation to set your business up for success and profitability
Weekly Q&A sessions to get your questions answered
Step-by-step guidance on pricing, marketing, and getting high-paying clients
Proven strategies to attract recurring clients without paid ads
Exclusive trainings & resources to help you streamline your business
Accountability & expert insights to help you stay on track and reach your goals

And much more!

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Join The Profitable Solo Cleaners Society today and build a business that gives you financial stability, flexibility, and the success you deserve!

👉 Click here to learn more and join now!

Trisha Carinne

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!

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Trisha Carinne

Trisha Carinne is a 30+ years successful cleaning business owner

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