How To Start A Cleaning Business And Make Six Figures

Starting a house cleaning business might seem like a simple way to earn some extra cash, but here’s the truth: if done right, it can turn into a six-figure income, even as a solo cleaner. Yes, you read that correctly—you don’t need a team or a massive operation to make serious money in this industry. I’ve done it myself, and I’m here to share how you can, too!

Whether you’re looking for flexibility, financial freedom, or a way to build something of your own, the house cleaning business is a fantastic option. It’s straightforward to start, doesn’t require a lot of upfront investment, and the demand is HUGE. Ready to dive in? Let’s talk about how you can get started and make it happen.

1. Start with the Basics: What You’ll Need

The first step to building a successful house cleaning business is setting up your foundation. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Business Name: Choose something simple, professional, and memorable.

• Register Your Business: Be sure to register your business with your local government offices/County Clerk

• Basic Supplies: Cleaning products, microfiber cloths, mop, and gloves. (Pro tip: Use your clients’ vacuums to avoid spreading germs and contaminants between homes.)

• Policies and Checklists: These are game-changers. Have clear policies for payments, cancellations, and services offered. Use cleaning checklists to set client expectations and stay organized.

• Business Bank Account: Keep your personal and business finances separate. This makes tax time much easier and looks more professional.

Be sure you grab my FREE Checklist above

2. Know Your Worth and Price for Profit

This is where many new cleaners go wrong. They undercharge because they think people won’t pay more. Big mistake. The key to earning six figures is pricing your services based on the value you provide, not just the time it takes to clean.

For example, think about the peace of mind and extra time you’re giving your clients. That’s priceless! A typical solo cleaner working part-time can make $5,000 a month if they price their services correctly. Scale that up to full-time, and you’re looking at six figures.

3. Start Solo and Keep It Simple

You don’t need a fancy website, a team, or expensive ads to get started. In fact, I built my six-figure cleaning business with just word-of-mouth referrals, networking, and community connections.

Start small:

• Focus on recurring clients like weekly or biweekly cleanings.

• Deliver exceptional results and build relationships with your clients. Happy clients lead to referrals!

4. Set Yourself Apart from the Competition

The house cleaning industry is competitive, but standing out is easier than you think. Here’s how:

• Be Professional: Show up on time, communicate clearly, and follow through.

• Have Clear Policies: Clients respect a business that’s organized.

• Use Checklists: Clients love seeing exactly what they’re paying for.

By being reliable and professional, you’ll attract higher-paying clients who value quality over price.

5. Scale Up Without Hiring a Team

The beauty of this business is that you don’t need employees to grow. As a solo cleaner, you can streamline your services, become more efficient, and charge premium rates. Focus on quality, not quantity, and you’ll find clients willing to pay top dollar.

For example, instead of offering deep cleaning services, use a "First-Time Cleaning" approach based on a detailed checklist. This method sets clear expectations and almost doubles your profits without the stress of underpricing.

Why Six Figures as a Solo Cleaner Is Possible

Let’s break it down:

• If you charge $150 per house and clean 2 houses a day, 5 days a week, that’s $1,500 a week.

• Multiply that by 50 weeks (giving yourself 2 weeks off), and you’re at $75,000 a year.

• Add in upsells like extra services or holiday cleanings, and hitting six figures is entirely within reach.

Ready to Get Started?

Starting a house cleaning business can give you the flexibility and income you’ve been dreaming of. It’s about more than just cleaning—it’s about creating a life and business on your terms.

Remember, you don’t need to overcomplicate things. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your business grow. Before you know it, you’ll be hitting that six-figure mark—and doing it all on your own terms.

If you’re ready to take the first step, grab my How To Start A House Cleaning Business Start-Up Guide

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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!