How to Market Your Cleaning Business Without Wasting Time & Money

Let’s talk about something that trips up a lot of solo cleaners: marketing.

You know you need to get your name out there. You’ve probably heard a million tips—post on social media, print flyers, make a website, learn SEO...But when you’re busy cleaning or just getting started, it’s hard to know what actually moves the needle—and what just eats up your time.

So in this post, I’m breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and where to start when marketing your solo cleaning business.

💡 First: What Marketing Actually Means for Solo Cleaners

Marketing isn’t about being everywhere all the time.

It’s about making sure the right people know what you do, how you can help, and how to reach you.

And for a local service business like house cleaning, the simplest marketing is often the most effective.

✅ What Works (Start Here)

1. Referrals from Happy Clients

This is hands down the best kind of marketing.
People trust people they know. So every time you do a great job, follow up and ask for a referral. Offer a bonus if you want to, but honestly? A simple ask goes a long way.

2. Local Facebook Groups

You don’t need a business page with 500 followers.
You need to show up in the groups where your community is active. Be helpful. Answer questions. Share when you have openings. This alone has helped so many solo cleaners book up.

3. Word of Mouth (But Make It Easy)

Tell people what you do—at church, school events, the gym, wherever.
The more specific you are (“I own a cleaning business, know anyone who wants to come home to a beautifuly cleaned home.”), many times it's them! And if not, they usually know of someone, or at the very least they can referr you down the line.

4. Simple Flyers in Smart Spots

Laundromats, hair salons, apartment complexes—these are great for finding people who need help keeping up with cleaning. You don’t need a fancy design. A clear message and your contact info is all it takes.

🚫 What’s a Waste of Time (For Now)

❌ Fancy Websites

Unless you're running a team or scaling big, you don’t need a professional site to get clients. A basic landing page or even a social media profile with clear info is enough to start.

❌ Posting on Instagram Every Day

Instagram can help build trust, but it’s slow and high effort. If your audience isn’t hanging out there, focus on what works locally first.

❌ Cold DMing or Spamming

People hire cleaners they trust. Unsolicited messages often get ignored—and worse, they can hurt your reputation in tight-knit communities.

🎯 Where to Focus Your Energy First

If I had to start all over again, here’s exactly what I’d do:

1. Text or message everyone I know and let them know I’m taking on new clients
   
   

2. Join 3–5 active local Facebook groups and post value-driven content weekly
   
   

3. Create one simple flyer and post it in 3 high-traffic local spots
   
   

4. Ask every happy client if they know one person who could use my help
   
   

That’s it.
No ads. No complicated strategies. Just consistency and confidence.

💬 Final Thoughts

Marketing your cleaning business doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.
It’s about being visible, staying consistent, and building real trust in your local community.

Start small. Stay steady. And always ask for the next referral.

🎁 Want the step-by-step to launch fast and grow with confidence?
Grab my No BS Cleaning Business Start-Up Checklist—everything you need to get booked solid, without burning out or wasting time.

👉 Get the Checklist Now
(It’s free. And it works.)