The UK cleaning industry is a thriving sector, contributing nearly £59 billion to the economy and employing approximately 1.47 million people, according to the British Cleaning Council.
With the growing demand for both residential and commercial cleaning services, starting a cleaning business presents a promising opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
A cleaning business requires relatively low initial investment and offers flexibility in working hours. Whether you choose to work independently or scale your business by hiring employees, the industry provides a steady stream of clients, given that cleanliness is a fundamental requirement for homes and businesses alike.
This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to help you start and grow a successful cleaning business in the UK.
Why Start a Cleaning Business? Is It Worth It?
Starting a cleaning business comes with several advantages, making it an attractive option for those looking to become self-employed.
Low Start-up Costs
Unlike many other businesses that require significant upfront investment, a cleaning business can be started with minimal costs. There is no need to rent an office or store inventory, as services are provided at the client’s location. The basic expenses include cleaning supplies, transportation, and insurance.
Flexible Working Hours
One of the biggest advantages of running a cleaning business is the ability to set your own schedule. You can choose the number of clients you take on, decide your working hours, and even specialise in areas that fit your availability, such as morning, evening, or weekend cleaning services.
Choosing Your Clients and Jobs
Unlike a traditional job where work is assigned, running your own cleaning business allows you to accept or decline jobs based on location, payment, or type of service. This flexibility gives you control over your workload and the ability to build long-term relationships with preferred clients.
No Formal Qualifications Required
While experience in cleaning can be beneficial, there are no strict educational or licensing requirements to start a general cleaning business. However, learning about safety procedures, effective cleaning techniques, and the proper use of chemicals can enhance your reputation and service quality.
Scalability and Business Growth
Starting as a solo cleaner is a good entry point, but over time, you can hire staff, expand into commercial contracts, or specialise in high-demand cleaning niches. Growing your business strategically can lead to substantial income and long-term stability.
What Are the Different Types of Cleaning Businesses?
Before launching your cleaning business, it’s essential to determine the type of services you want to provide. There are three main categories of cleaning businesses:
1. Domestic Cleaning
A domestic cleaning business involves providing services to homeowners, landlords, and tenants. Common tasks include:
- Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping
- Kitchen and bathroom cleaning
- Laundry and ironing services
Since domestic cleaners work inside private homes, building trust with clients is crucial. Many customers prefer regular cleaning schedules, ensuring a steady income stream.
2. Commercial Cleaning
Commercial cleaning services cater to offices, retail stores, and industrial spaces. These jobs typically require a team of cleaners and may involve working outside normal business hours. Services often include:
- Office and workspace cleaning
- Window and floor maintenance
- Restroom sanitation
Contracts for commercial cleaning tend to be long-term and can provide higher, more stable revenue compared to domestic cleaning.
3. Specialised Cleaning
Some cleaning businesses focus on highly specific cleaning services that require expertise and additional training. These include:
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Graffiti removal
- Industrial deep cleaning
- Medical facility sanitation
Specialist cleaning services often command higher fees and may require certifications, insurance, or special equipment.
How Much Do Cleaners Get Paid in the UK?
The earning potential of a cleaning business varies depending on location, experience, and specialisation.
According to Indeed UK, the average employed cleaner earns £10.31 per hour, equating to approximately £19,000 per year. However, self-employed cleaners, particularly those offering niche services, can earn significantly more.
Check-a-Trade estimates that self-employed cleaners can earn up to £35,000 per year, with some specialist cleaners making even higher amounts.
Commercial contracts and specialised cleaning services tend to generate more revenue than domestic cleaning, making them attractive options for business growth.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start a Cleaning Business in the UK?
Step 1: Identify Your Market and Choose a Niche
Researching your local area is the first step in establishing a successful cleaning business. Identifying what services are in demand and who your competitors are can help you determine your niche.
For example, if residential cleaning services are already saturated in your area, focusing on commercial or specialised cleaning may give you a competitive edge.
Similarly, if there is a growing demand for eco-friendly cleaning solutions, offering green cleaning services could attract environmentally conscious clients.
Step 2: Register Your Business and Meet Legal Requirements
All businesses in the UK must be registered with HMRC. You can operate as a sole trader or a limited company, each with its own tax and liability implications.
Certain cleaning services may require additional licences, such as:
- Window cleaning licences (required in some UK regions, including Scotland)
- Waste carrier registration (for businesses handling hazardous cleaning waste)
Additionally, public liability insurance is strongly recommended to protect against property damage or accidental injuries.
Step 3: Choose a Business Name and Branding
Selecting a unique and memorable name is important for branding. If you’re setting up a limited company, use the Companies House name checker to ensure your chosen name is available.
A professional logo and website can also help establish credibility and attract customers.
Step 4: Buy Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
The type of cleaning business you start will determine the supplies and equipment you need. Basic domestic cleaning requires:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mops, buckets, and microfibre cloths
- Multipurpose cleaners, disinfectants, and sprays
Commercial and specialist cleaning may require heavy-duty equipment, such as industrial vacuums, floor buffers, or pressure washers.
Step 5: Set Your Pricing and Payment Methods
Deciding on pricing is key to profitability. Many cleaners charge by the hour, per room, or based on square footage. Researching local competitors can help you set competitive rates while ensuring a profit.
Payment options should be convenient for clients, whether through bank transfers, mobile payment apps, or invoicing systems.
Step 6: Market Your Cleaning Business
Marketing is essential for attracting customers. Some effective methods include:
- Setting up a Google My Business profile for local search visibility
- Creating a website with service details and customer testimonials
- Advertising on social media platforms and local business directories
- Printing flyers and business cards for distribution in your target area
Referrals and word-of-mouth marketing play a crucial role in building a loyal customer base. Offering discounts or incentives for referrals can encourage existing customers to recommend your services.
Step 7: Secure Clients and Build a Reputation
Once you start getting clients, focus on delivering high-quality service and maintaining professionalism. Client satisfaction is key to securing long-term contracts and attracting new business through recommendations.
As demand grows, consider hiring and training employees to expand your business. Ensure your team is trained in proper cleaning techniques and customer service.
What Are the Costs of Starting a Cleaning Business?
The cost of starting a cleaning business varies depending on factors such as the type of cleaning services you offer, whether you work alone or hire staff, and the equipment required.
However, compared to other businesses, a cleaning business is relatively low-cost and easy to start, especially if you begin with domestic cleaning services.
Start-up Costs
The initial investment for a cleaning business includes business registration, insurance, cleaning equipment, marketing, and transportation. Below is an estimate of typical costs:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
| Business Registration | Free – £12 (depending on structure) |
| Cleaning Supplies | £200 – £500 |
| Professional Equipment (for commercial cleaning) | £500 – £2,000 |
| Public Liability Insurance | £100 – £500 per year |
| Website Development | £300 – £1,000 |
| Marketing (flyers, online ads) | £100 – £500 |
| Transport (van/car purchase or lease) | £4,000 – £10,000 |
| Fuel and Maintenance (per year) | £500 – £2,000 |
If you start as a domestic cleaner using basic supplies, your costs could be as low as £500 to £1,000. However, commercial and specialised cleaning businesses require professional-grade equipment and transport, increasing costs to £5,000 or more.
Ongoing Costs
Running a cleaning business comes with recurring expenses such as:
- Cleaning products and equipment maintenance (£50 – £200 per month)
- Vehicle fuel and servicing (£50 – £300 per month)
- Insurance renewals (£100 – £500 per year)
- Employee wages (if hiring staff) (£10 – £15 per hour per employee)
- Marketing and advertising (£50 – £300 per month)
Keeping track of your costs is essential to ensure profitability. Using accounting software or hiring an accountant can help manage financial records efficiently.
What Types of Insurance Do You Need for a Cleaning Business?
Insurance is essential for protecting your cleaning business from potential risks, including accidents, property damage, and legal liabilities. Here are the key types of insurance you may need:
1. Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance protects your business in case of accidental damage to a client’s property or injuries caused by your cleaning activities. For example, if a client slips on a wet floor you just cleaned, they could sue for damages.
- Cost: £100 – £500 per year (depending on coverage)
- Why it’s important: Some clients require proof of insurance before hiring you.
2. Employers’ Liability Insurance
If you hire employees, UK law requires you to have employers’ liability insurance. This covers compensation claims if an employee is injured or falls ill due to work-related activities.
- Cost: £150 – £500 per year
- Legal requirement: Failing to have this insurance can result in fines of £2,500 per day.
3. Business Equipment Insurance
This covers your cleaning tools, equipment, and supplies in case of theft, loss, or damage. If you use expensive machinery like industrial vacuum cleaners or floor buffers, this insurance is particularly valuable.
- Cost: £50 – £300 per year
- Best for: Commercial and specialist cleaning businesses.
4. Van or Business Vehicle Insurance
If you use a vehicle for work, a standard car insurance policy may not be enough. A business vehicle insurance policy ensures coverage if your van or car is involved in an accident while traveling to a job.
- Cost: £500 – £2,000 per year
- Important for: Mobile cleaners traveling between multiple locations.
5. Professional Indemnity Insurance
If you provide specialised cleaning services that require professional advice (e.g., cleaning biohazard areas or using chemicals for deep cleaning), professional indemnity insurance covers you if a client claims negligence.
- Cost: £100 – £600 per year
- Best for: Specialist cleaning businesses.
Having the right insurance policies in place helps safeguard your business, ensuring financial security and credibility when dealing with clients.
How to Get a Cleaning Contract and Your First Cleaning Client?
Getting your first client is one of the biggest challenges when starting a cleaning business. Without previous clients or reviews, building trust and credibility can take time. Here’s how to secure contracts and grow your customer base:
Start with Your Personal Network
- Begin by offering your services to friends, family, and acquaintances. If they are happy with your work, ask them for referrals and testimonials.
- Word-of-mouth recommendations are one of the most effective ways to gain new clients, especially for domestic cleaning businesses.
Advertise Locally
Promote your services in areas where potential clients are likely to see them:
- Print flyers and business cards and distribute them in local shops, cafés, and notice boards.
- Register your business on Google My Business so that it appears in local searches.
- Post ads on community Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and Gumtree.
Build an Online Presence
Having an online presence helps potential clients find and trust your business. At a minimum, you should:
- Create a simple website with details about your services, pricing, and contact information.
- List your business on platforms like Check-a-Trade, Yell, and Rated People.
- Use social media to showcase your work and interact with potential clients.
Offer Promotions and Discounts
- To attract initial clients, consider offering introductory discounts, referral bonuses, or a free trial service.
- A common approach is offering a 10-20% discount on the first clean to encourage bookings.
Target Businesses for Commercial Cleaning Contracts
If you’re starting a commercial cleaning business, you need long-term contracts with businesses. The best ways to secure contracts include:
- Cold-calling or emailing local businesses to offer your services.
- Attending business networking events to connect with potential clients.
- Partnering with property management companies that require regular cleaning services.
Securing one or two commercial contracts can provide consistent, high-paying work to grow your business.
Should I Start a Self-Employed or Limited Company Cleaning Business?
When starting a cleaning business, you must choose between operating as a self-employed sole trader or a limited company. Each option has pros and cons.
Self-Employed (Sole Trader) Cleaning Business
A sole trader is the simplest and most common business structure for cleaners starting alone.
Advantages:
- Easy and free to set up
- Minimal paperwork and lower accounting costs
- Full control over earnings and business decisions
Disadvantages:
- You are personally liable for business debts
- You may pay more tax if your earnings increase
- Limited ability to grow into a larger business
Limited Company Cleaning Business
A limited company is a separate legal entity from the business owner, offering more protection but requiring more paperwork.
Advantages:
- Limited liability, meaning your personal assets are protected
- More credibility when applying for business contracts
- Tax benefits, as companies can take advantage of dividends and expenses
Disadvantages:
- Requires formal registration with Companies House
- More paperwork and accounting responsibilities
- Potentially higher administrative costs
Which Option Is Best for You?
If you plan to work alone and keep things simple, a sole trader setup is the easiest option. However, if you want to expand, hire employees, or secure commercial contracts, a limited company may be the better choice for long-term success.
Conclusion
Starting a cleaning business in the UK requires careful planning, proper budgeting, and a strategic approach to client acquisition. Ensuring you have the right insurance, a solid marketing plan, and a strong online presence can help establish a reputable and profitable business.
With demand for cleaning services continuing to grow, now is a great time to enter the industry and start building your own successful cleaning business.
FAQ Section
Do I need qualifications to start a cleaning business in the UK?
No formal qualifications are required, but health and safety training and knowledge of proper cleaning techniques can be beneficial.
How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?
Startup costs can range from £500 to £5,000, depending on whether you start as a domestic cleaner or a commercial cleaning company.
Do I need insurance for my cleaning business?
Yes, public liability insurance is essential to protect against accidental damage or injuries. If you hire employees, employers’ liability insurance is legally required.
How do I find my first cleaning clients?
Start with friends and family, advertise locally, use Google My Business, and promote your services on social media and business directories.
What type of cleaning services are most profitable?
Commercial cleaning and specialised services (e.g., deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, biohazard cleaning) tend to be more profitable than basic domestic cleaning.
How much can I earn from a cleaning business?
Self-employed cleaners typically earn £25,000 to £35,000 per year, while specialised cleaning services can generate even higher profits.
