How to start a house cleaning business
Season: Year-round · Typical startup: $100 to $300
House cleaning is a near-zero-startup business with the best repeat income of any trade: a happy bi-weekly client pays you for years. You bring the supplies and the reliability. Here is the kit, what to charge, and how to fill your week with recurring clients.
$100 to $300To get started
$130Typical 2-3 bedroom (bi-weekly)
Year-roundSeason
The gear and what it costs
Vacuum, mop and microfiber setA good vacuum and a stack of microfiber cloths do most of the work.
$200
Cleaning supplies caddyAll-purpose, glass, bathroom and floor products in one carry caddy.
$60
Gloves, apron and a checklistA printed room-by-room checklist keeps every clean consistent.
$40
What established pros charge
| Standard cleaning, national average · HomeAdvisor | $175 |
| Typical range · HomeAdvisor | $118–$237 |
National figures from published cost guides, checked November 8, 2026. Local prices vary.
Starting rates for a new business
| Studio / 1-bed | $90 |
| 2-3 bedroom (bi-weekly) | $130 |
| Deep clean | $200+ |
| Move-out clean | $250+ |
Our suggested starting point for a new business. Recurring bi-weekly clients are the goal; move-outs and deep cleans fill the gaps. Compare with the pro figures above, and raise your rates once you have reviews and a full week.
How to find your first customers
- Start with two or three recurring bi-weekly homes of people you know, and ask each for a referral.
- Post in local and parent groups: "Taking a couple of recurring cleaning spots in [area]."
- Offer a discounted first deep clean to win the recurring slot.
- Leave a card and ask for a review after every clean; word of mouth drives this business.
Rules to check before you start
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or acid cleaners. Open a window when you use strong products.
- Agree in writing what is included (rooms, inside the fridge, laundry) so nobody is surprised.
- Some cities and counties require a business license, even for a small service business. Check your city or county website before you take payment.
- Once you make $400 or more in profit in a year, you owe self-employment tax and need to file a return (IRS). Keep every receipt for gas and gear.
- Card payouts need a Stripe account. Stripe requires the account holder to be 18 or older for this kind of account, so a parent or guardian sets it up if you are under 18 (Stripe). Cash works from day one. Venmo, Zelle and Cash App need your own account, and under-18s need a parent to set one up.
Stay busy all year
Add carpet spot-cleaning and move-out cleans for bigger one-off tickets between recurring visits.
Build your house cleaning plan free
Answer a few questions and get your gear list, prices, local demand and a booking page. You only pay $5 to unlock it.
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Questions
How much do house cleaners charge?
$90 for a small place, around $130 for a bi-weekly 2-3 bedroom, and $200+ for a deep clean are common. Recurring clients are worth a small discount.
How do I get my first cleaning clients?
Start with people you know on a recurring schedule, do excellent work, and ask every one of them for a referral and a review. Recurring word of mouth builds this business.
What supplies do I need to start?
A reliable vacuum, a mop, a stack of microfiber cloths, and all-purpose, glass and bathroom products in a carry caddy. Keep a checklist for consistency.
Can a teenager start a house cleaning business?
Yes, starting with people you or your family know. Work in pairs when you can, and agree the checklist and the price before the first clean. On Launchpad, 13 to 17 year olds sign up with a parent or guardian's agreement.
Sources
Checked November 8, 2026.
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