How To Start A Cleaning Business – UK

Do you like cleaning? Then, it’s time to get into the booming UK cleaning market.

Starting a cleaning business means tapping into the UK’s £9 billion cleaning industry, of which the household sector makes over £3 billion annually. For a new business, there are significant opportunities for growth, but also challenges such as strong competition, effective marketing, and understanding your target market.

More companies are outsourcing their cleaning and busy homeowners are using domestic cleaning services to do the household chores. When considering the types of cleaning services you want to offer, it’s important to choose the right business model, whether that’s a franchise, a home-based startup, or a niche service, so your approach aligns with your goals and your market’s needs.

Introduction to the Cleaning Industry

The cleaning industry in the UK is a dynamic, ever-growing sector valued at over £55.5 billion and employing around 5% of the national workforce. For those looking to start a cleaning business, this industry offers a wealth of opportunities, from domestic cleaning services in private homes to large-scale commercial cleaning contracts for offices and public spaces. One of the biggest attractions is the relatively low startup costs. Often, you can launch your own cleaning business with just a few essential cleaning supplies and a strong work ethic.

Flexible hours are another major benefit, allowing cleaning business owners to fit work around their lifestyle or family commitments. Whether you’re interested in providing regular domestic cleaning, specialist services like carpet or window cleaning, or niche offerings such as eco-friendly or end-of-tenancy cleaning, there’s growing demand across the UK.

This guide will walk you through the different types of cleaning services available, what it takes to start a cleaning business, and the key steps to building a successful operation in the thriving UK cleaning industry.

Who in the UK will use your cleaning services?

According to recent statistics, more than a million more people in the UK use home cleaning services than a decade ago.

A quarter of UK households pay for cleaning services because they don’t like doing it themselves and 12% of households hire a cleaner.

People who want to start their own business and don’t mind putting in some hard graft often choose the cleaning industry. Starting a cleaning business can get you a boss for minimal start-up costs. You can work from home and run your business from the comfort of your home; no office, shop floor, or warehouse is needed. Launching your cleaning business from your own home offers significant cost savings and flexibility, allowing you to control your brand development and test your services before expanding.

But the hours may be long, and the work can be physically demanding. Making a space clean and tidy is one of the most rewarding things you can do on your business premises.

Why start a cleaning business in the UK

There are many benefits to starting a cleaning business that will boost your business and profits in no time.

Start-up costs are very low. Cleaning businesses can be started with very little capital. Some cheap cleaning products and a will to succeed are all you need to get going!

You can work from home and run your business from the comfort of your home; no office, shop floor, or warehouse is needed.

Having happy customers is crucial, as their satisfaction drives word-of-mouth referrals and helps grow the business.

Start yourself

You can work for yourself. By starting your business, you will be working for no one but yourself. You can choose the cleaning work you want, set your hours and manage your expenses.

No business experience is necessary, and no specific education or licenses are required to start a cleaning business. You need to work hard, be determined and have the will to succeed.

So, is cleaning the business for you?

You must assess yourself to see if you can start your own cleaning business. Anyone with enough motivation can start a cleaning business, but several qualities and skills can set you apart from the competition. Cleaning qualifications are not required, but it would be good to show some skills.

Desire for Perfection

Cleaning suits people with an eye for detail and the will to finish a job properly.

Business minded

Cleaning will be rewarding if you like sorting, cleaning, and rearranging. Your domestic cleaning business will flourish as a result.

Endurance

Cleaning is a physically demanding job (e.g., commercial or carpet cleaning), so you and your staff must be fit and able to keep up the pace.

Solo worker

Initially, you will be the only employee or the only person in your business, and you’ll probably be cleaning when potential customers are out. You will be your own boss.

Being reliable

You’ll be spending long periods in someone’s home or workplace, so they must feel comfortable giving you access to their belongings and house keys.

Being nice

Being likeable and friendly is important since unhappy or rude customers are less likely to recommend you or use your services again.

Administrative skills

These skills are important since being self-employed means you’ll regularly deal with taxes, salaries, invoicing, and other financial matters.

Creativity

Creativity will help you develop a marketing strategy for your business. Creative marketing can help you promote your business and make it more memorable.

What type of cleaning business to start?

Your first decision is to decide what cleaning business you want to start before you begin. There are a few types of cleaning businesses you may want to consider.

Domestic cleaning: cleaning private homes, flats, and apartments. Services can include regular housekeeping, deep cleaning, and end-of-tenancy cleans.

Commercial cleaning: This type of business specialises in cleaning commercial spaces, such as offices, retail stores, and other large properties. Commercial cleaning companies often seek to secure commercial contracts to provide ongoing services for these clients, which may require specialised equipment and staff.

Specialised cleaning: Specialised cleaning services target niche markets and can be highly profitable. Examples include post-construction cleaning, eco-friendly cleaning, and car washing. These services often require specific industry certifications or licenses and can offer higher profit margins due to their unique expertise.

Commercial cleaning business

Cleaning services for business premises are sometimes called cleaning companies.

Domestic cleaning business

Private homes or residential flats are typical for this type of business, called domestic cleaning.

Specialised cleaning

This type of business provides specialised services, such as dry cleaning.

Qualifications and skills to start a cleaning business

Anyone with motivation and who likes physical, repetitive work would do well running a residential cleaning business or a domestic cleaning company.

Clients expect spotless results, so you must be meticulous and driven to maintain cleanliness.

Cleaning staff are required for commercial work, but you’ll work alone and probably at odd hours when you start.

Research the cleaning market.

Hundreds of small cleaning businesses are fighting for customers in the cleaning industry.

To make your cleaning business stand out, you’ll need to research the industry to learn about potential clients, current competitors, sources of specialist equipment, cleaning products, safety measures, toxic chemicals, and the prices being paid for the services you want to offer.

Leveraging your existing clients for referrals and word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful way to grow your cleaning business, as satisfied customers can recommend your services to friends and colleagues.

Knowing how much to charge and having public liability insurance is important when starting a domestic cleaning service.

Domestic specialist cleaners charge by the hour.

Research the Market

Call your competitors in the market while pretending to be a potential customer, or ask for a domestic cleaner to determine their prices.

Many domestic specialist cleaners charge by the hour, setting an hourly rate that helps customers understand the cost based on time spent. Alternatively, you can offer a flat fee for certain services, providing clients with a fixed price regardless of job size or time required. An hourly rate offers flexibility and transparency for variable jobs, while a flat fee is convenient and predictable for clients seeking straightforward pricing.

Keep your prices the same or slightly lower than your competitors to attract clients or new customers.

If you charge more, emphasise your high-quality service or other benefits.

Don’t forget to mention if your price includes cleaning products or if the customer will provide their own.

In the competitive commercial cleaning market, you’ll compete with other established businesses vying for business.

Calculate your costs based on hours and staff required for each location to stay competitive. You can also look for tender opportunities with local councils or businesses.

Create a business plan.

If you have a business plan, your new cleaning venture will have a roadmap to success. Whether you’re starting out as a solo home cleaner or in a domestic cleaning service, clearly understanding your skills and costs, competitors, third-party providers, and marketing strategies will help you get off to the right start. It’s also essential to consider all legal requirements, such as obtaining the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance, to ensure your cleaning business operates compliantly from the outset.

You’ll need one if you’re looking for investment, as it will help you determine the size and scope of your business, project income and expenses, and more. Once you start trading, you must register your business with HMRC to pay the right taxes and NICs.

There are no ongoing costs to start up. However, all business debts are personally liable to the owner, who is responsible for paying taxes and NICs.

Set up and register your cleaning business.

Although it is simple to start a cleaning business, it still requires a few essential steps. Before you begin, consider your legal obligations or fees to ensure you remain on the lawful side of the law. If you decide to set up a limited company, you must register your business with Companies House, file annual accounts each year, and make sure you are paying the correct National Insurance contributions for yourself and any staff.

Set up and register your cleaning business.

Starting a cleaning business is easy, but there are a few essential steps. Before you start, consider your legal obligations or fees to ensure you’re on the right side of the law. Meeting legal requirements and having proper insurance protects both you and your clients, establishing trust and professionalism. Additionally, carrying out a risk assessment is important to demonstrate compliance with health and safety standards, especially when working with commercial clients.

Register as a sole trader or sole proprietor.

You’ll need to register as a sole trader or self-employed and file a self-assessment tax return if you earn over £1,000 from self-employment. If you’re a cleaner who works independently, you must register as a sole trader, not a limited company, as this will be the most tax-efficient option. A limited company (e.g., a carpet-cleaning business) is the best option for a business that employs people. Look into the differences between a limited company and a sole trader.

Professional training

No training is required for a domestic cleaning business, but further training will be needed when opening a specialised and commercial cleaning business.

Get cover through employer’s liability insurance

Insurance to cover you against damage to other people’s property is recommended. You must have liability insurance or be a separate legal entity if you employ staff.

Get a DBS check

To reassure existing customers you’re reliable, get a DBS check for yourself and any staff.

Managing Finances and Operations

Running a successful cleaning business goes beyond just delivering a great service it also means keeping your finances and day-to-day operations in order. The first step is to set up a dedicated business bank account, which helps you keep your business finances separate from your personal assets and makes it easier to manage cash flow, pay income tax, and track expenses.

For domestic cleaning services, your operational needs may be relatively simple, often requiring just basic cleaning supplies and a small team of domestic cleaners. In contrast, commercial cleaning or specialist cleaning services such as carpet cleaning or window cleaning may require investment in specialist equipment, larger teams, and more robust operational planning.

No matter the size of your cleaning company, it’s essential to comply with health and safety regulations. This includes carrying out risk assessments, following COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) guidelines, and ensuring safe working practices for your cleaning staff. Public liability insurance is a must, protecting your business against claims for accidental injury or property damage.

A well-structured business plan is your roadmap to success. It should include thorough market research, clear business goals, and financial projections to help you make informed decisions as your business grows. By staying organised and proactive with your finances and operations, you’ll be well-positioned to win clients, deliver a great service, and achieve a steady income as a cleaning business owner.

Staff recruitment

Finding staff for a cleaning business is easy. This role requires few qualifications, so it’s open to most people. But it would be best to choose the right staff for your business or specialist cleaning people; otherwise, your reputation, sales and cleaning contracts will suffer.

Since they’ll be working in people’s homes, you must choose people who can be trusted and look good. They must also be tough enough to complete the job on time.

As your business grows, hiring staff becomes essential for scaling operations. When hiring staff, consider legal obligations such as contracts, right-to-work checks, and insurance, as well as the operational benefits of delegating tasks and increasing your service capacity.

Staff training

Remember, you’ll also need to train and teach your new staff, especially domestic cleaners.

You’ll need to decide what to pay your specialist cleaning team. To make a profit, you’ll need to pay less than you charge your customers.

Website for online presence

Any business relies on attracting customers, whether through advertising or word of mouth. Whatever the case, having a website is useful for attracting and retaining customers.

One benefit is that it gives your cleaning business a web presence. In this digital age, you’re not seen as credible if your business and cleaning products can’t be found online. Existing customers will think you’re still living in the Stone Age. Online advertising, such as pay-per-click campaigns and social media ads, can further boost your visibility and help attract new clients. Make sure to include clear contact details on your website and all marketing materials, such as leaflets, flyers, signage, and local directory listings, so potential clients can easily reach you.

How to create a website

There are many ways to build a website for your cleaning business, but the most popular option is to use WordPress. WordPress is open-source software that allows you to create a website by uploading content and editing it with a drag-and-drop interface. Many plugins are available to make it easy to add features like an online scheduling tool or payment system.

Step-by-step process:

• Buy Hosting
• Buy a domain name (name of your website)
• Create a website or get someone to create it for you
• Do SEO
• Do social media marketing.

Why SEO

SEO is important for all businesses, but crucial for cleaning businesses. In the cleaning world, there are many competitors. Your business needs a well-optimised website to stand out and attract potential customers.

To rank well in search results, ensure your site is mobile-friendly and includes clear call-to-action buttons that encourage visitors to book an appointment or purchase products.

You need to hire an SEO expert to get your website to the first page of Google so people can see and access it.

Start-up costs for a cleaning services business.

The start-up cost of a cleaning business depends on its size and scale, the type of cleaning contract, and the industry it’s in.

The initial cost is minimal if any company uses cleaning supplies for the prospective client.

The only upfront costs are vehicles and petrol, printed posters, a social media presence, and a cheap website to promote your services.

Starting a commercial cleaning business is more expensive, as you’ll need to buy industrial equipment, such as carpet-cleaning gadgets, commercial cleaning equipment, window-cleaning equipment, cleaning products, cleaning solutions, floor polishers, professional vacuum cleaners, trolleys, and a larger van. Investing in the right cleaning solutions is essential for achieving effective cleaning results and for handling a variety of cleaning tasks professionally.

Approximate Cost

You’ll expect to pay around £5,000 to £20,000.

You’ll also need to pay a cleaning team at least the UK minimum wage and have a larger marketing budget, which may include trade newspaper advertising.

Scaling your Cleaning business

Growing a business is challenging. To grow a cleaning business, you need to follow specific rules. Make things easy for yourself and be more productive and creative. Make sure your services stand out.

You should start market research and expand your marketing presence to grow your business. This is very important for commercial cleaning. Consider advertising in the local paper to reach more clients in your community. You also have to deliver your services in a way that keeps clients coming back to you and encourages them to do so.

As your business grows and you take on more staff and clients, it’s important to manage health and safety risks, such as wet floors, to protect both your team and your customers.

and hire fresh labour when needed. Of course, the goal of growing your business is to grow. If your business outgrows the staff you have, add more staff as required. If not, you’ll be back to step one, as you won’t be able to deliver to your customers.

Conclusion

Starting a cleaning business in the UK offers a unique blend of flexibility, steady income, and growth potential. By understanding the cleaning industry and its many opportunities, from domestic cleaning and commercial cleaning to specialist services like carpet cleaning and window cleaning, you can carve out a niche that suits your skills and ambitions.

Success in the cleaning business comes down to careful planning and attention to detail. Register your business, choose the right structure, and make sure you have the necessary public liability insurance and safety measures in place. Research your target market, develop a strong business plan, and focus on delivering great service to build a loyal client base.

Whether you’re launching a domestic cleaning service, a commercial cleaning company, or a specialist cleaning business, the UK market is full of potential. With the right approach, you can enjoy flexible hours, all the profits of your own company, and the satisfaction of running a business that makes a real difference in people’s lives and workspaces. Take the first step today and start building your successful cleaning business in the UK.