Top 10 Cleaning Business Ideas to Start in 2025

Starting a cleaning business may sound relatively straightforward, but there are numerous types of business options in this field to consider.

Choosing between different cleaning business ideas will help you to create and implement a viable plan of action.

This guide explores the most popular ideas for cleaning businesses, covering the services they offer and the expected revenue levels.

Top 10 Cleaning Business Ideas to Start in 2025

Running a cleaning company can be a highly lucrative side hustle or a full-time venture with multiple employees.

These cleaning business ideas encompass a wide range of options to help you determine which suits your skills, availability, and lifestyle.

So, without further ado, here’s our list of the top 10 cleaning business ideas to start in 2025:

10. Window Cleaning

There’s an impressive selection of solopreneur business ideas that cost very little to set up but offer long-term revenue.

A window cleaning business is one such concept, with affordable basic equipment and a few additional overheads involved.

Squeegees, buckets, and other equipment can be purchased for under $500, with optional add-ons as the business grows.

You may need to adhere to local licensing requirements, but there are no specific licenses for window washing.

Some degree of insurance to protect yourself from liability will be necessary, along with health and safety training for employees.

Once your window cleaning business is active, you can earn between $4 and $12 for each residential pane washed, or up to $75 per hour.

9. Dry Cleaning

On the other end of the spectrum, in terms of initial startup costs and complexity, is running a dry cleaning business.

Due to the combination of dedicated machinery, potential storefront requirements, and other expenses, startup costs can exceed $50,000.

The potential revenue from dry cleaning services, which offsets the high upfront cost, ranges from $250,000 to over $1 million annually.

Additional aspects of launching dry cleaning services vary depending on the approach, such as providing mobile or eco-friendly services.

There are also related environmental considerations based on the cleaning solutions used in your business’s daily operations.

These materials may require you to register your dry cleaning business with the appropriate state’s Department of Environmental Protection.

Related read: Small business startup checklist.

8. Carpet Cleaning

While some specialized cleaning services require significant investment, a carpet cleaning company is a more viable side hustle.

Carpet cleaning services can range from residential cleaning to regular maintenance for local businesses.

Some carpet cleaning businesses also offer additional services, such as cleaning upholstery or vehicle interiors.

Equipment required for such cleaning businesses includes carpet cleaning machines and associated tools, as well as a vehicle.

There are additional costs to consider, ranging from business licensing and registration to marketing and promotion.

Since carpets are typically located in high-traffic areas, many clients are seeking ongoing services that ensure consistent revenue.

This can be enhanced with ad hoc emergency cleaning services, charging a higher call-out and service fee in such cases.

By hiring additional staff and serving both residential and commercial clients, a carpet cleaning business can generate substantial revenue.

7. Pool Cleaning

The viability of setting up a pool cleaning service is mainly dependent on your location, since swimming pool ownership is relatively niche.

If, however, you live in an affluent area where pools are commonplace, a pool cleaning service can prove to be highly lucrative.

On a smaller scale, you can offer swimming pool cleaning services to residential properties, which delivers seasonal income.

Alternatively, your business could focus on gyms and hotels, which often have larger projects and year-round cleaning requirements.

The cost of equipment you’ll need will depend on these factors, ranging from as little as $2,000 to over $25,000.

Water-testing kits, brushes, chemicals, skimmers, and other gear all add to the initial costs when launching a pool cleaning company.

As with dry cleaning, pool cleaning businesses may be expected to follow state regulations, depending on the chemicals used.

When it comes to marketing, swimming pools are an excellent visual image that can be effectively associated with leisure.

6. Move-Out Cleaning

If there’s a running theme throughout this guide, it’s the ubiquitous demand these cleaning business ideas have for startups.

With the average person moving home multiple times during a lifetime, move-out cleaning services are in high demand.

Landlords and tenants use such services to clean vacant properties and ensure they’re up to scratch for the next occupant.

To set up move-out cleaning services, you’ll need to create a business plan that outlines your target market and financial projections.

You can review the pricing structures and additional fees charged by similar companies, basing your projections on this data.

Next, the relevant equipment and licenses must be acquired, along with registering your business in a specific legal structure.

With a relatively low initial investment and low ongoing overheads, a move-out cleaning company can generate consistent income.

5. Pressure Washing

Some clients have more demanding expectations that require a thorough and deep clean of various surfaces.

A pressure washing company can offer these deep cleaning services, using high-pressure water through dedicated equipment.

Residential pressure washing can cover everything from driveways and walkways to decks and other outdoor areas.

On the commercial scale, this can include pressure washing entire buildings, large car parks, and mold remediation services.

Startup costs range from around $1,500 to over $10,000, depending on the quality of equipment and scale of operations.

Once you’ve decided on this scope, you can register your company and make a business website to attract clients.

By combining content marketing with local engagement, your pressure washing company can attract new clients.

This will enable you to hire new employees, upgrade your equipment, and cover ongoing business and marketing expenses.

4. Car Cleaning

With millions of car owners available as a potential market, car cleaning businesses have obvious potential for ongoing revenue.

Car cleaning businesses can operate from a fixed location or offer mobile services, visiting clients directly.

Startup expenses will be influenced by the type of business operations, with varying regulations depending on the chosen model.

Opting for a brick-and-mortar model will significantly increase costs, including insurance, as well as additional potential permits.

Once you’re up and running, however, you can anticipate an impressive annual turnover for successful business operations.

Profit margins for car cleaning businesses typically range from 20% to 50% for basic and deep cleaning, offering near-guaranteed revenue streams.

You can also save costs by using a range of tools for freelancers when setting up a website and managing social media pages.

3. Event Cleaning

Event cleaning services encompass a variety of subcategories, with competitive revenue from a relatively low investment.

There’s a great deal of potential for offering event-based specialized cleaning services that can be tailored to each client.

On a basic level, this can include tasks such as emptying trash bins after events, providing floor cleaning services, and maintaining restrooms.

These services can be combined into a full-scale post-event cleaning services operation that provides a deep clean for the venue.

Since events are often widely publicized, marketing an event cleaning service can leverage a wealth of high-quality images.

These can be shared on your company’s website along with testimonials and feedback from your social media presence.

You can also use these testimonials when reaching out to local businesses and tailoring specialized services to their requirements.

Learn more: How to create a website project plan.

2. Commercial Cleaning

One of the best cleaning service ideas for high returns on investment and long-term growth is a commercial cleaning business.

Contract cleaning services for commercial buildings are a growth market, making it a relatively low-risk opportunity for entrepreneurial ventures.

Initial investment costs include permits and licenses, as well as business registration, equipment, and supplies.

If you’re hiring employees, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to manage taxes and other finances.

Commercial cleaning equipment costs aren’t prohibitive, covering basic supplies such as scrubbers, sweepers, and vacuum cleaners.

If you’re also offering more robust deep cleaning services, additional gear like pressure washers and steam cleaners will also be needed.

In total, expect startup costs to range between $50 and $500, with rising costs as you expand your client list.

With its inherent flexibility and growth potential, commercial cleaning services are among the most scalable business ideas you can launch.

1. Residential Cleaning

Another cleaning service idea with high potential for long-term clients is residential cleaning in your local area.

A house cleaning business can be established initially through word of mouth, offering services to friends and family members.

There are low initial costs for basic cleaning supplies, offering services that range from basic cleaning to deep cleaning.

Other costs to factor into your budget include local licenses (when relevant), insurance coverage, and transportation expenses.

A small marketing budget is also advisable, covering various types of advertising for online and local campaigns.

For a small-scale local residential cleaning business operated by a solo trader, average earnings range from $25 to $100 per hour.

With that said, there are opportunities for scaling the company and hiring additional cleaners to deliver services to new clients.

To achieve this, a high degree of customer retention and reported satisfaction is essential, building a reputation over time.

This feedback can then be shared as testimonials on your website and third-party review sites, such as Trustpilot.

How To Start A Cleaning Business In 2025

As with every startup idea, starting a cleaning business requires implementing a variety of essential processes to succeed.

Here’s an overview of the core steps you’ll need to take when starting your own cleaning business:

• Create a business plan: Whatever type of cleaning business you’re considering, creating a business plan is the first step in launching it. This should outline your startup costs, core and additional services, and approach to daily operations.
• Decide on your business structure: Next, you’ll need to choose your business structure, such as a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company (LLC). This can be achieved by registering with the state and adhering to its registration guidelines.
• Obtain the necessary permits and licenses: Different types of cleaning businesses may require specific licenses that need to be obtained before the company can operate. Verify the licenses and permits required by federal and state laws, such as for school cleaning services.
• Set up a website and social media pages: Business success is closely tied to professionalism, making a strong online presence essential. You can use a website design timeline to help ensure everything is polished and linked to social media channels.
• Market your cleaning business: The final step when launching a cleaning business is to promote your services to your target customers. You can implement a variety of small business marketing strategies without having to spend a fortune.

Once your business is active, prioritize delivering outstanding customer service to attract new clients through word of mouth.

Read also: Website hosting costs explained.

Cleaning Business Tips

While setting up a cleaning business can be complex, there are ways to streamline the process and minimize mistakes.

Follow these small business tips to ensure your business idea is put into action and runs as smoothly as possible:

1. Research your competition: Competitor research is a necessary aspect of preparation when launching a business that satisfies market demand. By understanding trends and best practices in the cleaning services industry, you can refine your business’s range of services.
2. Use all networking opportunities: Relying on paid advertising and social media posts will limit your exposure to potential clients. Instead, take advantage of all networking opportunities, including in-person conversations with other local businesses.
3. Automate tasks: While the actual process of delivering cleaning services is hands-on, many associated administrative tasks can be easily automated. You should use automation tools to help with managing appointments and streamlining marketing initiatives.

By following industry trends and continually learning, you can steer your business toward growth and success.

Summary

With continuous demand from a growing market, the cleaning industry offers impressive opportunities for long-term business growth.

The cleaning business ideas in this guide are all easy to start, whether for a side project or a full-time business.

By selecting the right cleaning business idea and delivering high-quality services to your customers, you can create a highly successful, lasting business.