ProfitDrawer's cleaning business guide gives an example budget of about $550 to $3,500 for a solo cleaner who uses their own car. The biggest lines are supplies and chemicals ($150 to $400), a vacuum, mop system and cloths ($150 to $800), registration and a local license ($50 to $500) and the first months of liability insurance ($100 to $600). Commercial or carpet cleaning costs more because of larger equipment. These are example ranges; your costs will differ.
Example budget (your costs will differ):
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning supplies and chemicals | $150 | $400 |
| Vacuum, mop system, microfiber, caddy | $150 | $800 |
| Registration and local license | $50 | $500 |
| Liability insurance (first months) | $100 | $600 |
| Website or booking page, cards | $0 | $400 |
| Uniform or branded shirts | $0 | $150 |
| Marketing (flyers, local ads) | $50 | $500 |
| Phone and software (first months) | $50 | $150 |
| Total | $550 | $3,500 |
Ways to keep the low end low: start with residential cleaning, use equipment you already own, keep a tight service area and get first clients through people you know.
Then price each visit so it covers your time, supplies, driving and overhead. In the guide's worked example, a 3 hour recurring clean comes to $140 a visit. Put your own numbers into the free startup cost calculator and price per job calculator before you buy anything.
Source: How to Start a Cleaning Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.