# How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?

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)](https://profitdrawer.com/guides/how-to-start-a-cleaning-business.html)
- Updated: 2026-10-29
- Published: 2026-10-29
- Category: Start a business
- Canonical: https://profitdrawer.com/answers/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-cleaning-business.html
- Publisher: ProfitDrawer (https://profitdrawer.com)