31+ Unique Cleaning Business Ideas
Interested in starting a cleaning business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own cleaning business, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable cleaning business ideas you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start an equipment cleaning & repair business
The equipment repair market is witnessing an upsurge and will maintain the momentum over the next decade.
Given the rise in demand for electronic products and home appliances, there will be an increase in equipment cleaning and repair, services critical to the continued functionality of various equipment. It is only a matter of time before an appliance break needs a bit of upkeep or even some cleaning and greasing.
Thus, if you have basic mechanical or electrical engineering skills and experience, why not take your knack for keeping things running and turn it into a good equipment cleaning and repair business? To start, you may operate door-to-door from your neighborhood and open a physical location as the business grows.
How much you can make: $708,333/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study follows the story of a couple who bought a profitable but limited manufacturing company for $535,000, revamped it, and took it in a new direction to grow their annual revenues to approximately $10,000,000 by developing ultrasonic equipment that addressed industrial cleaning using water-based detergents instead of environmentally toxic solvents.
2. Start a cleaning service
A housecleaning side business is a beautiful idea for people with free time on weekends or even weekdays. The side hustle idea requires little capital to start. During the launch, you can choose to offer the service to your neighbors and scale as you gain experience. The average salary for a house cleaner is $17.32 per hour.
By starting a house cleaning business, you are tapping into an enormous market with plenty of clientele. There could always be demand for your cleaning service, which keeps you in business as you help homeowners keep their homes spotless.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week
MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.
3. Start a pool cleaning business
Pool cleaning services serve affluent homes and commercial places. Their service involves adding and testing chemical levels and catching debris to keep the swimming pools clean. A pool cleaning company ensures the swimming pool water stays clear and inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
Starting a pool cleaning business fulfills your entrepreneurial spirit and is also profitable. Suppose you are starting a pool cleaning business. In that case, you need a basic understanding of how to mix pool cleaning chemicals, invest in professional pool cleaning equipment, and market your pool cleaning business.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $50,000/month
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
Learn how a third generation business owner started a profitable pool service and installation business in Southern Ontario, earning an average of $8000/month net revenue during peak season and growing from servicing 0 to 350+ pools since May 2016 by doing things that don't scale, such as manually talking to customers and focusing on the ideal customer.
4. Create an online course
An online course business involves creating and selling digital classes teaching specialized skills or knowledge to subscribed students.
As an entrepreneurial course creator, you identify educational gaps around topics you have expertise in and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials.
With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, building a student base provides passive income potential.
For founders who enjoy information-sharing, launching an online course platform presents a lucrative way to monetize your instructional talents with small startup costs by serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects.
How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
5. Start a boat cleaning service
Boat cleaning is a low barrier to entry business, with high-profit margins and low competition. If you love working on boats and looking forward to starting a boat business, this could be your best time to start the boat cleaning business.
To start a boat cleaning business, target the regions where boats are a popular means of transportation and fishing. Advertise your business, and focus on offering superior service so customers keep returning and referring your services to others.
6. Start a junk removal business
Households and businesses need help hauling away broken furniture, clearing out trash, and even emptying properties during a foreclosure. Therefore, the demand for junk removal services is high. Starting a junk removal business can be profitable if you own a box truck and are looking for self-employment opportunities.
To begin, perform market research in your area, and apply for the necessary regulatory permits or licenses. Build a website and market your services.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $230,000/month
How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)
23-year-old Sam Evans founded You Call We Haul Junk Removal which brings in around $20,000 in revenue per month with a profit of 65% per job, servicing any individuals who have unneeded junk, and aims to franchise the business in the long-term.
7. Start a crime scene cleanup business
Are you ready to work in situations that may include bloodborne pathogens? Crime scenes and trauma cleanup business idea is one of the fastest-growing and highly profitable businesses you can start today.
The crime scene cleaning business involves handling dozens of cold cases which involves double-checking crime scenes. You can offer cleaning up after suicides, homicides, and other types of violent crimes. Also provide emergency services for when an unexpected death occurs at a home or business.
8. Start an apartment cleaning business
With today’s lifestyle, cleaning service is in huge demand and continually expanding. Investing in a cleaning business is tapping into an enormous market with plenty of clients.
If you plan to start an apartment cleaning business, remember cleaning is a straightforward occupation, and you need to ensure proper customer service and meet the demands of your customers.
How much you can make: $100,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $649 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.
9. Start a dry cleaners business
Dry cleaning is a business that takes clothing, linens, and other fabrics and cleans them with no water. The dry cleaning process uses chemicals to clean the fabric and make it look new again. This process can remove stains, soil, and odors from your clothes.
People will always need their clothes washed so that this business model can succeed. Starting a dry cleaning business is a great way to enter the industry.
To maximize profitability, offer multiple services beyond the typical dry cleaning like wash and fold service.
How much you can make: $26,500 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.
10. Start a cleaning products business
Tired of generic cleaning products on your shelves? Consider starting your own cleaning products business. This venture allows you to create and sell eco-friendly and effective cleaning solutions tailored to today’s conscientious consumers.
The business involves formulating unique cleaning products and marketing them directly to households or businesses. You’ll need to conduct research on ingredients, experiment with formulas, and comply with regulations. This isn’t a quick gig; it requires dedication to crafting products that stand out in a crowded market.
Starting this business fulfills a growing demand for sustainable and non-toxic alternatives, making it both a profitable and personally rewarding endeavor. With consumer awareness on the rise, launching a line of cleaning products could be an opportunity to build a brand that truly makes a difference.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $708,333/month
How long does it take to build: 320 days (?)
DetraPel is a company that manufactures and distributes eco-friendly liquid repellent sprays designed to protect fabric and leather belongings, which has made over $512,000 in sales last year and has successfully partnered with Shark Tank.
11. Start a hospital cleaning business
A hospital cleaning business provides professional cleaning services to hospitals, medical centers, and other healthcare facilities. The business entails cleaning and sanitizing various areas within the hospital, including patient rooms, waiting rooms, restrooms, and operating rooms.
To run a successful hospital cleaning business, it is essential to follow strict protocols and guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing to ensure that the environment is safe and hygienic for patients and staff. This includes using the right cleaning products and equipment, following proper infection control procedures, and maintaining accurate documentation of cleaning tasks.
It is also essential to have a reliable and dedicated team of employees trained in the proper cleaning techniques and protocols. Providing ongoing training and support to your team is crucial to ensure they can provide high-quality cleaning services to your clients.
In addition to providing cleaning services, it is essential to have strong communication and customer service skills to effectively work with hospital staff and address any concerns or issues that may arise. Building solid relationships with your clients is crucial to maintaining a successful hospital cleaning business.
Overall, a hospital cleaning business requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to providing high-quality services to ensure the safety and cleanliness of healthcare facilities.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $23 (?)
Senthil Kumar spearheads Siva Solutions Inc, a game-changing digital marketing and software development company which caters to dentists using an array of well-crafted products to manage patient data and inquiries, thus enabling efficient management of processes, while boosting them to the 1st page on Google.
12. Start a waste disposal business
Starting a waste disposal business involves collecting, transporting, and disposing of various waste materials, including household, commercial, and hazardous materials. This business is essential for keeping communities clean and safe, and it is also a growing industry with increasing demand for sustainable waste management solutions.
To start a waste disposal business, you will need a reliable fleet of vehicles and appropriate equipment for collecting and transporting waste. You will also need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits and secure contracts with clients and waste processing facilities. Proper insurance coverage is also essential to protect your business from potential liabilities.
Successfully running a waste disposal business also requires maintaining a high level of customer service and adhering to local, state, and federal regulations for handling and disposing of waste materials. It is important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and invest in training and education for your employees to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and safety.
Starting a waste disposal business can be rewarding and lucrative, but it requires careful planning and a commitment to providing excellent service to your clients. By following these guidelines, you can be well on your way to building a successful and sustainable waste disposal business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $230,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
This case study showcases the story of a locally owned and operated residential waste removal business based in Colorado Springs started with a pick-up truck and a $35k loan, which now has 51 dumpsters, two roll-off dumpster delivery trucks, two residential garbage trucks, and is projecting $700-800k in sales for 2020.
13. Start an air duct cleaning business
Air duct cleaning improves indoor air quality by reducing allergens and irritants. Homeowners and commercial property owners request air duct cleaning services regularly. With the increasing number of homeowners and commercial offices, the demand for HVAC services will keep growing.
Starting an air duct cleaning business can be profitable if you understand how HVAC units work. To start an air duct cleaning business, you need a relevant course to acquire the skills needed to service the HVAC systems.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
Senthil Kumar spearheads Siva Solutions Inc, a game-changing digital marketing and software development company which caters to dentists using an array of well-crafted products to manage patient data and inquiries, thus enabling efficient management of processes, while boosting them to the 1st page on Google.
14. Start an aviation cleaning service
Starting an aviation cleaning business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture for those interested in the aviation industry. This business involves cleaning and maintaining the interior and exterior of aircraft, including planes, helicopters, and private jets.
To start this business, you will need a team of skilled and trained cleaners familiar with the specific cleaning requirements of different aircraft. You will also need to invest in high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment, such as vacuums, mops, and window cleaning solutions.
In addition to the physical requirements of the job, it is essential to have a strong understanding of aviation safety regulations and guidelines. This includes adhering to strict policies on using chemicals and ensuring that all cleaning is done with the utmost care and attention to detail.
To run this business successfully, it is essential to establish relationships with local aviation companies and airports. This can include offering regular cleaning services or being on call for emergency cleaning needs. It is also essential to have a strong marketing strategy in place to attract new clients and grow your business.
Starting an aviation cleaning business requires skills and resources, including a team of experienced cleaners, high-quality equipment and supplies, and a strong understanding of aviation safety regulations. With the right approach, this can be a lucrative and rewarding business opportunity.
15. Start a carpet cleaning service
One of the most common household decorative items is a floor carpet. Carpets are extensively used in commercial and residential spaces to provide an aesthetic look. The increased use of carpets has influenced the demand for carpet cleaning services.
If you are starting a carpet cleaning company, you will need quality equipment and an on-point marketing strategy to stand out from the competition. You will be challenged by managing customer quoting, invoicing, allocating labor, and collecting payments. Therefore, invest in the right software for managing business operations and tracking invoicing.
How much does it cost to start: $261 (?)
16. Start an oven cleaning business
How much does it cost to start: $499 (?)
17. Start a road cleaning business
18. Start a vehicle cleaning service
19. Start a school janitorial service
20. Start an airport cleaning business
21. Start a professional organizing business
Are you interested in a side hustle business idea you can launch today? How about becoming a professional organizing consultant? You can teach others how to keep their spaces neatly organized if you have special organization skills.
Typically, a professional organizing business helps clients develop critical organizing skills through training. To start your business, you can create videos and share them on Instagram or other social media platforms.
To earn income from the organizing business, you can partner with promoters or introduce paid advertising opportunities.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $12,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 100 hours/week
Professional organizer turned system strategist boosts monthly sales to $8,000 by helping others in the industry implement business systems and through successful niche marketing on Instagram for Dubsado CRM setups.
22. Start a window cleaning business
If you are ambitious about cleaning spaces, you may consider the window cleaning business opportunity.
Starting a window cleaning business offers several advantages. First, you get to choose a suitable work schedule. Also, you have access to repeat business since windows need regular cleaning to keep their shiny appearance.
Besides, starting a window cleaning service is not capital-intensive and comes with minimal overhead costs.
How much does it cost to start: $50 (?)
23. Start a pressure washing business
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
24. Start a steam cleaning business
25. Start a snow removal service
Snow plowing is a high-margin scalable business with low overhead costs. Although seasonal, you can earn a decent living by plowing snow in winter. Entrepreneurs with a dump trailer and snow plow can serve commercial and residential customers and stay busy during or after a snowstorm.
26. Start a laptop cleaning business
Got a knack for details and cleanliness? A laptop cleaning business might be your next venture. This business idea revolves around providing specialized cleaning and maintenance services for laptops.
With technology being integral to daily life, laptops are constantly exposed to dust and grime, affecting their performance. You’ll offer a service that ensures these devices remain in optimal working condition.
Not only does this business require minimal startup costs—mainly cleaning supplies and marketing—but it also addresses a common issue tech users face.
In a world increasingly reliant on technology, a laptop cleaning business blends necessity with opportunity, making it an appealing choice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
How much you can make: $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
TechUnwreck, a mail-in bulk device repair service for schools and businesses, started as a part-time side hustle learning to fix phones after its founder's own phone broke and is now expecting to do 30,000 repairs per year and $3 million in sales in 2021, thanks to a committed hiring process, in-person repair model, and online reputation.
27. Start a chimney cleaning service
Don't let dirty chimneys become a fire hazard. Consider starting a chimney cleaning service. Chimney cleaning involves inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining chimneys to ensure they are free of obstructions and combustible residue.
With rising awareness about fire safety, there's a growing demand for professional chimney sweeps. This business idea is especially relevant in colder climates, where fireplaces are frequently used. You’ll need initial investment in equipment such as brushes, vacuums, and protective gear, but the returns can be promising as clients tend to book services annually for maintenance.
By offering additional services like minor repairs or even chimney cap installation, you can increase your revenue streams. Marketing your services through local advertisements and partnering with real estate agents for referrals can help you build a steady client base. Start a chimney cleaning service and tap into a niche yet essential market.
How much you can make: $21,000/month
Patriot Chimney, a Virginia-based chimney repair company founded by three friends, generated over $212,000 in its first year of operation, using a mix of digital and in-person marketing and customer retention strategies, and plans to expand its business and customer base with new initiatives including an online store and non-profit organization.
28. Start a garden cleaning business
If you want to start a gardening-related business, you may consider providing garden cleanups to residential and commercial customers. Your role will be to provide garden cleanups to prevent pests, weed seed, and diseases and prepares the garden for fun activities while providing a clean slate for perennial and vegetables to grow.
29. Start a carpet cleaner rental business
30. Become an attic room organizer
Starting an attic room organizer business can be a great way to help people declutter and organize their homes. This business involves working with clients to assess the items in their attic and help them determine what to keep, sell, or donate. It also involves creating a plan for organizing and storing items in a way that is efficient and practical for the client.
To start this business, you will need a few key items. First, you will need a reliable vehicle to transport items to and from clients’ homes. You will also need storage bins, boxes, and other organizing tools to help keep items organized. Additionally, you may want to invest in a ladder or other equipment to help you safely access attics.
To run this business successfully, it is important to have strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail. You should be able to work efficiently and effectively with clients to help them declutter and organize their attics. Additionally, you should be able to create practical and efficient storage solutions for your clients.
Overall, starting an attic room organizer business can be a rewarding and profitable venture for organized, efficient, and detail-oriented people. With the right tools and skills, you can help people transform their cluttered attics into functional and organized storage spaces.
31. Start a garage organizer business
Starting a garage organizer business can be an excellent opportunity for those looking to provide a much-needed service to homeowners and businesses. With many people struggling to find space and organization in their garages, this business can help clients declutter and create functional and efficient spaces.
To start a garage organizer business, you must understand how to organize and utilize space effectively. You should also be able to work with clients to understand their needs and preferences to create a customized plan for their garage. This may include installing shelving, cabinets, and other storage solutions.
To run a successful garage organizer business, it’s essential to have good customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients. You should also be able to manage your time effectively, as you will likely be working on multiple projects simultaneously.
Marketing and networking will also be necessary to grow your business and attract new clients.
How much you can make: $10,500/month
Curate Labs is a creative practice focused around ethical and sustainable design, with an annual publication that champions good business and a travel platform that advocates conscious travel, founded in 2016 by co-founders Abb-d Choudhury and Sara, bootstrapped, now turning into one business with 3 departments and aiming for 50-100% increase in revenue.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
