5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Cleaning Service Company (Lessons from Over a Decade of Experience)

Ever Thought About Starting a Cleaning Service? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Starting a cleaning company seems simple, right? Grab some supplies, book a few clients, and you’re good to go! But after more than 10 years in the cleaning service industry, there are a few things I wish someone had told me before I started. Trust me, it’s a ride—and not always a clean one.

Whether you’re thinking of launching your own cleaning service company or just curious about the journey, here are the top lessons I’ve learned over the years. And if you’re already running a business? You might just find some insights here to make your life a whole lot easier.

1. It's More Than Just Cleaning—It's Running a Business

When I first started out, I was laser-focused on the actual cleaning—how to make spaces sparkle and satisfy my clients. But here’s the truth: running a cleaning company is way more than knowing how to clean. You’ve got to juggle everything from hiring and managing staff to dealing with bookkeeping, taxes, marketing, and client relations.

For example, I remember when I landed my first big commercial client. I thought I was set. But then I realized I hadn’t priced the job to account for staff wages, insurance, and supplies. I was operating at a loss for months before I finally figured out how to adjust my pricing to stay profitable.

Takeaway: If you’re starting a cleaning service company, don’t just think about cleaning. Think about how you’re going to run the business as a whole—sales, finances, HR, and all.

2. Pricing Isn’t As Simple As It Seems

Speaking of pricing, one of the biggest mistakes I made in the early days was underpricing my services. I figured if I came in cheaper than my competitors, I’d easily win clients. And while I did win some, I quickly learned that low prices don’t mean high profits.

I didn’t account for overhead costs, employee wages, and the time it would take to do the job properly. There’s a balance between being competitive and undervaluing yourself—and finding that sweet spot takes time.

Pro Tip: Don’t sell yourself short. Research your market, understand your costs, and price your services for both sustainability and growth. You’d be surprised how many clients are willing to pay more for quality service and reliability.

3. Relationships Matter—A Lot

One thing that may surprise you is how much relationships matter in this business. The cleaning industry isn’t just about scrubbing floors; it’s about trust. People are inviting you into their homes and businesses, sometimes after hours, and they want to know they can rely on you. Your reputation is everything.

There’s one story I always think back to when it comes to relationships. One of my first long-term clients was a small business owner. At first, I thought it was just another job. But by consistently providing great service and building a relationship based on trust, that client referred me to several other businesses. That one relationship alone helped my company grow substantially.

Moral of the story: Building strong, trusting relationships with your clients will take you further than you think. It leads to long-term contracts, referrals, and the kind of business stability that’s hard to come by.

4. Hiring the Right Team Will Make or Break You

No one can do it alone, especially not in a cleaning service company. As your business grows, you’ll need to hire staff, and trust me, the right hires make all the difference. I learned this the hard way after hiring someone who just didn’t share my commitment to quality. One poorly done job cost me a long-standing client.

Here’s how I now approach hiring: I don’t just look for people who can clean. I look for people who take pride in their work and align with the company’s values. A good hire is an investment in your company’s future.

FAQ: What should I look for in cleaning staff?

When hiring, prioritize reliability, attention to detail, and a positive attitude. Skills can be taught, but finding someone who genuinely cares about doing a great job is priceless.

5. Marketing Your Services Is Essential—Don’t Just Rely on Word of Mouth

When I first started, I thought word of mouth would be enough to keep my business growing. After all, if I did a great job, people would tell others, right? Well, that only gets you so far. What I wish I had known is the importance of having a solid marketing strategy in place—whether it’s through social media, local ads, or even partnering with other businesses.

Nowadays, my cleaning service company invests in SEO (search engine optimization) and digital marketing to reach new clients, especially in a competitive market. People are searching online for “cleaning service” and “cleaning service company” all the time—make sure they can find you.

What to Expect When You Start a Cleaning Service Company

Starting a cleaning service company can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering diving into this industry:

• Expect to work hard at first. Cleaning isn’t glamorous, and you’ll likely have to do a lot of it yourself until your business grows.
• Plan for slow months. Like many service industries, cleaning has its peaks and valleys. Make sure you have a strategy for managing cash flow in slower seasons.
• Be patient. Building a solid client base takes time, but if you provide great service and build strong relationships, your business will grow.

Reader Engagement: What’s Your Biggest Cleaning Struggle?

If you’re a fellow cleaning business owner (or considering starting one), what’s been your biggest struggle so far? Or, if you’re a homeowner, what’s the one thing you dread cleaning the most? Let me know in the comments!

Ready to Hire a Cleaning Service? Connect with Premier Property Preservation!

If you’re looking for a trusted, top-tier cleaning service company with over a decade of experience, Premier Property Preservation is here for you. Whether you need commercial or residential cleaning, our expert team is dedicated to providing the highest quality service with integrity and professionalism.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can make your space shine!

FAQs:

1. What’s the biggest challenge in running a cleaning service company?

The biggest challenge is balancing the operational side with the cleaning itself. Running the business, managing finances, and keeping clients happy can be a lot to juggle.

1. How do you set your prices for cleaning services?

We base our pricing on factors like job size, labor, and the specific needs of the client. It’s important to factor in your costs to ensure you're profitable.

1. What’s the best way to market a cleaning company?

While word of mouth is powerful, investing in digital marketing and SEO will help you reach a wider audience. Social media, local listings, and partnerships are also effective.

1. How do you keep clients happy long-term?

Consistency is key. By delivering high-quality service every time and being responsive to client needs, we build long-term relationships based on trust.