How to start a cleaning business in Australia

Households, offices, and businesses like to do everything they can to keep their spaces clean and minimise exposure to different viruses. It’s no surprise that many people are venturing into cleaning businesses in Australia. There will always be something to clean up, which means there will always be clients! 

If you want to start a cleaning business, you’ll be glad to know you can do so even with minimal experience, equipment, and money. Read on to learn about starting a cleaning business from scratch. 

Can I start a cleaning business by myself? 

Yes, you can start one all by yourself! If you don’t have the funds to hire staff, time is what you need to invest. As a business owner, you’ll need to be hands-on with every step of starting your business, from planning to advertising. 

Once you’ve established your business and made some money, you can look into hiring more cleaners, getting business partners, or taking on bigger projects. 

How do I start my own cleaning business?

Let’s say you already have a business name in mind and are ready to jump in. Here are some things you’ll need to consider when starting your business. 

1. Have a clear and defined market.

Identifying your market is an essential first step of your business plan. Will you be cleaning for homeowners or businesses? Which locations should you provide your services to? Are your prices suitable for your target customers? 

Knowing the answers will help you plan the specifics of your business. Once you have a clearer idea, you can choose to specialise in a type of cleaning service, such as: 

• House cleaning services
• Commercial cleaning services
• Office cleaning services
• Graffiti removal
• Airbnb cleaning

2. Hone your cleaning skills and knowledge.

Make sure to have a basic understanding of cleaning equipment and methods. 

You can practise your cleaning skills by starting with your own home or cleaning for friends and family. For the latter, get feedback, so you can identify skills you still need to work on, which you can do through online courses and certifications. 

3. Consider cleaning equipment costs.

This is where estimated cleaning costs come in. While it’s possible to start a cleaning company with little capital, expect to still spend some money on cleaning equipment and supplies. You may also need to factor in other overhead costs like transportation, insurance, and advertising. 

4. Promote your cleaning business. 

Early on, figure out how to promote your cleaning company. You can do it the traditional way by putting up flyers in restaurants and community centres. Or, set up your business website or social media profile to establish your online presence and reach more customers. To easily find cleaning jobs in your area, sign up on Airtasker and browse tasks near you.    

5. Prepare your policies and contracts. 

Set your service terms and prepare contracts, especially if you’re starting a commercial cleaning business. This is a way to manage client expectations and ensure both sides are in agreement. In a contract, you can lay out your service rates, materials provided, working time, cleaning schedule, and other terms. It’s best to ask a lawyer to review your business contract and give you legal advice. 

Do I need a licence to clean houses?

Cleaning businesses are generally not regulated in Australia, so you don’t need a licence to clean houses. But cleaning certification comes with many benefits, including: 

• Higher rates - You can charge more for your cleaning services if you’re a certified professional.
• Peace of mind - Licences, bonds, and insurance protect you and your clients.
• Qualification for specialised jobs - You may need to pass a course before doing more complex jobs like upholstery cleaning or commercial cleaning.

We recommend checking with your local council for the requirements and health regulations that apply to your small  business. 

Learn more about cleaning business requirements here: 

• Finding the business licences you need
• Deciding on your business structure 
• Applying for an ABN

Start your cleaning business today. 

Finding your first few cleaning jobs can be easy with the help of Airtasker. Simply sign up to start browsing cleaning tasks and sending quotes to potential customers. We’re here to help you find local cleaning jobs, whether you’re looking for side hustles or commercial cleaning work. Sign up now to get started!