Cleaning has low startup costs compared with most trades: supplies, a quality vacuum, microfiber, a caddy system, insurance, business registration and marketing. Commercial work may add floor machines. The biggest ongoing costs are labor, mileage and supplies per visit, so the worksheet should help you compute cost per clean, not just opening spend.
Worked example: cost per residential clean
| Item | Per visit |
|---|---|
| Labor, 2 cleaners × 2.5 hours | your wage rate × 5 hours |
| Supplies | your per-visit supply cost |
| Travel | miles × your mileage rate |
| Overhead share | insurance, software, marketing ÷ visits |
Add these up per visit, then add profit. If the total is close to what competitors charge, your process or route density needs work.
Equipment that pays back
- Commercial-grade vacuum with good filtration
- Color-coded microfiber system
- Labeled caddies per room type
- Floor machine only once commercial contracts justify it
Pricing check against your costs
Once you know your cost per visit, compare it with local prices. If competitors charge less, look at route density, time per room and supply costs before cutting prices. A cleaning business makes money on efficient routes and repeat clients, not on winning every quote.
Itemized budget lines
| Line | What it covers | Source for a real number |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum | Commercial-grade with filtration | Supplier quote |
| Microfiber and mops | Color-coded system | Supply catalog |
| Chemicals | All-purpose, bathroom, glass, floor | Distributor price list |
| Caddies and bags | Organized kits per team | Supply catalog |
| Insurance | Liability and bonding | Agent quote |
| Vehicle costs | Fuel, maintenance, mileage | Mileage log |
| Uniforms | Shirts with logo | Vendor quote |
| Software | Scheduling and invoicing | Monthly plans |
| Marketing | Website, cards, signage | Websites from $399 |
| Training | New hire training time | Hours × wage |
Worked example: pricing a standard clean
Maria times standard cleans for homes of different sizes and finds averages for each bedroom and bathroom count. She adds supplies used per visit, travel time, insurance and software share, and her labor target, then sets prices by home size. Deep cleans and move-outs take longer and are priced higher. She reviews prices each year as costs rise.
One-time costs
| Item | Your quote |
|---|---|
| Supplies and equipment | $ ______ |
| Business registration | $ ______ |
| Insurance setup | $ ______ |
| Uniforms | $ ______ |
| Website build and domain | $ ______ |
Monthly costs
| Item | Your quote |
|---|---|
| Supplies | $ ______ / month |
| Fuel | $ ______ / month |
| Insurance | $ ______ / month |
| Software | $ ______ / month |
| Marketing | $ ______ / month |
| Website care | $ ______ / month |
Free tools
Common questions
How much does it cost to start?
Often modest, mainly supplies, insurance and marketing. Get insurance quotes early because they vary.
Should I buy a floor buffer?
Only when you have floor-care contracts. Renting first is common.
What software do cleaners use?
Scheduling and invoicing tools help once you have recurring clients.
Sources
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
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