When starting a cleaning business, one of the most common questions is, do I need to get bonded or what is bonding insurance?
Many people think that a bond is required to start a cleaning business, but this is not always the case. However, it is highly recommended to purchase a janitorial service bond when starting out in the industry.
This blog post will discuss what it means to have a bond as a cleaning service and how to get one.
Please note the information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a legal professional to address your specific legal needs.
Bonding insurance provides peace of mind for you and your customers. When you hold a janitorial service bond, your customers are protected from theft by your business or its employees. This gives your clients peace of mind when hiring you and helps build a level of trust and assurance that you are a serious business owner who cares about your clients and their homes.
1. What is bonding and why do you need it as a business owner
This policy protects your customers from any financial loss they may suffer as a direct result of theft, fraud, or dishonesty on your part or that of your employees.
When an incident occurs, the bonding company will investigate the claim and pay out damages if your company is found liable for criminal acts.
For example, if one of your employees steals from a client, the bond will cover the cost of the damages. This type of coverage is important for businesses that deal with sensitive material or valuables.
The layer of protection gives your clients peace of mind knowing that there is protection in place in case of an unfortunate event.
Your client may feel more comfortable hiring your company over another knowing that you have taken the extra steps to protect their valuables by becoming bonded.
One difference between a bond from an insurance policy is that a claim that is paid by the bonding company has to be repaid. Whereas when an insurance claim is paid against a policy it does not have to be repaid.
2. How much does bonding cost and what are the benefits
The cost of bonding insurance varies depending on the size and scope of your business. For a cleaning business, the average bond purchased ranges from $5,000 to $100,000.
The cost of the bond will vary based on the amount of your bond, your company size, risk factors, where you are located, and other varying factors.
It is a good idea to purchase liability insurance in conjunction with your bond to better protect your business.
3 How to choose the right bonding company for your business
It is important that you do your research when selecting a bonding company as not all are created equal.
When I started my cleaning business, I first got a quote from my car insurance company. I then called around to a few local brokers to get quotes as well.
I ended up working with a local insurance broker who was able to shop around for my business needs.
Insurance Brokers are easy to work with as they can help you shop around for other business insurance as well that will better protect you and your cleaning business.
You can check with your local chamber of commerce to see if there are any registered insurance brokers that you can work with as well.
4. What to do if something goes wrong
Hopefully, you will never have to tap into your janitorial bonding insurance while running your business. But in the chance that you do, there are a few things you can do now to be prepared.
When something goes wrong and you need to file a claim against your bond, you will first need to file a police report. Many companies will not pay out a claim without a conviction.
Once you have filed the police report, you will then need to contact your surety company and provide them with a copy of the report.
Your surety company will then investigate the claim and if they find that your business is liable, they will pay out the damages up to the amount of the bond you purchased.
It is important to have a company policy in place in case something happens. Check with your bonding company on what they require for reporting purposes and use this as a guide to create your policy.
It is helpful to create an incident report form where you can record all the information revolving around the claim. As soon as your client reaches out to you regarding a possible theft (do this for damages as well) send them your incident form and have them record when the item when missing, a description of the item, and what value the item may be
5. What happens if you don’t get bonded when starting a cleaning business
In most cases, a bond is not legally required to start a cleaning business. But it is highly recommended to purchase a bond when starting a cleaning business.
1. You may not win the bid
When new clients are getting quotes from cleaning services, it is likely they will ask you if your business is bonded and insured.
The Cleaning Busines that can prove they are, will have a greater chance of getting hired for the job.
2. You may have to pay upfront when something goes wrong
If something goes wrong and you are not bonded, you may be liable for damages out of your own pocket when they occur. This can put a strain on a small business that may not have the cash to pay out for the loss of expensive items and ultimately ruin your business.
It is not worth the risk of not getting bonded when starting a cleaning business. The peace of mind and protection it provides is invaluable.
I hope this article has helped you understand why it is important to get bonded when starting a cleaning business.
Spinning your wheels trying to get clients for your house cleaning business? Have you bugged your family and friends to the point they don’t answer your calls anymore? Are you watching your dream of running a cleaning business fade because you can’t find any clients?
You can jump off that merry-go-round, this post will help you find clients for your cleaning service.
House cleaning is a great business to start. It’s relatively low cost, there is a lot of demand for it, and it’s something that most people need regularly. However, the one thing that can hold many people back from starting their own cleaning business is how to get clients.
How do you go about finding people who need your services? How do you market yourself in a way that stands out from the competition?
In this article, we will discuss some tips and strategies for getting more clients for your house cleaning business! I also want to add that I do have a marketing power pack where I have these ideas and more along with a tracking tool to help you get more clients consistently.
How to Get Cleaning Clients
Start by creating a list of potential clients, such as busy moms, working professionals, or retirees
Depending on what your target market is (the types of clients you want to serve) start making a list of people you know who will fall into these groups. This can be people you know living in a certain neighborhood, busy moms, working professionals, apartment complexes, etc.
Once you have your list, draft an email letting them know that you have started a cleaning service, and write a small blurb about what you offer (like 2 – 3 sentences at most). Let them know that you are currently taking new clients and ask for their help by passing your name on to anyone they know who may be looking for a reliable cleaning service.
Tips for creating a list of potential clients.
Once you send an email to this list, STOP. If they are interested they will reach out. One sure way to lose a friend is by constantly trying to sell to them.
If you get a referral be sure to thank your friend. You can do this by offering a free cleaning service or giving them a $50 gift card. This will go a long way and they may even refer more people your way.
Offer the best service to any clients that are referred to you by a friend. If a friend refers a relative to your service and you show up late, forget to clean the shower, and show up with beat-up supplies it will surely make it back to your friend. You can bet they will never refer anyone to your service again.
Contact your local chamber of commerce and ask to be added to their business directory.
The chamber of commerce is a great place to start when looking for new clients. They are always looking to promote local businesses and what better way to show that you are invested in the community than by being a part of their directory.
Tips for getting added to your local chamber of commerce business directory
When you contact them, let them know that you are starting a cleaning business and would like to be added to their directory. They will most likely have you fill out a form with your business information and then add you to their website.
Once you are added, be sure to keep your information up-to-date, as this will be one of the first places potential clients will look when they are searching for a new cleaning service.
To claim your profile, simply go to Google My Business and create an account with your business information. Once you have verified your account, you will be able to start adding photos, your business hours, and other important information that potential clients will be looking for.
Tips for Claiming your Google My Business profile
Make sure your business information is accurate and up-to-date, as this is what will show up in search results.
Add photos of your work, as this will help you stand out from the competition.
Fill out your profile completely.
Start building your reviews, each time you clean a client’s home ask them to leave a review on Google Reviews
Create social media profiles for your cleaning business and post photos of your previous work.
Social media is a great way to attract new clients and show off your work. Be sure to create profiles on the most popular platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Once you have created your profiles, start posting photos of your previous work. You can also post special offers, coupons, and other information that potential clients
Tips for creating social media profiles for your cleaning business.
Make sure your business contact information is up to date and is consistent on all platforms. This will help your rankings on Google.
Use high-quality photos. This is your chance to show off your work, so make sure the photos are clear and professional looking.
Post regularly, but don’t spam your followers with too many posts. Once or twice a week is plenty.
Engage with your followers by responding to comments and questions quickly.
Create a website for your cleaning business.
A website is a great way to attract new clients and show off your work. Be sure to include your contact information and business hours, and list the services you offer.
Many people searching online want instant information so include a list of what is cleaned with each cleaning and a pricing range for your service. Use your website for online quotes by adding an integrated quote form this is a great way to book a client online.
Tips for creating a website for your cleaning business
Make sure your website is mobile-friendly, as more and more people are using their phones to search for businesses.
Use high-quality photos and videos of your work.
Include testimonials from satisfied customers.
Include lots of ‘call to action’s, and make it easy for potential clients to reach you by including your phone number, a contact form or request for quote form.
Attend community events where homeowners and renters might be looking for a cleaner.
There are always community events going on, such as block parties, garage sales, and festivals. Attend these events by setting up a table and hand out business cards or flyers to potential clients.
You can also offer a discount for anyone who mentions that they saw you at the event. Or even have a drawing for a free house cleaning. This is a great way to get your name out there, attract new clients and start collecting email addresses to start email marketing.
Tips for attending community events
Be sure to dress professionally and have plenty of business cards or flyers on hand. If you have a shirt with your business logo that is even better.
Engage with potential clients, but don’t be too pushy. Engage in authentic communication getting to know them.
Have a special offer or discount available for anyone who mentions the event.
Join online forums or groups related to house cleaning or other home services.
There are many online forums and groups where homeowners and renters can post about their cleaning needs. Join these groups and offer your services.
You can also use these groups to network with other businesses in the home services industry. This is a great way to get referrals from other businesses as well.
Tips for joining online forums and groups
Be sure to read the rules of the group before posting. You don’t want to get kicked out for breaking a rule.
Professionally introduce yourself and your business. Any communication in these groups should always be professional. If you wouldn’t say it in front of a customer, then don’t say it in online group discussions.
Offer your services clearly and concisely and be consistent with your pricing and service. Don’t offer one person a lower rate than another. You never know who knows who.
Be sure to follow up with potential clients as soon as possible after they’ve posted about their cleaning needs. The early bird gets the worm here!
Maintain good communication with clients and provide quality service so that they will recommend you to others.
The best way to get new clients is by providing quality service and maintaining good communication with your current clients. They will be the ones to recommend you to others.
Tips for maintaining good communication and providing quality service to clients.
Always be professional and courteous when communicating with clients.
Provide quality service by being on time, efficient, and thorough. Offering a 100% guarantee on quality and keeping that promise goes a long way.
Keep your clients updated on any changes to your business, such as new services or prices.
Send a follow-up message after each job to thank the client and ask if they were happy with the service. If they were not happy, respond by asking how you can fix it.
Have a stellar referral program and reward clients for referring their neighbors and friends.
A great way to get new clients is by offering a referral program. Clients can earn rewards, such as discounts or free services, for referring their friends and neighbors. This is a win-win situation because the client gets a discount and you get a new customer.
Be sure to offer an incentive that is valuable to your clients.
Make it easy for clients to refer their friends by providing them with referral cards or a unique referral code.
Track referrals so that you can properly reward your clients.
Network with local businesses to offer a small discount to their clients if they sign up for your services.
Many businesses are always looking for ways to save their clients’ money. Contact local businesses and offer a small discount to their clients if they sign up for your services. This is a great way to get new customers and build relationships with other businesses in your community.
Tips for networking with other businesses:
Reach out to businesses that are in a similar industry as you. For example, if you offer house cleaning services, you could reach out to real estate agents, property management companies, and home improvement stores.
Offer a discount that is valuable to the business but does not eat into your profits too much.
Be sure to have a contract in place that outlines the terms of the discount agreement.
By following these tips, you will be on your way to getting new clients for your house cleaning business.
Just remember to be professional, provide quality service, and maintain good communication with your clients. These are the key ingredients for a successful business.
Frequently asked questions
How to get your first cleaning client?
For aspiring entrepreneurs, the biggest obstacle to achieving their dream is finding that first client. Most cleaning services get their first client from someone in their personal network. So the best way to get your first client is by emailing all you know.
Let them know you have started a cleaning business and that you are taking on new clients. Tell them about their service Let them know if they need a quality cleaning service you would be happy to give them a quote.
Or if they currently don’t need a cleaning service you would appreciate it if they keep you in mind next time they hear about someone needing a cleaning service.
If you have the money and no network, another option is to start running paid ads online through either Google, Facebook, Instagram, or another online channel. Most homeowners now purchase home services via the internet.
How to keep cleaning clients?
When you get a new client for your cleaning business it’s exciting and encouraging. But when you lose a client it just plain sucks! So how do you keep your cleaning clients?
By providing quality service–showing up on time, delivering the services you promised, dressing professionally, and using professional language–you’re making sure your customers are happy.
It’s important to always show up on time and deliver the services that you promised. This type of reliability will build trust and keep clients coming back.
Dress professionally when cleaning or representing your business. Don’t wear clothes with stains and tares. This will create a positive impression and help to build rapport.
Good communication is also key. If there are any changes to your schedule or a problem with a service, be sure to let your client know as soon as possible. That way, they won’t be left in the dark and can make alternative arrangements if need be.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you’ll be keeping your house cleaning clients for years to come.
How to get cleaning clients fast?
There is no one magical way to get lots of cleaning clients quickly. The best marketing strategy is one that diversifies and is consistent. Don’t get discouraged and don’t give up.
Track how clients are finding you, this will tell you what marketing strategy will work best for your business. Once you know where most of your clients come from, focus and invest in that strategy.
Where can I advertise my cleaning business for free?
There are many ways to advertise your cleaning business for free. You can start by claiming you’re My Google Business account so that your business starts showing up in Google Searches for cleaning services in your area.
You can also create free social media accounts, using local keywords so that your accounts will show up in online searches. You can also post on online classified websites and social media platforms.
Email past clients and offer a 1 time special to come back and hire you (make sure the 1-time discount is only on 1 house cleaning service and not for recurring services. I did this regularly and it helped me fill in gaps in my schedule. When a client had to cancel a cleaning, I would send an email to my list saying the first person to get back to me can get their house cleaned that day for a discount.
What do customers want from a cleaning company?
When it comes to choosing a cleaning company, customers want one that is reliable and can provide consistent results.
They want to be able to trust the cleaning company to show up on time and get the job done without any drama. And of course, they want a cleaning company that will keep its promises.
A cleaning company that can provide all of these things is sure to be successful. When customers feel confident in the cleaning company they’ve chosen, they’ll be more likely to continue using its services. This is why it’s so important for cleaning companies to focus on providing quality service that customers can depend on.
How to advertise cleaning services on Facebook?
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re advertising your cleaning company on Facebook. First, make sure your page is up-to-date and looks professional. This means having a profile picture, cover photo, and bio that accurately represent your business.
Run ads and take advantage of Facebook’s targeting options to ensure that your ads are being seen by your ideal clientele. You can target people based on location, age, gender, interests, and more.
Make sure your ads are creative and attention-grabbing. Use high-quality images and persuasive copy to stand out from the competition. By following these tips, you can get consistent leads for new cleaning clients from Facebook.
Here are some tips on how to get started:
Start by creating a Facebook page for your cleaning company. Make sure to include lots of information about your services, rates, and operating hours.
2. Once you have your page set up, start promoting it to your friends and family. Encourage them to like and share your page so that more people will see it.
3. Pay attention to the times of day when your page gets the most traffic. This is likely when potential customers are searching for cleaning services. Make sure to post during these times so that you have a better chance of being seen.
4. Use relevant keywords in your posts so that people who are searching for cleaning services will be more likely to find your page.
5. Offer special deals and discounts on your cleaning services from time to time. This will help to attract new customers and keep existing ones coming back for more.
How to sell cleaning services?
The cleaning industry is a competitive one, but there are ways to make your cleaning company stand out from the rest.
Focus on quality. potential clients should be impressed with the level of cleanliness your company provides.
Make sure your prices are competitive. potential clients will be comparing cleaning companies, and you want to make sure yours is in the mix.
Focus on customer service. potential clients should feel like they are your top priority.
If you can provide a great cleaning experience from start to finish, you’re sure to win over new business.
The best all-purpose cleaner for cleaning services. Imagine, you’re cleaning your clients’ house and you realize that you’re going to need a special cleaner for the fingerprints on the window.
Do you have any cleaners that are safe to use around your children and pets? Will they clean fingerprints, dirt, and grease?
Not all cleaners are created equal, and using the wrong one can damage surfaces or leave behind streaks and spots. If you are a professional cleaner, it is important to have the best all-purpose cleaner for your cleaning service. You need one that is versatile, tough, but also safe for you and your clients.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best all-purpose cleaners for cleaning services. We will also provide tips on how to use them safely and effectively!
What to look for when buying the best all-purpose cleaner for cleaning services.
When you are looking for a new cleaner, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
The option to buy in bulk
It is important to purchase your all-purpose cleaner in bulk. This will help you save money in the long run and ensure that you always have enough cleaner on hand.
When I purchase my all-purpose cleaner I would use a gallon jug to create my mix. I would create a heavy-duty all-purpose cleaner for deeper cleanings or in bathrooms where soap scum builds up quickly. Then I create a lighter all-purpose cleaner that I would use for almost all of my recurring clients.
These gallons would ride along in the back of the car. This way when I was done cleaning a client’s house, I could top off the spray bottles before cleaning the next house.
Consider how easy the cleaner is to use.
The best all-purpose cleaner for cleaning services will not require a lot of scrubbing. You don’t want to have to spend a lot of time scrubbing surfaces or worrying about damaging them. Look for a cleaner that is tough and can cut through grease and grim often found in kitchens and soap scum build-up in bathrooms.
There is a saying in the cleaning industry: Use a cleaner that will work for you, not one that you work for it.
Find a cleaner that is safe on most surfaces.
Every professional house cleaner knows that no two houses are the same. Cleaning houses, you will come across many different surfaces. Think about what kinds of surfaces the cleaner is safe for. Look for cleaners that are easy to use and safe on a variety of surfaces. The last thing you want is to end up with streaks or damage because you used the wrong cleaner on a sensitive surface.
Avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment.
Instead, opt for cleaners that are made with natural ingredients and are safe for both you and the planet. You will be exposed to these cleaning chemicals all day, several days a week. Respect yourself, and use cleaners that will not harm your health.
Environmentally friendly cleaners use to get a bad reputation for not being effective. You would have to use more elbow grease just to get the tough jobs cleaned. That is not the case anymore. With the new technology, these cleaners are just as tough on grime and dirt but are safe for you to use.
Consider the scent of the cleaner.
Some people prefer cleaners with a light scent, while others prefer ones that are heavy-duty and have a strong smell. You will be cleaning lots of different homes with lots of different customers. It is best to stick with a light-scented cleaner that most people can tolerate.
You will come across clients who will want you to use harsh chemicals, such as bleach. You will have to decide if this is something you are willing to do. If you are not, be sure to state this in your Client Policies that all new clients receive. This way the expectation is clear and upfront from the beginning.
How to use all-purpose cleaners effectively.
Now that you know what to look for to get the best all-purpose cleaner for your cleaning service, let’s talk about how to use them effectively.
Always read the label before using any cleaner.
Reading the label will give you important information about how to use the product safely and effectively.
Never mix your all-purpose cleaner with other cleaners. Mixing cleaners can be dangerous and can lead to harmful chemicals being released into the air.
Unless you have a chemistry degree and know what is safe and not safe to mix, always follow this rule. You don’t want your client to come home to you passed out on the floor.
Make sure you are using the right amount of cleaner.
More does not mean better when it comes to using an all-purpose cleaner. Follow the instructions on the label to avoid damaging surfaces or leaving behind streaks.
Using too much cleaner can leave behind traces of the cleaner. The leftover residue tends to attract dust and leaves surfaces looking dirty. This is when streaks can happen and that sticky feeling that can happen a surface is cleaned.
Have you ever walked over a recently mopped floor and your shoes stuck to it? What caused that sticky feeling is the floor cleaner was not properly rinsed and therefore left behind residue. This is a common complaint for wood or laminate flooring, so I wrote a bog post on how to best clean these types of floors, you can read it here.
How about granite. Have you ever cleaned granite countertops only to have streaks left behind? This doesn’t exactly give that sparkling clean look you want to be selling.
Using too little all-purpose cleaner will cause you to work harder. When you don’t apply enough all-purpose cleaner to the surfaces you are cleaning, or if you dilute your concentrated cleaner with too much water you are going to have to work twice as hard to get surfaces cleaned. Even the best all-purpose cleaner will not be effective if it is not being used at the correct strength.
So, when you are purchasing the best all-purpose cleaner in bulk, make sure you are using the correct water to cleaner ratio. This will ensure you use just the right amount of cleaner and leave behind shiny surfaces with no streaks or sticky residue.
The best all-purpose cleaner for cleaning services.
With so many options out on the market, I have narrowed down my top 3 best all-purpose cleaner for cleaning services that check off all the boxes listed above. Any of these cleaners I would use in my cleaning business.
Because there are so many choices, I recommend trying each out first to see which all-purpose cleaner works best for you and your cleaning style.
This natural all-purpose cleaner is very powerful. It can clean things better than cleaners that make your eyes water. Your clients will enjoy the soft scent of sage and citrus in this cleaner as well as the friendly ingredients.
Not only is this all-purpose cleaner powerful but it’s versatile too! You can spray it, wipe it, and see how it cleans scuff marks on the wall, spilled juice on the floor, peanut butter on the counter, bacon grease on the stove, toothpaste on the vanity, or coffee spills on the couch.
Eco Blast is a powerful, non-toxic cleaner that can be used for heavy-duty cleaning or light general cleaning. It’s safe to use around the house and has a light natural smell.
You can use Eco Blast for homes (kitchens, bathrooms, kids toys, pet messes), power washing, brick/masonry, spot removing, carpet, granite/stone, kitchen countertops, marine and RV’s, ovens/grills, toilets, tub/tile, upholstery, and wood. It’s the perfect all-in-one cleaner!
Red Juice is a powerful liquid cleaner that is biodegradable, odor-free, and safe for use around people. It is made from environmentally friendly ingredients such as seaweed and soybean extract. It is also non-toxic and unscented. Red Juice is a safe cleaner that you can use anywhere in the house. It will clean fingerprints, dirt, and grease. It is also safe to use on most surfaces in a house.
How to save money on the best all-purpose cleaner for your cleaning service.
Save money by buying in bulk
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good all-purpose cleaner. One of the most expensive ways to buy an All-Purpose cleaner is by purchasing them from your local grocery or box store.
These stores sell single-use cleaners that can cost upwards of $5 a pop and often you can use half a bottle in a client’s home. If you are cleaning 10 homes a week, that is $25 a week. And you still have to buy other cleaning supplies on top of that.
You can purchase a 1 gallon concentrated all-purpose cleaner for $70 and get 80 16 oz spray bottles. If purchased separately that would be $400! And then think, where would all those empty spray bottles go after each use?
Purchase with subscription services
If you are purchasing from Amazon, there is an option to select Subscribe and Save. This is just another option to save additional money. Before you sign up for this though, try out the cleaner to make sure it is a good fit for you. Once you find your perfect all-purpose cleaner then choose this option to save additional $.
Tips and tricks for using all-purpose cleaners safely and efficiently
Dilute according to product instructions
Be sure to read all labels correctly. Over diluting your all-purpose cleaner will make it less effective, creating more worth for you. If you find your all-purpose cleaner is not working very well, try adding a little more concentration to see if that doesn’t help get the job done.
On the flip side, not adding enough water can lead to using too much cleaner. This can damage more sensitive surfaces, leave behind streaky and stick residue and cost you more money in cleaner.
Create a heavy-duty and light-duty solution.
The heavy-duty solution can be used on tough jobs such as stoves and ovens. In bathrooms where there are hard water stains and soap scum build-up.
The light solution is what you will use for most surfaces when cleaning your regularly recurring clients. When a home is cleaned regularly a lighter cleaner will be sufficient enough to get the job done.
Use a damp microfiber with warm water when cleaning
This helps to rinse the surface off and leave behind a clean finish. When cleaning surfaces that tend to show water marks, I will follow up with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any standing water and buff surfaces clean.
For lighter cleaning, most all-purpose cleaners do not have to get rinsed off. Using a damp cloth and rinsing it regularly should pick up the cleaner and not leave any behind.
But with deeper cleaning like in sinks, bathtubs, and showers you will more than likely be using more cleaner than for vanities and kitchen countertops. In this case, giving a good rinse will help to wash away all the buildup that you just scrubbed off.
Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
Even though you will be purchasing an all-purpose cleaner that is made up of safe chemicals, they still can cause some skin irritation. It is best to wear gloves to avoid contact with your skin. Plus anytime you are cleaning someone’s house, you should always wear gloves.
There you have it, the Best All-Purpose Cleaner for cleaning services. What to look for when buying them, how to use them effectively, and little tips and tricks.
Should I bring my own cleaning supplies to clean a client’s house? YES!!!! Keep reading to learn why.
Most new house cleaners ask this question. It is an investment to purchase cleaning supplies for your new cleaning business. And what happens if the business doesn’t work out?
But on the flip side, if you use your own cleaning supplies, there is no learning curve. You already know how all the equipment works. You can clean faster and know what to grab for each surface.
If using your client’s supplies, you will have to read labels and learn how to use the equipment.
I did a survey of my email subscribers to get their answers to this as well. And it turns out 91% bring their own cleaning supplies to their client’s house.
This falls in line with the business model I teach. It’s what I recommend for those that are building a business and not just planning on cleaning part-time here and there. This post will help you decide which is best for your business.
When the Maid should bring the Cleaning Supplies
Bringing the cleaning supplies for cleaning jobs will work best for the following business models:
For cleaning persons that will be cleaning full time on their own.
Business owners who will be cleaning and eventually hiring employees to help clean.
Businesses that will only be hiring employees to do the cleaning.
It is easier to clean more efficiently and to maintain a consistent service when maid services bring their own cleaning supplies and equipment. When cleaning multiple homes a day the importance of cleaning efficiently becomes more important because when you save 15 minutes in one home that can translate to an hour a day or 5 hours a week. That’s like cleaning 1 to 2 houses in waisted time.
So here are my why’s to bringing your own equipment and supplies to each home you clean:
You can ensure that you know how to use the products and equipment
The more you use the same cleaning supplies and equipment, the more your cleaning routine becomes second nature. You’ll be able to clean with your eyes closed (NOT recommended though!).
When you use the same cleaning supplies over and over, you naturally get faster at cleaning. When you clean faster, you can clean more houses in a day and you will make more money.
You know that the equipment is properly maintained and will work
When bringing your own house cleaning supplies, you know the equipment is being taken care of. (Hopefully, you are servicing your cleaning equipment each evening and washing your towels.) With proper maintenance, you know that your cleaning equipment will be working properly….hopefully with no surprise breakdowns!
What if you get to the client’s home and their vacuum breaks, maybe the motor goes out or the electric source becomes loose and no longer works? You will be left without the proper equipment to finish the job.
Or, what if you get to the house and the homeowner is all out of bathroom cleaner. Maybe they forgot to pick some up before Cleaning Day. Or all they have is Windex. Have you ever tried to clean a shower with Windex? I don’t want to! I can’t imagine the soap scum will come off.
When a house cleaning service brings their own equipment they will have control over how well the equipment will work and ensure they have enough cleaning supplies to get the job done.
You know that you are using cleaning products that work effectively
Why do you purchase the All Purpose cleaner that you bought? More than likely, it is because you know it works, and it works well!
Your client may purchase cleaning products because of some fancy marketing, but it could be crap to clean with. Imagine scrubbing a shower and the soap scum doesn’t budge.
Your arm will hate you, and you will have wasted time cleaning that shower. If you had YOUR cleaner and maybe a razor blade, you could have had that shower cleaned in half the time…Am I right?
You become familiar with how the products work with the cleaning process that you have built and designed
You’ll know what products to use in the kitchen, and which products work better in the bathroom. Or think about your cleaning towels, do you have a favorite kind to use for bathrooms versus dusting? Do you like to use a feather duster, hand cloth, or hand-held micro-duster?
What about a long duster that is versatile, where you can extend to clean the tops of ceilings, but then bend it to dust the ceiling fans without getting a new tool?
By bringing your own house cleaning supplies and equipment, you’ll be able to build the cleaning process that you can use for each house you clean.
You can control the size of the bottles so that they fit into your apron
Your client is not purchasing cleaning supplies with your cleaning apron in mind. When you buy cleaning supplies, you should be buying in bulk and then filling smaller bottles that will fit neatly on hooks attached to your apron.
I recommend purchasing 16oz reusable spray bottles and filling them. Make sure to label them well with a printed label covered in tape. I tried using a permanent marker, but it has a tendency to rub off quickly from the cleaning supplies.
You wouldn’t hire a plumber and expect to provide the tools? You probably don’t even own the tools he would need to do the work. This is the same with your clients and house cleaning.
It allows you to charge more for the cleaning services
This is my favorite reason, it allows me to charge what other large cleaning services are charging. My clients will see me as a legit cleaning business and not just a lady that cleans their house for them.
By bringing your own supplies and equipment, you are investing in your business. You are saving your clients the time and money it would take for them to purchase the supplies. This equals a higher level of service and so, you are able to charge more to cover the cost to supply the equipment.
When the Homeowner should supply the cleaning supplies
If you are getting into cleaning as a part-time gig
For those starting a side hustle and only planning on cleaning for 5 or fewer clients, then I recommend using your client’s supplies. At 5 clients or less, it does not make sense to purchase the cleaning equipment (vacuum, mop, and cleaning supplies). It will take you longer to recoup the costs of purchasing the supplies and equipment.
If you are going to charge by the hour
If you are charging by the hour for cleaning tasks then it is ok to use your client’s supplies. Charging by the hour will ensure you are paid for the additional time it will take to learn how to use your client’s cleaning supplies and adjust to different products.
If you provide the client with a list of cleaning supplies to purchase
Some cleaning ladies/companies may decide to provide a list to the client on what cleaning supplies to purchase for them to provide for each cleaning. This is not a common practice. Many homeowners will not want to do this.
If you are part of the 9% who use their client’s supplies, make sure you follow these tips:
Charge an hourly rate rather than a flat fee for your cleaning services. You will not be able to replicate your cleaning system, therefore each home will be cleaned differently and will vary in how long it takes you to clean.
Etiquette when bringing cleaning supplies to your client’s house
Make sure the equipment is in tip-top shape.
Don’t bring broken down or dirty vacuums, in fact, you should be cleaning your vacuum filters out each day. I always kept extra filters for each vacuum that we had. This way I would wash one and while it dried, I would use another one.
Have the right supplies
Make sure you’re stalked with the right cleaning products to clean your client’s surfaces (stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, grout, and specialty surfaces). The best approach here is to purchase a safe All Purpose Cleaner that you can use on all surfaces.
Don’t run out of supplies
Stock your car each day so you don’t run out of cleaning supplies halfway through the day. In my business, we purchased most of our cleaning supplies in gallon quantities. So I kept a gallon of the cleaner in the car, and when we were packing up the car after a house, we topped off each cleaning bottle. This way we had plenty for the next house.
Keep your cleaning caddy neat and organized
Don’t bring a dirty cleaning caddy to your client’s home. Your equipment and supplies will be a reflection on you and your business and you don’t want to appear messy and unorganized. It’s best to wipe out your caddy each night as part of your end-of-day tasks. This way it is clean and ready to go for the next day.
The majority of cleaning companies are made up of small businesses. There can be little start up cost involved and as you grow your cleaning business, you can add on the fancy tools.
How to start a Cleaning Business in Colorado
This guide includes resources for starting a cleaning business in Colorado. Visit the states Business Organizations page to learn more about running a business in Colorado.
Decide what type of cleaning service you will offer
When choosing a name, you will want to consider SEO (search engine optimization, how new clients will find you on the internet) and the name should represent what your business does. This way when some one hears your business’s name, they know your are in the business of cleaning houses.
To brainstorm a name for your cleaning business, start with the words Maid, Cleaning and Service. Put these words at the top of a sheet of paper.
Then start writing as many adjectives and adverbs that match your company. This will help you to create a list of possible business names for you to choose from.
Choose a Business Structure for your Cleaning Business
Before registering your new cleaning business, you will need to know the legal structure for your business.
This structure will determine how your cleaning business will file its tax returns and how you as the owner will be taxed on your earnings as well.
It’s extremely important that you become familiar with and understand the different structures and how taxes are paid and filed with each. When choosing your business structure, consult with your tax professional. They can also help you file all the necessary paperwork.
The different structures include sole-proprietor, partnership, corporation, s-corporation or limited liability corporation. You can learn more about each business structure here.
Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Getting an EIN for your cleaning business is a must if you will be hiring employees.
If you will be operating as a sole-proprietor and not hiring employees, you may be able to use your personal social security number when filing taxes and such for your business. But it is always best to talk to your tax professional to see which you will need.
To apply for an EIN you will file a SS-4 with the IRS. It is free and you can do so on the IRS website. If you file online you will get your number right away.
File your cleaning business with the state of Colorado
The state of Colorado requires that all businesses register at Coloradosos.gov.
If you are forming a Corporation you will file an Articles of Incorporation with the state. The fee to file is $50.00. For instructions on filing an Articles of Incorporation visit .
If you are not ready to file as a Corporation or an LLC, you are able to operate as a sole-proprietor. To file your cleaning business in Colorado as a sole-proprietor you only need to file a trade name on the Departments Website. The Fee to file a trade name in Colorado is only $20.00.
The State of Colorado offers a training that walks you through the process of registering your house cleaning business with the state. The training is called Starting a Business in Colorado.
Business licensing needs in Colorado
At the time this article was written, Colorado does not have state business licenses. Licenses are applied for at local municipalities.
I recommend checking with the states licensing need when registering a new business.
Insurance protects you and your business’s assets, or money in the event of a accident or other unplanned event.
Types of insurance your cleaning business may need include liability insurance, bonding insurance and commercial car insurance.
The easiest way to shop for business insurance is to start with an insurance broker and they will do the shopping around for you to find the best deal.
Additional Resources to start a cleaning business in Colorado
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce has lots of resources for small businesses in Colorado. They offer online training, new and existing business counseling, as well as business training and events.
The Colorado Small Business Development Center is a not for profit organization who offers free business consulting and low cost trainings for small business owners. Their mission is to help small businesses grow and prosper in Colorado.
Next Steps to start your cleaning business.
Now that you have taken care of the boring (but oh so necessary) legal steps to getting your cleaning business official, you can now start with the Cleaning!
Below are resources on how to operate a cleaning business successfully.
Purchase cleaning supplies and equipment
Now that you have started your cleaning business in Colorado, you’ll need to get supplies to start cleaning your first client homes. I have that taken care of for you.
You can’t start cleaning houses if you don’t tell people you have a cleaning business.
Your first step to marketing will be to tell all your friends, family and contacts that you have started a house cleaning business and you are currently taken new clients. If you don’t let everyone know, then they won’t be able to refer you to their friends.
Next get your business online. Most homeowners now search for services online before hiring a business. Make sure your business is visible online when a homeowner searches for cleaning services in your area.
Claim your My Business google profile. By claiming your My Business google profile your business will show up in searches when someone searches Cleaning Businesses in Town Name.
When setting up your Google Profile, make sure to add your contact information, a list of your services, and a an about me page where you introduce yourself. Include high quality before and after images of your cleaning.
Activate a Facebook Business Profile. Complete your profile completely including contact information, pictures of yourself and pictures of cleaning you’ve completed.
Price your cleaning services
Decide whether you are going to price your cleaning services by the hour or by a flat fee. Most cleaning businesses make between $25 – $75 an hour.
Charging by the hour for house cleaning services:
It is best to charge by the hour when you are offering services that will take longer to complete and when the tasks can vary each time you clean a house. When your cleaning times vary it becomes much more difficult to charge a flat fee per clean.
It is best to charge by the hour if you plan to offer the following tasks similar to the following:
laundry
dishes
picking up clutter/toys
organizing spaces
personalizing cleaning service to each client
Charging a Flat Fee
Charging a flat fee is the best way to streamline your business and start building more profits. But a HUGE disclaimer: Only charge a flat fee if you are completing the same cleaning service for each client.
This means you define the checklist and tasks that you will complete at the home. If you do not follow the same cleaning checklist for each client and each time you clean, DO NOT charge a flat fee to clean.
Check out the following articles for more information on Pricing Cleaning service:
If you plan to hire employees you will need to make sure you have filed for an EIN (Review step #4) and have proper insurance (Review step #7).
You will also want to have a training plan in place. In my experience it is best to have a 3 step training plan in place.
Have your new employee read through or watch a video that you have put together on how to clean your way.
Next, have the new employee follow you while you clean. Talk through all the steps they should be taking for each task and room in a home.
Now, you shadow the new employee for a few houses. It is important to correct a any movements that do not fit into your cleaning strategy. For this step you are helping your new employee to develop the same habits to clean a home your way.
Well Kept Clutter helps aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own cleaning business and start making money right away.
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