I have compiled all of my best tips for running a successful residential cleaning business into 1 area for you to read through. I hope you find it helpful!
There is a lot of information in this post, be sure to pin it so that you come back periodically. The more you implement each of these practices the more successful your residential cleaning business will be!
Please note, this article may include affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
So, What does a successful residential cleaning business look like?
A successful residential cleaning business is one that
- Retains their clients. Basically clients aren’t jumping ship and leaving you.
- Has continuous growth in the number of clients each month.
- Makes a profit with each cleaning service, meaning there is enough money to pay for supplies, employees, marketing and office expenses, insurance and travel expenses, and still have money left over to pay you.
Generally your profits should be about 10% of your revenue.
Does this sound like your House Cleaning business??? If not continue reading to get it there.
Visit my other Posts for more information on ruining a successful Cleaning Business:
- Steps to starting a Cleaning Business
- How to Quote Cleaning Services
- How to Get your Business at the top of a Google Search
- What to Charge for Cleaning Services
Pro Tips for Running a Successful Residential Cleaning Business
Please note, this article may include affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
#1 Keep a professional image.
Inviting a business into your home is personal. Homeowners want to know they can trust you. Presenting yourself in a professional manner 100% of the time will help build that trust.
#2 Wear a uniform.
If you are just starting out and can not afford shirts with your company name, you can buy a solid color polo shirts or T-shirts. I did this in the beginning of my business.
#3 Don’t let acquaintances take advantage of you
Don’t let friends and acquaintances guilt you into cleaning their homes for less than you would charge other clients. Real friends will know your value and pay you what you are worth.
#4 Keep your supply list consistent.
Choose quality over cheaper options. This will keep your cleaners effective and your clients surfaces safe. To see what products I used in my Business, and where to get them, check out my Recommendations Page.
#5 Have a consistent cleaning process.
You want to provide a quality service in the least amount of time. You will achieve this by cleaning with the same cleaning process for every home you go into.
#6 NEVER BID FOR A JOB.
There is this saying in the cleaning industry, if you must bid for a cleaning job set your price 2.5 times more than your normal. The reason being is, you do not want that job!
#7 Have the right tools.
Make sure you have the tools to complete the job. If you do not have the proper tools, you will not be able to properly clean a home. Don’t show up to a house without a vacuum and mop! Trust me it happens 🙂
#8 Service your equipment every night.
Service your equipment nightly to make sure it is in tip top shape. This will serve 2 purposes. One, your equipment will last longer, saving you money. Two, this will ensure you are bringing clean equipment into your client’s homes.
#9 Put yourself out there.
Tell everyone you meet that you are a small business owner of a Fantastic Cleaning service! You never know when you’ll meet your next client. This includes your entire email list and phone contacts. Don’t be afraid to reach out to all of your family and friends and ask for a referal.
#10 Order cleaning supplies in bulk.
Don’t waste money on buying individual cleaning bottles. Find a quality cleaning product and purchase in gallon size. Buying in bulk will save you money increasing your profit margin.
#11 Don’t undercut yourself.
Make sure the prices you are charging will result in profit. NEVER work for less than what you are worth. In the beginning it takes time, but make sure you know how much you need to charge to make a profit. Otherwise you will never make money with your business.
Get my FREE Pricing Worksheet
Take the guess work out of House Cleaning Prices! Download my FREE House Cleaning Price Worksheet.
#12 Don’t overspend with fancy tools and marketing.
If you can’t afford it, don’t make the purchase. My first year I spent $225 a month on an ad in a community newspaper. I was promised huge exposure. I never got ONE call from that ad!!! It was a huge mistake and cost more money than I could afford and took away money I should have spent on other advertising, like google ad words.
Most of my clients came from free or low-cost marketing efforts. If you are first starting out, $225 a month on an ad is WAY out of your price range.
#13 Utilize several forms of marketing.
To be a successful residential cleaning business you need to bring in new clients. Unfortunately there is not just one solution out there that will bring in all your clients. You will need to use several marketing activities such as print, web, editorial, networking, and client referrals to help you bring in more clients.
#14 Use Facebook for FREE advertising.
Join local groups and create a Business account to help spread the word to your local community. You can also use it as a platform for customers to leave reviews.
#15 Have a positive attitude and be Happy!
No one likes to stick around unhappy or negative people. If you are having a bad day, keep it at home. Put on your smile and greet your customers positively.
#16 Never Stop Learning
Learn about the industry, learn the latest products, learn about running a business, learn marketing techniques … There are so many things to learn that you can apply instantly to your business.
#17 Treat Each Home as your Own
Always clean each home as if it were yours. Excellent customer service is what will keep clients coming back each month. Clean thoroughly, try not to break anything, and use quality supplies.
#18 Develop business systems
Developing office functions that can run without you will give you more time to grow your business. Develop systems for accounting, scheduling, communication with customers and others.
What Well Kept Clutter Readers are saying
- I got involved more in my community like volunteering two consecutive monthly deep cleans to local cancer patient. it has been absolutely one of the most rewarding things I’ve have ever done but I have also acquired several new clients in a very short period because of it. The new clients have either been the patient’s family members or through the patients in some way. – Gwen Sweeny
- Be on time! – Hebony Caldwell
- Offer a discount for military personnel – Cristina Powers
- Make contacts everywhere you go and always leave your cards. – Krissy from Junnie & Krissy’s Cleaning http://www.junniekrissycleaning.c1.biz/
- Get personal with your clients they share things that they enjoy with their friends – Jamie from Santa Cruz Cleaning Solutions LLC
Thank you for reading this post! I hope it was helpful and that you have many take always to start running a successful residential cleaning business.
