How To Start a Cleaning Business in the UK

11 April, 2025 · 12 min read

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Looking to start a business that makes you your own boss? And do you feel like you could clean up running a cleaning business? (Sorry, we couldn’t resist that!)

Here’s our complete guide to how to start a cleaning business in the UK in 2025.

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What’s a cleaning business?
The cleaning industry in the UK
Types of cleaning services
Is starting a cleaning business profitable?
The pros and cons of starting a cleaning business
How to become a cleaner
Setting up operations
Legal requirements and licensing
Typical costs to start a cleaning business
Managing your cleaning business
Expanding your business
Ready to launch your cleaning business?

What’s a cleaning business?

Cleaning businesses might provide professional cleaning services to residential, commercial, and specialised clients. These services can range from housekeeping and office cleaning to deep cleaning, move-in/move-out services, and even cleaning following disasters and accidents.

The cleaning industry in the UK

You might think of cleaning as a small-time business, but the cleaning industry in the UK is worth an estimated £60 billion each year and employs almost 1.5 million people.

It plays a massive role in keeping homes and businesses running, and with an increasing demand for cleaning services, the industry offers some exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Did you know?

Cleaning is one of the few industries where you can start solo, scale up quickly, and earn a stable income without any formal qualifications. It’s also one of the top sectors for microbusinesses in the UK.

Types of cleaning services

Cleaning businesses can specialise in different services – some of them are more profitable (and more complicated) than others.

Residential cleaning (House cleaning)

Perhaps the most common offering is residential cleaning. This includes routine cleaning, deep cleaning, and one-off cleans in homes. Tasks typically involve dusting, vacuuming, kitchen and bathroom cleaning, and tidying up.

Commercial cleaning (Office cleaning)

Businesses and offices require regular cleaning to keep everything looking professional. For larger businesses and messy locations these cleans might be daily. Services for businesses can include carpet cleaning, window cleaning, sanitisation, and waste disposal, as well as specialist cleaning of equipment.

Specialised cleaning (Deep cleaning)

Deep cleaning services focus more on intensive cleaning tasks such as carpet steaming, grout cleaning, and sanitation. This type of specialist cleaning is needed for hospitals, kitchens, and post-construction sites.

Move-In/Move-Out cleaning

Move-in/move out cleans are ideal for landlords and homeowners. This service ensures that rental properties or homes are thoroughly cleaned before new tenants move in – or after previous occupants leave.

Lots of cleaning businesses will cover several of these services and choosing whether you’d like to specialise or not is an important step for your business in the early stages. It’s possible to expand your services as your business grows and you become more profitable.

Is starting a cleaning business profitable?

Starting a cleaning business has the potential to be profitable because there’s a always steady demand for cleaning services.

The ceiling for profit is high and will often depend on how much you expand your services and whether you decide to hire extra staff and invest in new equipment.

How much do cleaners get paid?

The average hourly rate for cleaners in the UK will depend on experience and the type of cleaning services you’re providing.

For even the most basic clean, you can expect to make between £12 and £25 per hour, depending on where you are.

Keeping business spaces gleaming takes more than a mop — here’s where the magic happens

The pros and cons of starting a cleaning business

With all that in mind, what are the pros and cons of starting and running a cleaning business?

Pros of owning a cleaning business

Low start-up and overhead costs – The equipment required to start and run your cleaning business is relatively inexpensive. Some cleaners will even use equipment provided by customers to keep initial costs down.
Quick start-up – There’s very little that needs to be done to start your business. The necessary paperwork and licensing for cleaning services is minimal.
High demand for cleaning services – There will always be a demand for cleaning services for both homes and businesses.
Work close to home – When you run a business you can dictate where you operate. You can choose to work with businesses and clients close to home to give yourself more flexibility.
Be your own boss – Being your own boss means that you can choose where and how you work. You can decide on the direction of the business and make the decisions that impact you and your business day-to-day.
No formal experience required – There’s no formal experience required for cleaning though more specialised cleaning may require additional licensing or insurance.
Unlimited income potential – Your business can continue to grow as you expand your team. In that sense, there’s no ceiling for earning when it comes to the cleaning industry.
Regular income – Lots of cleaning clients will need regular services. This means you have a fairly steady income and can predict your earnings with a good degree of accuracy.
High customer retention – The cleaning industry has quite good customer retention. Delivering high-quality services and being professional in the delivery of your services will make a big difference for you and your customers.
Be part of the local community – Cleaning is fundamentally a sociable job. You’re going into homes and businesses, so it’s a good way to feel part of the local community.

Cons of Owning a Cleaning Business

Physically demanding work – Cleaning can be tiring. Long days of physical work will probably need a lot of energy and a decent amount of fitness. Get on that treadmill!
Competitive industry – There are lots of established cleaning services in the UK so it can take some time to build a customer base. Good marketing and word of mouth can have a big impact on the early success of your business.
Potentially inconsistent workload – Depending on the type of services you offer your workload may be inconsistent. You might find that some days are incredibly busy and some are very quiet.
High liability risks – As a business owner you take on the risks associated with your business. Safety and proper insurance are essential for your cleaning business.
Scheduling challenges – Cleaning businesses need to be flexible about when they offer their services. An office, for example, might want evening cleaners to ensure that there isn’t a lot of noise during the working day.
Low cleaning fees in some areas – For basic cleaning services it can be hard to demand high fees, particularly in areas where established businesses are charging very little for their services.

How to become a cleaner

You don’t need any formal training to become a cleaner, though there are certifications and courses you can take to build on your on-the-job experience.

Here are a few of the most popular courses for the cleaning industry:

British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) courses
National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) training
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) training

Setting up operations

Making sure you’re able to successfully run your cleaning business requires the most preparation. From buying equipment to setting up a business account, there are a few early essentials you need to do.

Before you dive into the cleaning gear and branding, it’s a good idea to understand the fundamentals of starting any business – like choosing the right business structure, budgeting, and planning. Check out our full guide on how to start a business in the UK.

✅ Quick Setup Checklist

Choose your business name and branding. You can use our Company name checker to make sure the name is unique
Open a business bank account. Compare business bank accounts to make sure you choose the one that suits your business the best
Buy essential cleaning supplies and safety gear
Set your pricing and research competitors
Decide on your service area and schedule
Register your business (sole trader or limited company). ANNA Company registration service can help you get started today
Get insured (liability, vehicle, etc.). Check our Business insurance guide for the tips on what to look out for

Buying equipment and supplies

We’d always recommend you invest in good quality cleaning equipment to help you do your best for your customers.

When getting started you may need equipment like vacuums, mops, cleaning supplies, chemical cleaners and PPE like gloves, glasses and shoe covers. If you’re cleaning offices or public spaces you may also need wet floor signs and other safety equipment.

Choosing a brand name

Your branding says a lot about what you offer as a business and the type of service you hope to provide.

A catchy and memorable brand name, a logo, and a basic website or social media page are all useful for your new business.

Setting up a business bank account

To be able to accept payments securely you’ll need a business bank account.

Modern banking has made it easier than ever to start a new business account. Options like ANNA Money mean you can sign up in less than 10 minutes and have your card within days.

Pricing for your services

As with any business, your pricing needs to be competitive but realistic for your running costs.

Take a look at what other businesses are charging locally and try to find ways to offer better pricing and improved services.

Pro tip

When calculating your rates, don’t forget to factor in travel time, equipment wear, and product costs. Underpricing is a common pitfall – aim to be competitive, not cheap.

Legal requirements and licensing

There are a few legal requirements for running a cleaning business. Here’s what you need to know.

Registering your business

How you register your business will depend on the structure you choose. If you want to work as a sole trader, you’ll need to register with HMRC, and limited companies have to register with Companies House.

If you’re a sole trader, make sure you register for self assessment and VAT (if applicable) and keep financial records. Accurate records will help you to stay on top of filing and also mean that you’ll have a good understanding of your finances. Accounting software is an important investment for your cleaning business that will help to reduce the stress and allow you to stay on top of your cash flow.

Licences and permits needed

As you can imagine, some cleaning businesses may need licenses to operate. There’s no official licensing required to run a cleaning business, so the permits depend on your business activities.

Waste Carrier Licence: This is needed if your business moves or disposes of waste.
Environmental Permit: May be needed for waste disposal or specialist cleaning businesses. See if you need an environmental permit.

Typical costs to start a cleaning business

Starting any business will come with a few initial costs. For cleaning businesses, the essentials are relatively inexpensive.

Equipment/materials costs. Cleaning businesses rely on having enough cleaning supplies and the equipment needed to be able to offer a high-quality service. These costs may be more expensive for specialist cleaning companies.
Insurance costs. All businesses need insurance to cover any accidents or damage to property. You may need Public Liability Insurance, Employer Liability Insurance and Vehicle Insurance
Staffing/wages. You’ll need to consider wages if you intend to hire employees.
Uniforms. Uniforms can be an useful investment for cleaning businesses. Not only do they protect your normal clothing but they’re a good way to ensure a smart, branded appearance.
Marketing and advertising. Your marketing budget will fluctuate, but it can be useful to budget for your initial campaigns when you’re trying to attract clients. A couple of hundred pounds will allow you to do some local advertising.
Branding. A proper logo, website and branded products will have an initial cost. Expect to pay between a couple of hundred to a few thousand pounds for your branding and website depending on the service you choose.
Training costs. There may be some additional expenses if you need training for equipment or specialist services.
Premises and transport. Vehicle and storage costs will also need to be considered if you intend to move around to offer your service. You may need a unit or office space and will likely need a well maintained vehicle with business insurance.

Managing your cleaning business

Running your business day-to-day comes with its own responsibilities.

Handling finances and accounting

As a business owner, you’ll need to track your income, expenses, and profit margins to make sure your business is sustainable and profitable.

Accepting payments from customers

It’s important that your cleaning customers can pay you securely and conveniently.

Make it easy for clients to pay you by offering multiple payment options - bank transfers, Direct Debits, mobile payment systems, or card readers. ANNA’s payment link is particularly handy for getting paid.

Accurate and regular invoicing and clear payment terms help with cash flow and keep your business growing.

Customer service and retention

The main thing for encouraging recommendations is providing a consistent, high-quality service.

Communicate clearly, be punctual, and go the extra mile.

Consider loyalty programmes or thank-you discounts for long-term customers.

Safely running a cleaning business

Maintaining safety in a cleaning business protects you, your staff, and your clients.

Comply with COSHH regulations for chemical safety.
Choose eco-friendly or non-toxic products when possible.
Regularly check use-by dates on all products.
Dispose of cleaning chemicals according to local regulations.
Store and label products safely to avoid misuse.
Wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves and masks.
Train staff to safely handle sharps and biological waste.
Maintain detailed safety and incident records.

Residential cleaning brings comfort, calm, and a little bit of joy to the everyday

Expanding your business

As your client base grows, you may not be able to handle all the work yourself. Hiring employees or contractors might be the next step.

Hiring staff and training

Ensure new hires receive proper training in cleaning techniques, customer service, and health and safety protocols. Consider offering recognised certifications to boost professionalism and trust.

Your employees are representative of your business so it’s important that they share your values and deliver high-quality services to your clients.

Scaling operations

To grow your business, you can expand into nearby areas, take on larger commercial contracts, or offer new services such as carpet cleaning or window washing.

Develop systems for scheduling, employee management, and quality control so you can scale efficiently while maintaining your high level of service.

Marketing your cleaning business

Identifying your target market

Define your ideal customers based on demographics, income, and lifestyle. Are they busy families, small business owners, landlords, or Airbnb hosts?

This will help you to target your marketing.

Developing a marketing plan

The best strategies combine online and offline marketing. Use leaflets and flyers for local prospects, target local Facebook groups and business networks. Set up and optimise your website, local listings and social media channels for a solid online presence.

Your marketing plan should outline your marketing activity for the next few months.

Continuous professional development

Keep your business competitive by staying informed on industry trends and pursuing additional training. This could include attending workshops, joining trade associations, or completing certifications in specialised cleaning or green practices.

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Ready to launch your cleaning business?

Overall, starting a cleaning business in the UK can be an exciting prospect. Whether you're looking for a flexible side hustle or aiming to build a thriving full-time enterprise, it’s a pursuit with plenty of potential – people always need cleaners!

With low start-up costs, strong demand, and room for growth, it’s an ideal choice for anyone ready to work hard.

By researching the market, registering your business, getting the right licenses, and building strong customer relationships, you'll be well on your way to launching a professional and profitable service. Get that mop out and get going!