🧽 How to Set Up a Cleaning Business in the UK
Reading time: ⏱️ 7-8 minutes
📚 Table of Contents
- Why Start a Cleaning Business?
- How to Become a Cleaning Business Owner
- Team Management & Skills
- Commercial vs Domestic Cleaning
- Marketing Your Cleaning Business
- Franchise Opportunities
- Basic Equipment You’ll Need
- Join Hello Cleaners
🏡 Why Start a Cleaning Business?
Following the pandemic, people have spent more time indoors, increasing the need for both domestic and commercial cleaning. From busy households to highly regulated environments like hospitals and schools, cleaning services are in higher demand than ever. With the market showing long-term growth, this is an ideal time to invest in a cleaning business.
👔 How to Become a Cleaning Business Owner
Dreaming of being your own boss? In the UK, most cleaning businesses operate as small companies or self-employed setups. The government offers support through grants, training, and resources. Success, however, requires a solid business plan, market research, and the willingness to work hard to grow your brand.
🧑🤝🧑 Team Management & Skills
While no formal degree is needed, managing a cleaning team benefits from communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Online training courses can help you better manage staff, keep clients happy, and ensure quality results. Efficiency and organisation are key to keeping your business competitive.
🏢 Commercial vs 🏠 Domestic Cleaning
There are two main categories: domestic and commercial cleaning. Domestic cleaners often work solo or in small teams for households, while commercial services cover larger spaces like offices and hospitals using industrial-grade products and machines. Pricing, scope, and equipment vary significantly between the two.
📣 Marketing Your Cleaning Business
The UK cleaning industry is worth billions. To stand out, perform competitor research, understand your target customer, and define your pricing model. Big companies use TV and print advertising, but smaller startups often succeed using SEO, Google Ads, and social media marketing. Take time to learn online marketing strategies for long-term growth.
🔗 Franchise Opportunities
Not sure where to start? Joining a cleaning franchise can provide branding, training, marketing resources, and a proven business model. While there is a fee, the support and early lead generation often outweigh the cost, especially for those new to the industry.
🧰 Basic Equipment You’ll Need
Your equipment needs depend on whether you’re offering domestic or commercial services, and if clients provide products. At minimum, a domestic cleaner may need:
- 🧤 Protective gloves
- 🪣 Bucket and mop
- 🧹 Dustpan and brush
- 🧽 Sponges and multipurpose cleaner
- 🧼 Bleach
- 🧺 Vacuum cleaner
For commercial cleaning, expect to invest in advanced equipment like carpet steamers, uniformed teams, vehicles, and more. Understand the regulations for your service type to meet hygiene standards.
🚀 Ready to Get Started?
If you’re thinking about starting your journey or looking to expand your services under a trusted name, consider joining our network of professionals. We support new and experienced cleaners with marketing, job bookings, and customer service tools.