9 Cleaning Business Ideas to Start in 2026

Your cleaning business idea should fit your budget, meet your area’s needs, and stand out from the competition.

But should you go for a traditional idea, like residential cleaning, or something more specialty and trendy, like Airbnb rental cleaning?

I’m here to help you decide. In this guide, I share 9 cleaning business ideas, from traditional to unique, to inspire your startup.

Methodology note: To estimate average startup costs for each cleaning business idea, I referenced various sources, including online guides and expert insights. In some cases, finding exact numbers was difficult; many resources provide only general cost ranges for cleaning companies, not specific types. Where detailed data wasn’t available, I compared similar service types or considered the costs of essential startup needs, such as equipment, supplies, and staff.

Traditional Cleaning Business Ideas 

Residential

Residential cleaning businesses focus on helping individuals keep their homes clean and tidy. The work typically includes everyday tasks like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and laundry. 

Most clients are busy homeowners who don’t have much time to clean, or people who could use extra help around the house, such as older adults or those with mobility challenges.

Startup costs for a residential cleaning company: These can vary depending on the size of your operation. You might spend a few hundred dollars to get started if you’re working solo with basic supplies, or up to $10,000 (or more) if you’re setting up a larger business with advanced equipment.

Residential cleaning market demand and profitability: Residential cleaning remains in high demand, especially as the US population ages and dual-income households lack the time for regular cleaning. Profitability depends on your scale, but because startup costs can be low, the potential for solid profits is high.

Commercial

A commercial cleaning business cleans office buildings, stores, medical clinics, and other properties. Because these properties have high traffic, they require more frequent cleaning.

Commercial cleaning usually involves removing trash and recycling, cleaning bathrooms, sanitizing high-touch areas, cleaning windows, and polishing floors.

Startup costs for a commercial cleaning company: These range from $2,000–$10,000, or potentially more if you need a large team or multiple commercial vehicles to transport equipment.

Commercial cleaning market demand and profitability: Demand is high, accounting for 27.51% of the $415.93 billion global cleaning services market. Offices and stores always want to maintain a clean, healthy environment, so I don’t see demand sinking anytime soon. 

The profit potential in commercial cleaning is also high, as many stores and buildings require frequent cleaning and may enter into long-term contracts that offer recurring revenue.

Industrial

Industrial cleaning companies primarily target clients with large facilities like factories, warehouses, refineries, data centers, or power plants. The work involves heavy-duty, specialized cleaning services, including cleaning heavy machinery and dealing with hazardous chemicals.

Startup costs for an industrial cleaning company: Costs span $60,000 on the low end to $170,000+ on the high end. There are a few reasons it’s often more expensive to start an industrial cleaning business than to start other types of cleaning businesses. You need specialized equipment, a wide variety of supplies, more team members, and insurance that’s typically quite costly. 

Industrial cleaning market demand and profitability: Demand is increasing, as the industrial cleaning market is projected to grow from around $47 billion to over $95 billion by 2032. 

Because industrial cleaning is a more specialized service, businesses can potentially see high profits. Additionally, clients are often on long-term contracts, which can lead to recurring revenue.

Specialty Cleaning Business Ideas

Window cleaning

A window cleaning business keeps customers’ windows clean by scrubbing them with a cleaning solution to remove dirt and grime, rinsing them, and using a squeegee to leave a streak-free finish. 

These companies may target residential homes, apartment buildings, skyscrapers, retail stores, and other commercial buildings.

Startup costs for a window cleaning business: Window cleaning has relatively low startup costs, typically ranging from a few hundred dollars to around $1,000. However, larger companies may face higher costs.

Window cleaning market demand and profitability: Demand is strong, with the market projected to grow from over $2.5 billion in 2023 to over $5 billion by 2031. 

While overall revenue may be lower with window cleaning than with other, more complex services, profitability is high due to lower startup and operating costs.

Carpet cleaning

This model focuses on cleaning carpets, rugs, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces using methods like vacuuming, foam cleaning, steam cleaning, or dry cleaning. Both residential and commercial properties may need carpet cleaning.

Startup costs for a carpet cleaning business: These range from $2,000–$10,000+, depending on the type and quality of carpet cleaner and other equipment you purchase.

Carpet cleaning market demand and profitability: Demand for carpet cleaning is on the rise. The market was valued at nearly $58 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $83.5 billion by 2030. 

Profits have the potential to be high, too, since there aren’t too many startup costs to pay or equipment to secure before you begin working.

Pressure washing

Another unique cleaning business idea is pressure washing, which involves using high-pressure water to clean building exteriors, driveways, walkways, and machinery. 

Potential customers include homeowners wanting their houses to look amazing from the street, businesses hoping to make their properties look sleeker, and even industrial sites that need to be safer or want their equipment to last longer.

Startup costs for a pressure washing business: It’s among the cheapest cleaning businesses to start, often anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $1,000. Of course, if you need more powerful washers, multiple pressure washers, vehicles, and additional staff, the costs may rise to $10,000+.

Pressure washing market demand and profitability: There’s a consistent need for pressure washing services across residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. Plus, the market is expected to grow from $2.3 billion in 2023 to $3.13 billion in 2032. 

Additionally, the low costs of operating a pressure washing business mean there’s plenty of opportunity for high profits.

Trending Cleaning Business Ideas

Eco-friendly cleaning

This cleaning business idea focuses on using environmentally friendly cleaning products and materials, operating energy-efficient equipment, reducing water use, and minimizing waste.

These companies target individuals and companies that want to reduce their environmental footprint, either because of their own beliefs or to comply with industry standards or sustainability goals.

Startup costs for an eco-friendly cleaning company: Costs vary widely. Depending on your business’s size, its scale, and the materials and equipment you need, you could pay anywhere from under $500 to $50,000 or more.

Eco-friendly cleaning market demand and profitability: There’s a healthy demand for eco-friendly cleaning. The market was valued at around $10 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. 

Profitability could be high, too. Many customers are willing to pay a sustainability premium, so you may be able to charge more than traditional cleaning companies and enjoy wider profit margins.

Airbnb rental cleaning

These businesses focus exclusively on rental properties listed on Airbnb, cleaning and preparing them for guests. Cleaners will restock toiletries, empty trash and recycling bins, deep-clean bathrooms and kitchens, do laundry, clean windows and floors, and sanitize surfaces, among other tasks.

Customers are short-rental property owners who need rapid, scheduled cleaning to ensure their properties are cleaned quickly after a guest leaves and are ready for the next guest.

Startup costs for Airbnb rental cleaning company: You might spend only a few hundred dollars if you’re a solo operation and want to buy just a few cleaning tools and products initially. But if you’re setting up a larger company with many employees and vehicles, you could spend $100,000+ to get started.

Airbnb rental cleaning market demand and profitability: With the rise of the vacation rental cleaning market and the growing demand for short-term rental properties, there’s plenty of demand for cleaning in this space. 

Profits can generally be high, but they depend a lot on what you charge, how quickly you work, and how many properties you’re able to clean.

Post-construction or post-renovation cleaning

These companies provide deep cleaning services for buildings right after construction or for homes after renovations. The work may include removing large debris, followed by a detailed cleaning to remove all dirt and dust from all surfaces.

Customers can include homeowners who’ve just completed renovations or companies that need a final cleaning after construction to prepare the space for sale or occupancy.

Startup costs for post-construction/renovation cleaning company: Expect to spend around $5,000–$25,000 in most cases. If you’re starting a larger operation, that figure can reach $100,000 or more.

Post-construction/renovation cleaning market demand and profitability: Most types of US commercial construction are expected to grow, which means there will be more opportunities to clean up after construction. The remodeling industry is poised for growth as well, so the renovation cleaning market looks equally strong. 

Startup costs are higher, but post-construction and post-renovation cleaning companies can often charge more because the work is specialized and more intensive than regular cleaning. Higher prices can equal higher profits.

Settling on a Cleaning Business Idea: Picking Your Service Category

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when deciding which cleaning business idea to pursue:

Analyze your local market

One of the first things to think about is your local market. Who lives in your area, and what kind of cleaning services do they actually need?

For example, if you live in a high-income city or area with many busy professionals, residential cleaning may be the right choice. Or if your area is a tourist destination with many short-term rental properties, an Airbnb rental cleaning company could be a great option.

In addition to demand, you need to research your competition and identify a market gap your company can fill. 

To research competitors, visit their websites or check customer reviews to learn more about what they offer, where they succeed, and where they fall short. As you do this, identify the services they don’t provide. For instance, say you notice that none of your competitors does window washing. That could be a sign you can consider offering this service.

Consider your budget

Your budget may influence the type of business you choose, as the cost of starting a cleaning company varies widely. Choosing to start a company beyond your budget may slow your growth, make it hard to handle unexpected expenses, or lead to cash flow problems.

If you’re on a tight budget, it may make more sense to start a company with lower startup costs, such as residential cleaning or pressure washing.

But if your budget is higher, you have more flexibility and may consider going into commercial or industrial cleaning to access larger contracts and/or higher rates.

Align your business with your strengths and interests

By choosing a cleaning business idea that aligns with your existing strengths and skills, you can get started faster without spending time learning the basics. For example, if you already know how to use a pressure washer, starting an outdoor pressure washing business would make sense. 

It also helps to pick a type of cleaning you enjoy. You’ll likely feel more fulfilled, connected to your work, and satisfied overall.

“If you clean with a ‘one-n-done’ model, you are constantly having to get clients to fill the schedule,” says Vance Morris, Owner of Eastern Shore Carpet Cleaning. 

Try offering subscription cleaning plans (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) or special perks for repeat customers. This way, you can build predictable revenue and long-term customer relationships.

FAQs

What types of cleaning business ideas are the most profitable?

The types of cleaning business ideas that have the highest profit potential include commercial, industrial, and specialty cleaning. These often require specific skills, knowledge, and equipment, which cleaning companies may charge higher rates for.

What to buy to start a cleaning business?

What you’ll buy to start a cleaning business depends on the type of cleaning you do: residential, commercial, eco-friendly, rental property, window, carpet, or industrial cleaning. However, you’ll often need to buy the basics first. These include a vacuum, broom and dustpan, mop and bucket, all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, cloths, and scrubbers.

How to get clients as a new cleaning business?

To get clients for your cleaning business, you can use digital marketing, engage with potential clients online and in person, build your online presence, and post videos on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Disclaimer 

This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as and does not constitute business, financial, or professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Connecteam accepts no responsibility for consequences arising from actions taken or not taken based on the information present in this article.