How to Start a Cleaning Business in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

🧼 How to Start a Cleaning Business in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
The cleaning industry is booming—and for good reason. Whether it’s sparkling homes, pristine offices, or specialist services like carpet or end-of-tenancy cleaning, demand is high and growing. If you’re ready to turn elbow grease into income, here’s how to start your own cleaning business from scratch.
1. 🧭 Choose Your Niche
Before you buy a mop, decide what kind of cleaning business you want to run:
•     Domestic Cleaning: Homes, flats, and Airbnb properties.
•     Commercial Cleaning: Offices, retail spaces, gyms.
•     Specialist Cleaning: Carpets, windows, vehicles, post-construction, or biohazard.
Pick a niche based on your skills, local demand, and startup budget. Specialist services often command higher rates but may require training or certification.
2. 📋 Create a Business Plan
A solid business plan helps you stay focused and attract funding if needed. Include:
•     Services offered and pricing model
•     Target customers and geographic coverage
•     Competitor analysis
•     Start-up and running costs
•     Marketing and growth strategy
Tip: Use free templates from sites like Checkatrade or Startups.co.uk to get started.
3. 🏛️ Register Your Business
Choose your legal structure:
•     Sole trader - Simple setup, low admin - Personal liability
•     Limited company - More credibility, liability protection - More paperwork, higher costs

Register with HMRC or Companies House, and open a business bank account to keep finances clean.
4. 🛡️ Get Insured
Insurance is essential for trust and protection:
•     Public Liability Insurance: Covers damage or accidents at client sites.
•     Employer’s Liability Insurance: Required if you hire staff.
•     Equipment Cover: Protects your tools and supplies.
Most clients will expect proof of insurance before hiring you.
5. 🧽 Buy Equipment and Supplies
Start with the basics:
•     Vacuum cleaner, mop, buckets, cloths
•     Eco-friendly or industrial cleaning products
•     PPE: gloves, masks, aprons
•     Transport (car or van if mobile)
Keep receipts—these are deductible business expenses.
6. 💰 Set Competitive Pricing
Pricing depends on your niche and location:
•     Domestic cleaning: £15–£25/hour
•     Commercial cleaning: £30–£60/hour or fixed contracts
•     Specialist jobs: priced per job or square footage
Factor in travel time, cleaning duration, and material costs.
7. 🎨 Build Your Brand
Stand out with a professional identity:
•     Business name and logo
•     Branded uniforms or vehicle signage
•     Simple website and social media profiles
•     Online booking or quote tools (optional)
A strong brand builds trust and makes you memorable.
8. 📣 Market Your Business
Use both online and offline tactics:
•     Leaflets or flyers in local areas
•     Google My Business listing
•     Facebook groups and local directories
•     Referral programs and client reviews
Start small, deliver excellent service, and let word-of-mouth do the heavy lifting.
9. 📊 Manage Finances and Taxes
Track income and expenses using:
•     Spreadsheets or accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero)
•     Submit a Self Assessment tax return annually
•     Register for VAT if turnover exceeds £90,000
Consider hiring an accountant to stay compliant and stress-free.
10. 🚀 Grow Your Business
Once you’ve built a client base:
•     Hire and train employees
•     Invest in better tools and transport
•     Expand services or geographic reach
•     Secure contracts with landlords or businesses
Maintain quality, collect reviews, and build a reputation that lasts.

Starting a cleaning business isn’t just about scrubbing surfaces—it’s about building trust, delivering value, and creating a brand people rely on. With low startup costs and high demand, it’s one of the most accessible paths to self-employment in the UK.