Start a House Cleaning Business in the US: Step by Step

Starting a house cleaning business is an accessible way for US small business owners to become their own boss. With flexible hours, steady demand, and relatively low startup costs, it’s an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs. Using professional accounting services in the US ensures your finances stay organized, tax-ready, and compliant as your business grows.

1. Write a Business Plan

A clear plan sets the foundation for success.

• Define the type of cleaning services you’ll offer: residential, commercial, or niche services such as window cleaning, move-in/move-out, carpet cleaning, or eco-friendly cleaning.

• Identify your target market: homeowners, rental managers, offices, or commercial clients.

• Develop pricing: hourly rates, flat rates, or service packages.

• Outline your marketing strategy: flyers, social media, local partnerships, and referrals.

• Forecast finances: startup costs, monthly expenses, and expected revenue.

Tip: Track all costs and revenue with Counto to monitor profitability and maintain accurate accounting for your cleaning business.

2. Choose a Business Structure, Register Your Business, and Prepare Documents

Legal structure and registration are critical for compliance and liability protection.

• Options include sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation. LLCs are recommended for liability protection.

• Register your business name with the state or local authorities.

• Obtain an EIN from the IRS if you plan to hire employees or operate as an LLC/corporation.

• Verify local permits and licensing requirements; most states require a general business license.

Required Forms and Documents

To legally operate, most US cleaning businesses will need:

• Business Registration Documents: Articles of Organization (LLC) or Certificate of Incorporation (corporation).

• EIN (Employer Identification Number): Free from the IRS for tax reporting.

• Business License Application: Local or city government form for general business operation.

• Sales Tax Permit (if applicable): Required if your city/state charges sales tax on cleaning services.

• Insurance Certificates: Proof of general liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto insurance.

• Employee Forms (if hiring): W-4s, I-9s, and state-specific employment forms.

Local Compliance Tips

Rules and permits can differ by state and city, so it’s important to check local regulations:

• California (CA): Some cities require special permits for commercial cleaning or handling chemicals.

• Texas (TX): Licensing requirements vary; general business licenses are often sufficient for residential cleaning.

• New York (NY): Local municipalities may require additional permits for commercial contracts.

• Florida (FL): Certain counties require proof of liability insurance before operating.

Consulting with an accountant or business advisor familiar with local regulations—like Counto—can save time and help ensure compliance.

 Your books should work as fast as you do. Get real-time insights, automated reports, and expert guidance—all in one place. Experience live accounting here.

3. Get Business Insurance

Insurance protects your business and builds client trust.

• General liability insurance: Covers property damage or injuries.

• Workers’ compensation insurance: Required if you hire employees.

• Tools and equipment insurance: Protects your gear from theft or damage.

• Commercial auto insurance: Covers business-related vehicle use.

• Use professional accounting services like Counto in the US to track insurance premiums, manage financial risk, and ensure your cleaning business stays compliant and profitable.

4. Purchase Equipment and Supplies

Start with reliable, professional-grade tools for efficiency and quality.

• Basics: mops, brooms, microfiber cloths, buckets, spray bottles, and dusters.

• Vacuum: Commercial-grade with HEPA filter.

• Cleaning products: Disinfectants, all-purpose cleaners, eco-friendly options.

• Storage & transport: Caddies, bins, and a reliable vehicle.

• Uniforms & branding: Shirts or aprons to appear professional.

• Specialty services: Carpet extractors, pressure washers, or floor buffers as your business expands.

5. Market Your Cleaning Business

Marketing drives client acquisition and growth.

• Build a website and Google Business Profile to improve online visibility.

• Leverage social media for tips, client testimonials, and brand awareness.

• Distribute flyers, business cards, and network locally with property managers or real estate agents.

• Encourage referrals and online reviews to attract repeat business.

• Track marketing costs and ROI with Counto, giving you actionable insights to grow your US small business efficiently.

6. Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

Your reputation depends on professionalism and reliability.

• Be punctual and communicate clearly with clients.

• Follow safety protocols and handle property with care.

• Ask for feedback and referrals to build loyalty.

• Provide personalized touches, such as remembering client preferences or leaving thank-you notes.

Startup Costs Overview

Startup costs vary depending on the scale and type of services:

• Residential cleaning: $500–$3,000 (basic supplies, equipment, registration, insurance).

• Commercial cleaning: $5,000–$10,000+ (specialized equipment, transportation, staff).

• Essentials include licenses, insurance, cleaning supplies, uniforms, and marketing.

• Track fixed costs (insurance, software) and variable costs (supplies, labor) with Counto to ensure accurate accounting and sustainable growth.

How Counto Can Help

Running a cleaning business requires more than cleaning skills—it requires solid financial management. Counto helps US small business owners manage accounting, payroll, and taxes efficiently:

• Accounting Services in the US: Track expenses, revenue, and profitability per job.

• Payroll Management: Pay employees accurately and comply with tax regulations.

• Tax Compliance: Ensure federal, state, and local taxes are filed correctly.

• Financial Insights: Make data-driven decisions to expand your cleaning business.

With Counto, your cleaning business benefits from automated tools combined with expert accountants, helping you run a professional, profitable, and compliant operation.

Summary

Starting a house cleaning business is a practical opportunity for US small business owners. By following steps for planning, legal registration, forms and documents, local compliance, insurance, equipment purchase, marketing, and customer service, entrepreneurs can build a strong foundation. Using Counto for accounting services in the US ensures your finances remain organized, compliant, and ready to support growth.

Your Books, Automated. Your Questions, Answered.

Manual bookkeeping eats into time you could spend growing your business. Traditional accounting services charge more but still need constant guidance. There’s a better way.

Counto’s modern accounting solution combines AI that learns your business with expert human oversight. Once our system understands your patterns, it handles daily bookkeeping automatically. Professional accountants review everything for accuracy, and you get instant access to your dedicated Customer Success Manager via SMS or phone—no more waiting for answers about your finances.

Join forward-thinking businesses who’ve upgraded to intelligent accounting that adapts to you, not the other way around. Ready for accounting that actually gets your business? Chat with us now, email [email protected], or use our contact form.

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