Why This Is the Perfect Time to Launch a Domestic Cleaning Business
In the modern world, homeowners and residents are finding it more and more difficult to manage their time. There is just too much to do. From family to work, to health and leisure time, there is a lot that needs to be juggled – and this is before the demands of keeping the home clean.
In the aftermath of the pandemic, there has been a growing interest in hygiene, cleanliness and the benefits of a clean home; leading to an increase of businesses in the cleaning sector. So if you’re looking to set-up a business from home, a cleaning business is an option worth considering.
The Demand for Cleaning Businesses
A cleaning business can be a lucrative venture that helps a lot of people along the way. From helping busy parents to know that their sheets are freshly made, and the dishes are cleaned, to assisting landlords who need a hand tackling spring cleaning, a cleaning business can be the ideal solution.
There is a lot of demand in this sector, and it can be an opportunity for entrepreneurs to go all out and win big. After all, in a household, there’s always something that needs cleaning. This is a field that has a big market. But before jumping in head first, you need to do comprehensive research.
What is Included in House Cleaning?
After a hard day’s work, some people simply don’t want to deal with a pile of dishes that were left in the sink. Others don’t have the time to vacuum and dust as often as they’d like to. Fortunately, help is always available because people can call professionals to do the job for them.
The Initial Clean
Domestic cleaners can help tackle the dirt in the nooks and crannies of the home. Most clients need an initial cleaning where the accumulated dirt and dust from the previous years are removed. A first visit can take a lot of time because there is a lot to do. This can include doing the laundry, washing sheets and cleaning the couches.
Ongoing Cleaning
After an initial clean, a home will need some maintenance cleaning and dusting from time to time. Recurring cleans address new dirt and layers of dust that have accumulated since the last job. Often there is not much hard scrubbing required, just upkeep and tidying.
Kitchen Cleaning
One of the dirtiest areas of a home is the kitchen, where a lot of grease and grime can accumulate. Dishes and cups often go in the dishwasher, or they are hand cleaned in the sink. Appliances like stoves, refrigerators, coffeemakers, and ovens are wiped, including the interior and exterior areas. The kitchen counters and the backsplash are wiped, and the floors are mopped and vacuumed.
As part of a kitchen clean, rugs, chairs, and tables are washed, and out-of-date food in kitchen cabinets and fridges is removed. Bins are emptied, and the old bin bags are replaced with clean bin bags.
Cleaners use tools like baking soda, vinegar, washing up liquid, and scrapers to help remove gunk from surfaces and stovetops. Clutter is often thrown away and dirty or burnt pans are washed. Trays are wiped, and cutlery is put into drawers.
Sink Cleaning
Sinks can be deep cleaned with bleach and hot water. Bleach and other cleaning products are usually left alone to sit for a minimum of a few minutes. Afterward, cleaning liquid with fruity or floral scents can be used to make the area smell fresh.
Bathroom Cleaning
Germs love moist places, and this is one of the reasons there are a lot of them in the bathroom. It’s essential to keep this part of the home sparkly clean. Companies like Sparkle18 Ltd can disinfect and clean bathroom floors, toilets and other areas in the most effective ways. As part of a thorough clean, sinks, faucets, showers, and other fixtures are cleaned and polished, as well as countertops and vanities being wiped down. You can expect shiny mirrors and shower glass dividers afterward.
Vacuuming, mopping and cleaning bath mats are also part of a bathroom cleaning job.
Any areas with sludge and hair are thoroughly washed. Disinfecting with all-purpose cleaners is carried out on the dirtiest parts, and de-cluttering is also usually required.
Bathroom Cleaning Tools
Professionals often use microfiber cloths to remove lint from surfaces and pick up dirt.
Effective glass cleaning does not leave streaks on mirrors and windows, and any liquid evaporates quickly. Squeegees can be used for glass shower enclosures and windows because they often don’t leave any streaks.
Dusters can work wonders in hard-to-reach places like skirting boards, and stiff brushes are used to clean grout between tiles.
These brushes loosen the grime and the dirt, and then water washes them off.
Bedroom Cleaning
For some people, one of the easier cleaning tasks to tackle in the home is cleaning the bedroom. This depends on the residents, however, because some people carry out more activities in the bedroom than others. For example, some people eat in the bedroom whereas others do not. Similarly, some people have a lot of mess hidden under the bed.
Bedroom Cleaning by Professionals
A professional bedroom clean includes washing and drying dirty clothes. This how to wash laundry guide provides more information on thorough laundry cleans.
Folding clean clothes can also be a part of a professional cleaning package. The goal is to clear space while keeping things in their designated places. Space-saving hangers can be great additions as they make it easy for occupants to organise and choose their clothes.
Cleaning the Bed Area
During a bedroom clean, bedsheets, including blankets and pillowcases, are stripped off. Comforters are removed as well as the duvet, and a spare set of sheets can be handy for immediate use. Desks, lamps, nightstands, dressers, and vanity desks are organised, with objects returned to their rightful places.
Other Bedroom Surfaces & Fixtures
The likes of keys, makeup products, cosmetics, jewellery, glasses, and spare change can be organised into decorative boxes for easy identification and use. Books should be arranged on shelves, and all the surfaces, like tabletops and floors should be wiped, swept or vacuumed. Curtains, as well as other fixtures, also need cleaning and dusting to keep allergens at bay.
What May or May Not Be Included in a Professional Clean?
While some cleaners on social media platforms show that they clean the houses from top to bottom and make sure that every inch is wiped clean, including the light switches and the walls, they know that organising an entire house can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. Companies often offer a specific package and charge extra for jobs that are not part of their packages.
For example, for some companies, steaming sofas and washing rugs may not be part of the package, as well as the likes of organising cupboards. Similarly, homeowners may need to hire a skip or a rubbish removal company with trucks for rubbish removal. This often isn’t included within a cleaning package. Garage cleaning is another example of a job that may incur additional fees.
Preparations Before Cleaners Arrive
Hiring experts doesn’t necessarily mean that they are going to do all of the work. If homeowners or tenants get involved, it can make life easier for cleaners, and also save a lot of money for the bill payer.
For cleaning contractors to be able to do a job quickly, a homeowner can help by picking up the likes of toys, books, combs, loose change and other clutter off the floors. Put shoes on racks where they belong, and clothes should be put away. Cleaning experts are often not instructed to organise clutter in a home, especially personal items. Keep this in mind when offering a contract.
Keep Your Valuables Safe
The likes of important paperwork, cheque books, and cash should be locked in a safe or stored in another safe place. Phones and other expensive electronics could also be stored away. Any kind of necklace, bracelet, gold, and other sentimental items should also be stored safely before professionals do their jobs.
Some clients may request for stuff to be thrown away by their cleaners, while others may prefer to keep all items to sort through themselves.
Keep Your Pets Safe
Securing your pets is a must, especially if they are not used to visitors. It’s often best to leave them inside a pet crate or cage. Another option is to take them out of the house, for example for a walk, while cleaners work. Clients and professional cleaners should discuss pets before jobs and cleaning packages begin. Any specific instructions regarding pets should be communicated clearly with cleaners.
Steps in Starting a Cleaning Business
Doing market research and identifying the demographics that you’re interested in servicing is a must. In your ads, make sure that you specify whether you’re catering to residential or commercial clients, and if you can also handle larger facilities like clinics, hospitals, and schools.
Each market segment has a variety of requirements. You need to know what and where you are able to clean and what you have to be able to do in order to serve your target markets. Be specific in your mind about the ideal jobs and clients you want. You could even create avatars or personas to envisage your ideal clients and make note of them via your preferred note taking methods.
Knowing where to run paid advertisements for your desired demographics can yield better results for your business.
Advantages of Opening a Cleaning Business
It is Easy Entry into the Industry
Although it is not all sunshine and rainbows in the cleaning industry, as long as you know how to clean effectively and thoroughly, you’re often good to go. It’s relatively easy to set up a cleaning business and can have low overheads. You don’t need to rent an office if you’re starting, and you can advertise from the comfort of your own home. All you need are yourself (or an employee), supplies and some reusable equipment. Overall, start-up costs are relatively low.
More People Are Calling Cleaners
Whether more people want their weekends to be work-free, or they just don’t have the energy to clean their home, there is an increasing demand for cleaning services for flats, apartments and residential homes.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, more clients want to make sure that their homes are germ-free as much as possible. Being hygienic is the new standard, and the standard is going to stay for the long haul.
With so much opportunity, this is your chance to step into the world of cleaning and see how profitable it can be for you.
Competition Can Be Low
Higher demand and lower supply results in increases in pay. Not all people are able to stomach cleaning, and the dirt and pests that come with it. You may be surprised by the low number of competitors you have in your area because of this.
Offering cleaning services is a great way for people to integrate themselves into a community and grow their network.
Flexibility
In the cleaning industry, you can schedule your cleaning work and choose the days and hours of your operation. You can choose to work only when it’s convenient and focus on the specific types of services that you do best. This flexibility can allow you to keep to other commitments and tend to other tasks or work.
Helping Others
People love safe and healthy environments, and this is where you can step up for a good cause. You can make home and rooms more refreshing and make sure that rubbish is removed or recycled. You can prevent foul odours, damaged floors, and stains, and stop homes from attracting roaches, rats, and other illness-causing vermin.
Overall, you’re creating environments where people can play, sleep, live, and work more safely.
More Profits
If you’re looking for a steady income stream with quick profits, then running a cleaning business is something that you should consider. Cleaning skills can be learned, and when you know what to do and which tools to use, you’re good to go. Also, cleaning contracts are often consistent and straightforward.
Homeowners may pay each time you provide cleaning services, and repeated weekly, fortnightly or monthly bookings are usually on the cards. People running the likes of Airbnb properties may want to call you every time a guest leaves. This is a great opportunity for you to earn a consistent income.
Why Many People Don’t Start a Cleaning Business
Contracts Already in Place
Most established businesses already have a partner cleaner or cleaning company in place. This can put people off from entering the cleaning industry.
Tiring Work
Cleaning can be tough and physically demanding work. Hauling rubbish bags and cleaning floors can be tiring, and you have to move constantly as a cleaner. Some cleaners have to devote long hours to make sure that everything in an environment is cleaned.
Cleaning Staff Turnover Rates
High staff turnover rates can be frustrating for business owners and is considered to be one of the downsides of the industry. Workers often decide to learn other skills and search for other opportunities.
A lot of people are not comfortable with the constant contact with dirt and bacteria that is required of a cleaner. As an entrepreneur, it can be hard to keep cleaning staff satisfied.
Analyse What Others are Doing
Your competition can provide you with insight as to whether your business idea is going to be worth it or not. Are cleaning businesses thriving in the area? If so, this could be a good sign. Are there specific types of cleaning services that are less available in your area? That could be your opportunity.
If there’s high demand and you notice that the population is ageing in your area, then it could be the right time to start this kind of business. Are you in a community where there are families where both parents are working, and they find it too expensive to hire a maid?
Marketing and Pricing
Be strategic in your marketing and pricing. Be straightforward and clear about what you can bring to the table above and beyond the competition. Consider your businesses’ strengths. For example, are you cheaper than competition? Do you offer services other companies do not? Do you offer flexibility or consistency that others don’t? Do you work in environments that others will not?
A strong value proposition combined with knowing how to clean properly can attract customers, keep them coming back and result in them recommending you to others.
A customer-centric approach that meets the unique needs of your potential clients and clients can help your company get more customers. When you’re able to get things right the first time, you can reap the rewards of word-of-mouth referrals and positive feedback from existing customers.
Develop Simple Quoting and Booking Processes
You can speed up the quoting process and make sure that it’s personalised for specific homes and companies by creating templates. Information required includes the client name, contact details, the services that they want, and the prices.
Be clear with the terms and conditions. Be certain of the number of rooms that need to be cleaned, and special requests (e.g. pet hair removal and laundry done). Your services should be priced accordingly.
