If you’re out there wondering how to start a cleaning business, you’re in good company. Starting a cleaning business can be incredibly rewarding and profitable. To help you evaluate if starting a cleaning business is right for you and your financial goals, we gathered some perspective and key resources from a 20-year cleaning business owner that will surely get you started on the right track. Bethany Jean, owner of The Professional Cleaner, started her business from scratch 20 years ago. She’s a firm believer that anyone can build a profitable cleaning business with the right tools and training, and she is willing to show you how.
We were fortunate to get some one-on-one time with Bethany Jean to learn a little more about her journey. Here’s what we took away.
Project 2 Payment: How did you get into the cleaning business?
Bethany Jean, The Professional Cleaner: When I was growing up, my mom had a cleaning business, and I helped her out from time to time. I later started my own cleaning business to support myself through college, but I was pretty determined that it was only temporary, and that once I had my degree, I would be on to do “better” things. But after graduating and working a corporate job for a while, which I hated, I realized that there was so much potential in the cleaning industry. So, I decided to go back to that full time, and not once in over 20 years have I regretted doing so.
Project 2 Payment: Do you need a license to start a cleaning business?
Bethany Jean: It really depends on your city, county, state and/or province, so it’s best to check with them. But you do need to register your business, whether you decide to become an LLC, operate as a sole proprietor or choose some other structure.
Project 2 Payment: What is your favorite part about owning a cleaning business?
Bethany Jean: I love being in control of my schedule and financial goals. If you want to clean part time as a side hustle, you can do that. If you want to build the biggest cleaning business in your market, you can do that too. These are all your decisions to make, and that feeling of flexibility (vs. working for someone else) is VERY rewarding.
Project 2 Payment: Is there a cleaning business software you would recommend?
Bethany Jean: I have always looked for two things in cleaning business software: ease of use and reliability. If you’re just starting out, you’ll also need two basic tools. The first is a way to track your schedule, which could simply be your phone’s calendar app. And the second is a way to invoice your customers, get paid, and track your earnings… a.k.a. an invoicing app. My current recommendation for invoicing software is Project 2 Payment.
Project 2 Payment: What are some keys to operating a successful cleaning business?
Bethany Jean: I would say the two biggest keys to success are good communication and professionalism. You can be the best cleaner in the world, but if you don’t know how to communicate or if you aren’t professional, then no one will want to work with you. Conversely, if you’re just starting out and still honing your cleaning skills, you can still make incredible money in this industry by mastering communication and professionalism, since that’s ultimately what matters most in any business.
Project 2 Payment: What is the first step to take if you want to start your own cleaning business?
Bethany Jean: Write down your goals, both financial and otherwise. Then let those goals shape your business decisions. This is the quickest path to success.
Project 2 Payment: You’ve made it your mission to help other cleaning business owners find success. How can people work with you or find your courses?
Bethany Jean: Anyone interested can follow me on YouTube for more information about starting a cleaning business and great tips for ongoing success. You can also check out my main website at www.theprofessionalcleaner.net, which lists all my resources and ways to sign up for my courses.
When it comes to starting a business, don’t do it alone! Connect with a cleaning business owner and expert like Bethany Jean, who’s already seen the rough road of startups and knows how to navigate it. And while you’re on that road to success, don’t forget to equip yourself with the right tools to make business ownership easier. Project 2 Payment is the perfect tool to help you invoice and take payments from all those cleaning clients you will be serving. Plus, we’ll make the tracking and business reporting very easy. You’ll feel like you made it big time in no time at all!
