How to Start a Cleaning Business in Ohio: Complete Guide

Starting a cleaning business in Ohio typically costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your business structure and insurance needs. Each state has different rules for registration, taxes, and workers' compensation. This guide covers everything you need to start a cleaning business in Ohio, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.

Why Start a Cleaning Business in Ohio?

Ohio has three major metro areas. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati each have over 1.5 million people. That gives you three large markets in one state.

The cost of living is low across Ohio. Filing fees are just $99 for a limited liability company. Affordable housing means many families own homes and need cleaning services.

Columbus is one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest. New homes and offices pop up every year. This creates steady demand for cleaning.

How Do You Choose a Business Structure?

You need to decide how to set up your business. Ohio offers two main choices for cleaning companies.

Sole Proprietorship

This is the simplest way to start. You do not need to file anything with the state. Ohio considers you a sole owner right away.

If you want a business name, file a fictitious name registration with the county. The fee is usually $25 to $50.

The downside is you have no personal protection. If something goes wrong, your personal savings are at risk.

Limited Liability Company

This is the better choice for most cleaning businesses. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If a client sues, your personal savings stay protected.

To form one in Ohio, file Articles of Organization. You do this online through the Secretary of State website. The filing fee is $99.

Ohio does not require an annual report for limited liability companies. This saves you money and paperwork every year.

How Do You Get an Employer Identification Number and Tax Accounts?

An Employer Identification Number is a free number from the federal government. You need it to open a business bank account. You also need it to file taxes and hire workers.

Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website. You get your number right away when you apply online.

Ohio Income Tax

Ohio has a state income tax with rates from 0 to 3.5 percent. The first $26,050 of income is not taxed. Your cleaning business income passes through to your personal tax return.

Many Ohio cities also have their own income tax. Columbus charges 2.5 percent. Cleveland charges 2.5 percent. Cincinnati charges 1.8 percent. This adds up fast.

Cleaning Services and Sales Tax

This is important: cleaning services are taxable in Ohio. The state sales tax rate is 5.75 percent. County taxes add 0.75 to 2.25 percent more.

Cuyahoga County has the highest combined rate at 8 percent. Franklin County is 7.5 percent. Hamilton County is 7.8 percent. You must collect sales tax from your clients.

Get a vendor's license from the Ohio Department of Taxation before you start charging clients.

What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?

Ohio has no statewide business license for cleaning. There is no special cleaning license at the state level.

However, you need a vendor's license since cleaning is taxable. Many cities also require local business licenses.

Vendor's License

Since cleaning services are taxable, you need a vendor's license. Get this free from the Ohio Department of Taxation. Apply online before you start charging clients.

Local Business Licenses

Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and other cities may require local business licenses. Check with your city clerk for specific requirements. Fees are usually $25 to $100 per year.

Many Ohio cities also require you to register for the local income tax. This is separate from the state income tax.

What Insurance Do You Need?

Insurance protects you from one bad day ending your business. Ohio requires some types of coverage. Here is what you need.

• General liability insurance — Covers property damage and injuries at a client's home or office. Costs $400 to $1,200 per year. Every cleaning business needs this
• Workers' compensation insurance — Required for all employers with one or more employees. Ohio is a monopolistic state fund. You must buy from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, not from private carriers
• Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required but highly recommended. Costs $100 to $500 per year
• Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Ohio requires minimum liability coverage on all vehicles

For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.

What Are Ohio Labor Laws?

If you plan to hire workers, you need to follow Ohio labor laws from day one.

Minimum Wage

Ohio minimum wage is $10.45 per hour for larger employers. This rate adjusts for inflation each year. Smaller employers with less than $385,000 in annual sales follow the federal rate of $7.25.

Most cleaning businesses pay $13 to $18 per hour to attract good workers. Budget for competitive wages in the suburbs.

Worker Classification

Ohio follows federal standards for worker classification. Cleaning workers who follow your schedule usually count as employees. Classifying them wrong leads to fines.

When in doubt, hire them as employees.

Unemployment Insurance

When you hire employees, register for unemployment insurance. Register through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. New employers pay a starting rate.

What Safety Rules Apply?

Ohio uses federal workplace safety rules. The state does not have its own safety agency. Federal offices in Ohio oversee workplace safety.

Hazard Communication

You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical you use. Train your workers on each product they handle. Show them what to do if a spill happens.

Seasonal Safety

Ohio has cold winters, especially in the northern part of the state. Lake-effect snow hits Cleveland and the northeast hard. Have winter safety plans for your team.

How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Ohio?

Ohio has an affordable cost of living. Wealthier suburbs support higher rates. Smaller cities need lower prices.

Typical pricing ranges in Ohio:

• Home cleaning (hourly) — $23 to $50 per hour
• Home cleaning (flat rate) — $110 to $280 for a standard 3-bedroom home
• Deep cleaning — $180 to $420 depending on home size
• Move-in or move-out cleaning — $200 to $480
• Office cleaning — $0.05 to $0.14 per square foot

Remember to add sales tax on top of your prices. Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area.

What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in Ohio?

Ohio has many cleaning niches. Three major metros and college towns create different opportunities.

Columbus Suburb Cleaning

Columbus is the fastest growing major city in Ohio. Dublin, Upper Arlington, and New Albany have wealthy families. Westerville and Powell are also growing fast with new homes.

Cleveland East Side Luxury

Cleveland's east side suburbs are among the wealthiest in Ohio. Shaker Heights, Chagrin Falls, and Gates Mills have high-end homes. These clients pay premium rates.

Cincinnati Northern Suburbs

Cincinnati suburbs like Indian Hill, Mason, and Montgomery have strong demand. The city also has a growing downtown with condos that need cleaning.

College Town Cleaning

Ohio has many college towns. Columbus has Ohio State University. Athens has Ohio University. Oxford has Miami University. Each creates demand for student and faculty cleaning.

Medical Facility Cleaning

Ohio has major hospital systems. Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, and Cincinnati Children's are just a few. Medical offices need specialized cleaning.

How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Ohio?

Getting clients in Ohio follows the same steps as most states. Here are strategies that work well.

Google Business Profile

Set up your profile with your city, services, and photos. Ask every happy client for a Google review. Most people search online first.

Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups

Ohio residents are active on Nextdoor. Suburban Facebook groups are popular in all three metros. Join groups for your service area and share helpful tips.

Partner with Property Managers

All three Ohio metros have growing rental markets. Property managers need turnover cleaning between tenants. Offer them special rates for steady work.

For a complete marketing plan, read our Marketing Your Cleaning Business guide and How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast.

How Much Does It Cost to Start in Ohio?

Ohio is affordable to start a cleaning business. No annual report saves you money every year.

• Limited liability company filing — $99 (one-time, through the Secretary of State)
• Annual report — Not required in Ohio (saves you money)
• Fictitious name registration — $25 to $50 (if using a different business name, filed with county)
• Vendor's license — Free (required since cleaning is taxable)
• Local business license — $25 to $100 per year (varies by city)
• General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
• Workers' compensation insurance — Required once you hire (through state fund only)
• Surety bond — $100 to $500 per year (recommended)
• Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
• Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500

What Is on Your Ohio Startup Checklist?

Follow these steps in order. Complete each one before moving on.

1. Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at ohiosos.gov ($99)
2. Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
3. Get a vendor's license — Apply free at tax.ohio.gov
4. Register for city income tax — Check your local requirements
5. Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
6. Check local license requirements — Contact your city clerk
7. Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
8. Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
9. Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in Ohio sales tax
10. Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
11. Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, contact property managers
12. Register with Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation before hiring — Required for even one employee
13. Register for unemployment insurance — Required before your first employee starts

What Are the Best Tips for Ohio?

Here are practical tips for success in Ohio.

• Pick one metro to start — Columbus, Cleveland, or Cincinnati. Master one market before expanding to others
• Always collect sales tax — Cleaning is taxable in Ohio. Build it into your quotes so clients know the total upfront
• Register with the state fund — Workers' compensation in Ohio only comes from the state fund. Register before your first hire
• Watch city income taxes — Many Ohio cities charge their own income tax. Factor this into your business plan
• No annual report needed — Ohio does not require one for limited liability companies. This saves you time and money
• Target wealthy suburbs — Dublin and Upper Arlington in Columbus, Shaker Heights in Cleveland, or Indian Hill in Cincinnati pay the best
• Prepare for lake-effect snow — Northern Ohio gets heavy winter snow. Have a plan for snowy days
• Use MaidProfit to manage bookings — Track jobs, invoices, and sales tax with one tool

What Are the Guides for Nearby States?

If you serve areas near the Ohio border, these guides may help.

Where Do You Find Ohio Government Resources?

Here is a complete list of every government website in this guide. Bookmark these for later.

What Other Guides Can Help Your Business?

These free guides cover topics every cleaning business owner needs. They work hand-in-hand with this state guide.

Start Your Ohio Cleaning Business Today

Ohio offers three large metro areas and affordable startup costs. No annual report and a $99 filing fee make it easy to maintain.

Start by forming your limited liability company. Get your Employer Identification Number and vendor's license. Buy insurance, check local licenses, and set your prices.

Then focus on getting clients through Google and local partnerships.

The growing suburbs, college towns, and three major metros create steady demand. Every successful Ohio cleaning company started with one owner and one first client. Take action today.