Starting a cleaning business in Washington 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 Washington, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.
Why Start a Cleaning Business in Washington?
Washington has no state income tax. This is a huge advantage for business owners. You keep more of what you earn compared to most states.
The Seattle area is booming with tech workers. These busy professionals need reliable home cleaning. They also value online booking and eco-friendly products.
Washington has strong demand for green cleaning services. The Pacific Northwest is known for caring about the environment. You can charge higher rates by using eco-friendly products.
This guide covers every Washington-specific step. You will learn about registration, taxes, insurance, and more.
Read our general How to Start a Cleaning Business guide first. This Washington guide adds the state-specific steps on top of those basics.
How Do You Choose a Business Structure?
Your first decision is how to set up your business. Washington offers two main choices for new cleaning companies.
Sole Proprietorship
This is the simplest way to start. You begin doing business right away. No state filing is needed to operate.
If you want a different business name, register a trade name. You do this through the Secretary of State. This lets you operate under a name other than your own.
The downside is that you have no personal protection. Your personal savings are at risk if something goes wrong.
Limited Liability Company
A limited liability company is the better choice. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If a client sues, your personal savings stay protected.
File your formation documents with the Secretary of State. You can do this online at sos.wa.gov. The filing fee is $180 online.
You must also file an annual report each year. The annual report costs $70. If you file an initial report with your formation, it is free.
Otherwise, the initial report costs $10.
Choose a limited liability company. The $180 filing fee is worth the protection. You enter people's homes every day.
The liability shield protects your personal assets.
- sos.wa.gov — Washington Secretary of State — business registration
- sos.wa.gov — Limited liability company filing resource page
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 bank account and file taxes. Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website.
You get your number right away online.
No State Income Tax
Washington has no state income tax. This is a major advantage over most states. You do not file a state income tax return.
This saves you time and money every year.
Business and Occupation Tax
Instead of income tax, Washington has a Business and Occupation tax. This tax is based on your gross revenue, not your profit. Cleaning services fall under the service tax rate.
You report and pay this tax through the Department of Revenue. The rate is a small percentage of your total revenue. You pay it even if your business does not make a profit.
Cleaning Services and Sales Tax
You do not need a seller's permit if you only provide services. Cleaning is a service, not a product sale. However, your cleaning revenue is subject to the Business and Occupation tax.
- irs.gov — Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (never pay for this)
- dor.wa.gov — Washington janitorial and cleaning services tax guide
What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?
Washington makes business registration simple. One application gives you almost everything you need to start.
Unified Business Identifier Number
The Unified Business Identifier number is your main business number. It is sometimes called a UBI number. You get it through the Department of Revenue Business License Application.
This single application gives you three things at once. You get your Unified Business Identifier number, your state tax accounts, and your business license. Apply online at the Department of Revenue website.
Local Business Licenses
Your city or county may also require a local business license. Check with your city clerk or county office. Fees vary by location.
Some cities in Washington handle this through the state system.
No Special Cleaning License
Washington does not require a special janitorial license. There is no state-level cleaning permit needed. This makes it easier to start compared to some other states.
- dor.wa.gov — Business License Application — get your Unified Business Identifier number, tax accounts, and license
What Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance protects your business from one bad day. Washington has a unique rule about workers' compensation. Here is what you need.
- General liability insurance — Covers 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 if you have employees. Washington is a monopolistic state. You must buy this through the Department of Labor and Industries. Private insurance companies cannot sell it. Only four states have this rule
- Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by law but highly recommended. Costs $100 to $500 per year
- Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Get coverage that protects you while driving to client homes
You cannot buy workers' compensation from a private insurer. Washington runs its own state fund through the Department of Labor and Industries. Contact them directly to set up your account before hiring your first employee.
For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.
- lni.wa.gov — Washington Department of Labor and Industries
- lni.wa.gov — Workers' compensation insurance requirements
What Are Washington Labor Laws?
Washington has strong worker protections. If you plan to hire, you must follow these rules from day one.
Minimum Wage
The Washington state minimum wage is $17.13 per hour. This is one of the highest in the country. But several cities set even higher rates.
You must pay the higher of the state or local rate. The rate depends on where your employee works. It does not matter where your business is based.
Here are some notable local minimum wages:
- Tukwila — $21.65 per hour
- Burien — $21.63 per hour
- Renton — $21.57 per hour
- Seattle — $21.30 per hour
- Bellingham — $19.13 per hour
Check your city's website for the current local rate. These amounts go up every year.
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Washington has a Paid Family and Medical Leave program. The total cost is 1.13% of gross wages. You and your employees share this cost.
This applies even to small businesses with just one employee.
Unemployment Insurance
The Employment Security Department handles unemployment insurance. You pay into this fund for each employee. The rate depends on your industry and experience.
Register through the Employment Security Department website.
- lni.wa.gov — Washington minimum wage and local rates
- esd.wa.gov — Employment Security Department employer tax information
What Safety Rules Apply in Washington?
Washington has its own state workplace safety program. It operates under the Department of Labor and Industries. The rules match or exceed federal standards.
Hazard Communication Program
You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical. Train your workers on what chemicals they use. Show them how to handle products safely.
Explain what to do if there is a spill or skin contact.
Injury Prevention Program
Create a written safety plan for your business. It should cover how to report hazards. It should explain how you investigate injuries.
Include how you train workers on safe practices.
Common Cleaning Hazards
Cleaning workers face specific risks every day. Slips, falls, and chemical burns are the most common. Make sure your team knows how to use chemicals safely.
Provide gloves, eye protection, and proper footwear.
- lni.wa.gov — Department of Labor and Industries — workplace safety program
How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Washington?
Washington has a high cost of living in urban areas. Seattle and the Eastside command top prices. Smaller cities have lower rates but also lower costs.
Typical pricing ranges in Washington:
- Home cleaning (hourly) — $30 to $65 per hour depending on your city
- Home cleaning (flat rate) — $140 to $350 for a standard 3-bedroom home
- Deep cleaning — $200 to $500 depending on home size
- Move-in or move-out cleaning — $250 to $550 or more
- Office cleaning — $0.06 to $0.18 per square foot
Prices at the high end are common in Seattle and Bellevue. Prices at the lower end are typical in Spokane and smaller cities.
Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area. For detailed pricing methods, read our Pricing Guide.
For detailed city-by-city pricing data, see our full Cleaning Business Prices in Washington guide.
What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in Washington?
Washington has unique cleaning niches that do well here. The state's market creates special opportunities.
Tech Office Cleaning
Seattle and Bellevue have thousands of tech offices. These companies want clean, modern workspaces. They expect high-quality service and eco-friendly products.
Tech office cleaning pays premium rates.
Green and Eco-Friendly Cleaning
The Pacific Northwest cares deeply about the environment. Many residents want non-toxic, green cleaning products. You can charge 10 to 20 percent more for this service.
It also helps you stand out from competitors.
Vacation Rental Turnover Cleaning
The San Juan Islands and Olympic Peninsula attract many visitors. Vacation rental hosts need fast, reliable turnover cleaning. This work is steady during tourist season.
Hosts will pay premium rates for dependable service.
Property Management Partnerships
Seattle has a booming rental market. Property managers need regular cleaning between tenants. Build relationships with a few management companies.
One good partnership provides a steady flow of work.
Washington rain means more mud tracked into homes. Sell seasonal deep cleaning during the rainy months. Homeowners will pay extra to remove mud, mildew, and water stains.
How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Washington?
Getting clients in Washington follows many of the same steps. A few strategies work especially well here.
Google Business Profile
This is your most important free marketing tool. Set it up with your city name, services, and photos. Ask every happy client for a Google review.
Most people search online before hiring a cleaning service.
Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups
Washington residents are active on Nextdoor and Facebook groups. Join groups in your service area. Share helpful cleaning tips.
When someone asks for a cleaner, your name will come up.
Partner with Property Managers
Seattle's rental market is very active. Property managers need move-out cleaning for units. Offer them special rates or a referral bonus.
One strong partnership can keep you busy for months.
Online Booking
Tech workers in Seattle and Bellevue value online booking. They want to schedule cleaning from their phone. Offer an easy online booking option to win these clients.
This sets you apart from competitors who rely on phone calls.
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 Washington?
Washington is affordable to start a cleaning business in. The lack of income tax helps keep costs down.
- Limited liability company filing — $180 (one-time, through the Secretary of State)
- Annual report — $70 per year
- Initial report — $10 (free if filed with formation)
- Business license application — Free through the Department of Revenue
- Local business license — Varies by city
- General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
- Workers' compensation — Through the Department of Labor and Industries (only if you have employees)
- Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
- Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500
What Is on Your Washington Startup Checklist?
Follow each step in order to get your business running.
- Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at sos.wa.gov ($180)
- Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
- Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
- Apply for your business license — Use the Department of Revenue application at dor.wa.gov to get your Unified Business Identifier number
- Check for local licenses — Ask your city or county about local requirements
- Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
- Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
- Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in Washington costs
- Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
- Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, offer introductory rates
- Set up workers' compensation — Contact the Department of Labor and Industries before hiring
- Register for Paid Family and Medical Leave — Required when you hire your first employee
What Are the Best Tips for Washington?
Here are practical tips from successful Washington cleaning businesses.
- No income tax is your advantage — You keep more money than owners in most states. Use this to invest back into your business
- Seattle has the highest demand — But it also has the highest wages. Price your services to cover labor costs
- Rain means more cleaning work — Sell seasonal deep cleaning during rainy months. Mud tracking is a year-round problem in Washington
- Offer online booking — Tech workers expect to book services from their phone. This is not optional in the Seattle market
- Use eco-friendly products — Pacific Northwest clients will choose you over competitors for being green
- Partner with property managers — Seattle's booming rental market creates steady work for reliable cleaners
- Plan your routes carefully — Seattle traffic is among the worst in the country. Group clients by area to save time
- Use MaidProfit from day one — Set up scheduling, invoicing, and profit tracking before your first client
- Oregon Guide — Start a cleaning business in Oregon
- Idaho Guide — Start a cleaning business in Idaho
- Alaska Guide — Start a cleaning business in Alaska
What Are the Guides for Nearby States?
If you serve clients near the Washington border, check our guides for nearby states.
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Oregon — Oregon Guide
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Idaho — Idaho Guide
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in California — California Guide
- Oregon Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Oregon
- Idaho Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Idaho
Where Do You Find Washington Government Resources?
Here is every government website mentioned in this guide. Bookmark these for easy access as your business grows.
- Washington Secretary of State — Register your business, file formation documents
- Secretary of State — Limited Liability Company Filing — File your limited liability company formation documents
- Department of Revenue — Business License Application — Get your Unified Business Identifier number, tax accounts, and business license
- Department of Revenue — Janitorial Services Guide — Tax rules for cleaning and janitorial businesses
- Department of Labor and Industries — Workers' compensation, workplace safety, and wage rules
- Department of Labor and Industries — Insurance Requirements — Workers' compensation rules and rates
- Minimum Wage Information — State and local minimum wage rates
- Employment Security Department — Unemployment insurance and employer tax information
- Internal Revenue Service — Free Employer Identification Number application
- Small Business Administration — Free counseling and local assistance for small businesses
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.
- How to Price Cleaning Services — Set profitable rates with flat-rate and hourly formulas
- Cleaning Business Insurance Guide — General liability, bonding, and the coverage you need
- How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast — Fill your schedule with paying clients
- Marketing Your Cleaning Business — Online and offline strategies that bring real results
- Cleaning Business Taxes and Deductions — Every deduction you can claim and how to file
- How to Get Cleaning Contracts — Find and win residential and commercial contracts
- How to Hire and Train Cleaning Staff — Where to find workers and how to keep them
Start Your Washington Cleaning Business Today
Washington is a great state for cleaning business owners. No income tax means you keep more of your earnings. Strong demand in the Seattle area offers high-paying opportunities.
Start by forming your limited liability company and getting your Employer Identification Number. Apply for your business license through the Department of Revenue. Get insured and set prices that cover your costs.
Every successful cleaning company in Washington started with one owner and one first client. Follow the steps in this guide. Take action today.