How to Start a Cleaning Business in Wisconsin: Complete Guide

Starting a cleaning business in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.

Why Start a Cleaning Business in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has a strong economy and affordable startup costs. Filing fees are just $130 for a limited liability company. The annual report costs only $25.

Milwaukee is the largest city with over 1.5 million people in the metro area. Madison is the state capital and one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest.

Cleaning services are not taxable in Wisconsin. This simplifies your billing and makes your prices more attractive to clients.

How Do You Choose a Business Structure?

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

Sole Proprietorship

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

If you want a business name, register it with the Department of Financial Institutions. The fee is $15.

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 Wisconsin, file Articles of Organization. You do this online through the Department of Financial Institutions. The filing fee is $130.

Wisconsin requires an annual report every year. The fee is just $25. This is one of the cheapest annual fees in the country.

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.

Wisconsin Income Tax

Wisconsin has a state income tax. Rates range from 3.54 to 7.65 percent. Your cleaning business income passes through to your personal tax return.

You may need to make quarterly estimated payments. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue handles all state tax filings.

Cleaning Services and Sales Tax

Good news: cleaning services are generally not taxable in Wisconsin. This includes residential house cleaning and janitorial services.

This makes your billing much simpler. The price you quote is the price the client pays. No extra tax to calculate or collect.

What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?

Wisconsin has no statewide business license. There is also no special cleaning license at the state level. This keeps things simple.

However, cities like Milwaukee and Madison require local business licenses. Requirements vary by where you are located.

Local Business Licenses

Milwaukee requires a city business license. Madison has its own requirements. Other cities may also require permits. Check with your city clerk.

Fees are usually low. Most range from $25 to $150 per year.

What Insurance Do You Need?

Insurance protects you from one bad day ending your business. Wisconsin 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 in Wisconsin for employers with three or more employees. Many owners get it sooner for extra protection
• 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. Wisconsin requires minimum liability coverage on all vehicles

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

What Are Wisconsin Labor Laws?

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

Minimum Wage

Wisconsin's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. This matches the federal rate. However, most cleaning businesses pay much more to attract workers.

Most cleaning companies pay $13 to $18 per hour. The Milwaukee and Madison markets need higher wages to compete for talent.

Worker Classification

Wisconsin has strict rules about 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 Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. New employers pay a starting rate.

What Safety Rules Apply?

Wisconsin uses federal workplace safety rules. The state does not have its own safety program. Federal offices in Wisconsin 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.

Winter Safety

Wisconsin winters are cold and snowy. Workers travel between jobs in icy conditions. Make sure vehicles have winter tires and emergency kits.

Watch for slippery walkways at client homes. Be careful when carrying supplies in winter weather.

How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has a moderate cost of living. Milwaukee and Madison support higher rates. Smaller cities need more moderate prices.

Typical pricing ranges in Wisconsin:

• Home cleaning (hourly) — $25 to $50 per hour
• Home cleaning (flat rate) — $120 to $290 for a standard 3-bedroom home
• Deep cleaning — $200 to $450 depending on home size
• Move-in or move-out cleaning — $220 to $500
• Office cleaning — $0.06 to $0.14 per square foot

Since there is no sales tax on cleaning, your quoted price is the final price. Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area.

What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has cleaning niches that do especially well. The mix of cities, lake areas, and seasonal tourism creates many options.

Milwaukee Metro Residential Cleaning

Milwaukee has a large suburban market. The North Shore suburbs like Whitefish Bay and Shorewood have wealthy families. These clients pay premium rates for quality cleaning.

Madison College Town Cleaning

Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin. Students and young professionals need cleaning help. Move-out cleaning at the end of each semester is especially busy.

Lake Home and Vacation Rental Cleaning

Door County and the Lake Geneva area draw tourists all year. Vacation rentals and lake homes need turnover cleaning. Summer is the busiest season for this niche.

Brewery and Restaurant Cleaning

Wisconsin has a strong brewery and restaurant scene. These businesses need regular deep cleaning. Commercial contracts provide stable, long-term income.

Post-Construction Cleaning

New homes and buildings go up across the Milwaukee and Madison metros. Each one needs cleaning before occupancy. This specialty pays well.

How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Wisconsin?

Getting clients in Wisconsin 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 Community Groups

Wisconsin residents are active on Nextdoor and Facebook. Join groups for your service area. Share helpful cleaning tips. Many neighborhoods have active online communities.

Property Manager Partnerships

Milwaukee and Madison have large rental markets. Property managers need move-out cleaning between tenants. Offer them reliable service and special rates.

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 Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is very affordable to start a cleaning business. Low fees and no sales tax on cleaning help keep costs down.

• Limited liability company filing — $130 (one-time, through the Department of Financial Institutions)
• Annual report — $25 per year
• Trade name — $15 (if using a different business name)
• Local business license — $25 to $150 per year (varies by city)
• General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
• Workers' compensation insurance — Required with 3 or more employees (rates vary)
• 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 Wisconsin Startup Checklist?

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

1. Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at wdfi.org ($130)
2. Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
3. Register with the Department of Revenue — Set up your state tax account
4. Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
5. Get your local business license — Check your city requirements
6. Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
7. Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
8. Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator (no sales tax on cleaning)
9. Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
10. Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, reach out to property managers
11. Get workers' compensation when you reach three employees — Required at that threshold in Wisconsin
12. Register for unemployment insurance — Required before your first employee starts

What Are the Best Tips for Wisconsin?

Here are practical tips for success in Wisconsin.

• No sales tax means simpler billing — Your quoted price is the final price for cleaning. Clients love this clarity
• Low annual fees save you money — Your $25 annual report is one of the cheapest in the country
• Target Milwaukee's North Shore — Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, and Fox Point pay premium rates
• Market spring cleaning hard — After Wisconsin's long winters, every home needs a deep clean
• Offer lake home cleaning — Door County and Lake Geneva areas have seasonal demand
• Prepare for harsh winters — Keep emergency kits in your vehicle. Have a plan for snow days
• Workers' compensation kicks in at three employees — Plan ahead so you have coverage ready when you reach that threshold
• Use MaidProfit to manage bookings — Track jobs, invoices, and employee hours with one tool

What Are the Guides for Nearby States?

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

Where Do You Find Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Cleaning Business Today

Wisconsin offers affordable startup costs, no sales tax on cleaning, and two major metro areas. The Milwaukee and Madison markets create strong demand.

Start by forming your limited liability company. Get your Employer Identification Number and register with the Department of Revenue. Buy insurance, check local licenses, and set your prices.

Then focus on getting clients through Google and local connections.

The growing suburbs, college towns, and lake communities create year-round demand. Every successful Wisconsin cleaning company started with one owner and one first client. Take action today.