You can start a cleaning business with little or no money by using supplies you already have and finding clients through free methods. Many successful cleaning businesses started with under $100 in supplies from around the house. This guide shows you how to launch, get clients, and grow without spending money upfront.
Can You Really Start With No Money?
Yes, you can. A cleaning business is one of the cheapest to start. Many owners started with less than $100.
The key is to use what you already have. Clean homes with your own supplies and find clients for free. Then use your first earnings to buy better gear.
The cleaning industry brings in over $90 billion per year. You do not need money to get started. You need effort, a plan, and a few hours each week.
Why Cleaning is the Best Low-Cost Business
Cleaning needs almost no startup money. Here is why it works so well on a tight budget:
- No store needed — you work at the client's home or office
- No degree needed — your skills and work ethic are what matter
- Flexible hours — start part-time while keeping your current job
- Fast income — you can earn money within your first week
- Low risk — if it does not work out, you lose almost nothing
What Supplies Can You Start With?
Look around your home. You likely own most of what you need to start.
Basic Supplies Checklist
Here are the items most people already own:
- All-purpose cleaner — works on counters, sinks, and most surfaces
- Glass cleaner — for windows, mirrors, and glass tables
- Microfiber cloths — better than paper towels and reusable
- Sponges — for scrubbing tubs and kitchen surfaces
- Rubber gloves — to protect your hands
- Broom and dustpan — for hard floors
- Mop and bucket — for tile and wood floors
- Vacuum cleaner — even a basic one works fine
- Trash bags — for collecting waste
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
You can make great cleaners from items in your kitchen. They cost almost nothing.
- All-purpose spray — mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
- Glass cleaner — one part rubbing alcohol, one part water, and a drop of dish soap
- Scrub paste — mix baking soda with a little water until it forms a thick paste
- Floor cleaner — add half a cup of vinegar to a gallon of warm water
Some clients prefer you use their own products. Always ask before your first visit. This saves you money and avoids allergy issues.
How Do You Get Your First Clients for Free?
You do not need to spend money on ads. Free methods work great when you are starting out.
Start With People You Know
Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about your new business. Ask them to spread the word. Offer a small discount for their first cleaning.
Word of mouth is the best marketing tool. It costs nothing. And people trust what their friends say.
Post on Social Media for Free
Post in local Facebook groups. Share your services on Nextdoor. Create a free business page on Instagram or Facebook.
Take before-and-after photos of your work. These posts get lots of attention. People love seeing the difference a good cleaning makes.
Set Up a Free Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile is free and powerful. It helps people find you when they search for cleaners nearby.
Fill in your business name, service area, and phone number. Ask your first clients to leave a review. Even two or three good reviews make a big difference.
Use Free Listing Sites
List your business on these free sites to get found:
- Nextdoor — connects you with people in your neighborhood
- Craigslist — post a free ad in the services section
- Facebook Marketplace — list your cleaning services locally
- Yelp — create a free business listing
Offer a Deal to Get Reviews
Reviews build trust fast. Offer your first few clients a discount in exchange for an honest review. Even $10 off their next cleaning works.
Aim for 5 reviews in your first month. That is enough to get new clients calling you.
What Free Marketing Methods Work?
Good marketing does not have to cost money. Use these free strategies to grow.
Create Free Business Cards
Several websites offer free business cards. You just pay for shipping, which is usually $5 to $10. Hand them out at local shops and community boards.
Make a Simple Flyer
Use a free tool like Canva to design a flyer. Print a few at your local library for free. Post them at laundromats, gyms, and grocery store bulletin boards.
Keep your flyer simple. Include your name, phone number, services, and a clear price. People want to know the cost upfront.
Ask for Referrals
After every job, ask your client to tell a friend. Offer a small reward if that friend books a cleaning. A $10 discount or a free add-on service works well.
Referral programs cost you nothing upfront. You only pay when you gain a new client.
Partner With Local Businesses
Talk to real estate agents, property managers, and landlords. They always need cleaners for move-in and move-out jobs. Leave your card at their office.
This is free and can lead to steady work. One good contact can send you several jobs each month.
How Do You Handle Legal Basics on a Budget?
You need to set up your business the right way. The good news is that most steps are cheap or free.
Choose a Business Structure
Most new cleaners start as a sole owner. This costs nothing to set up in most states. You report income on your personal tax return.
When you can afford it, form a limited liability company. This protects your personal savings if something goes wrong. Filing fees range from $50 to $150 in most states.
Get a Business License
Most cities require a basic business license. The cost is usually $25 to $75. Check your city or county website for details.
Some states have no license requirement for cleaners. Look up your local rules before you spend any money.
Open a Separate Bank Account
Many banks offer free business checking accounts. This keeps your personal and business money apart. It also makes taxes much easier.
Get Insurance When You Can
General liability insurance costs about $25 to $50 per month. You may not need it on day one, but get it as soon as possible.
Some clients will not hire you without insurance. It also protects you if you break something by accident. Read our insurance guide to learn more.
Startup Budget Breakdown
How Should You Reinvest Your First Earnings?
Your first few jobs will bring in cash. Use that money wisely to grow your business step by step.
What to Buy First
Here is the best order to invest your first earnings:
- Better cleaning products — professional cleaners work faster and leave a better finish
- A good vacuum — a reliable vacuum makes every job easier and quicker
- General liability insurance — protects you and opens doors to more clients
- A simple website — even a free one-page site helps you look professional
- Business registration — form a limited liability company for legal protection
Set a Reinvestment Goal
Put 20 to 30 percent of each payment back into your business. This lets you upgrade without ever going into debt.
Say you earn $150 from a cleaning job. Set aside $30 to $45 for upgrades. In a month you will have enough for insurance or new tools.
Track Every Dollar
Write down every expense and every payment. Use a free spreadsheet or a simple notebook. Knowing where your money goes helps you make smart choices.
Good record keeping also saves you time during tax season. You can deduct business expenses and keep more of what you earn.
What Free Tools Can You Use to Run Your Business?
You do not need expensive software. Free tools can handle almost everything.
Scheduling and Booking
Use Google Calendar to track your cleaning appointments. It is free, syncs to your phone, and sends you reminders. Share your calendar link so clients can see your open slots.
Invoicing and Payments
Use the free MaidProfit invoice generator to create clean, professional invoices. Accept payments through free apps like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App.
Quotes and Pricing
Use the free MaidProfit price calculator to figure out what to charge. You can also use the quote generator to send professional quotes to clients.
Communication
Get a free Google Voice number. This gives you a separate business phone line. You can text and call clients without sharing your personal number.
Marketing Materials
Use Canva for free flyers, social media posts, and business cards. It has hundreds of free templates you can customize in minutes.
When you outgrow free tools, try cleaning business software. It helps you manage schedules, send invoices, and track clients.
How Do You Grow From Here?
Starting with no money is just the beginning. Here is how to keep growing.
Set Clear Income Goals
Write down how much you want to earn each month. Start small. Even $500 per month is a great first goal.
Break your goal into jobs. If you charge $100 per cleaning, you need 5 jobs per month. That is about one job per week.
Raise Your Prices Over Time
As you get better and busier, raise your prices. Most cleaners raise rates by $5 to $10 every six months. Your loyal clients will understand.
Learn more about setting the right rates in our pricing guide.
Hire Help When Ready
When you have more clients than you can handle alone, bring on a helper. Start with one part-time worker. Pay them per job to keep costs low.
Read our guide on how to hire cleaners when you are ready.
Never Stop Learning
Watch free videos on cleaning techniques. Read blog posts about growing your business. The more you learn, the more you earn.