🧼 So You Want to Start a Cleaning Business? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

If you’re dreaming of starting your own cleaning business, first of all — I’m cheering you on. I started Mama’s Property Services with just a bucket of determination, a second-hand vacuum, and a mission to build something that worked around my family. Years later, we’ve got a full team, a great reputation, and a business that genuinely makes life easier for our clients.

But let me tell you the truth: this journey isn’t always glamorous. It’s elbow grease, long days, trial and error, and choosing to keep showing up. If you’re serious about building a successful cleaning business — and not just playing at it — here are the lessons I wish someone had handed me at the start.

. ✨ You’re not “just a cleaner”

From day one, ditch that mindset. You are a business owner. You are providing a professional service. The sooner you treat yourself that way — in how you present your brand, your communication, your pricing — the sooner others will too. Confidence counts.

2. 💸 Charge properly — and unapologetically

So many new cleaners charge £10 an hour and hope for tips. That’s not a business — it’s burnout waiting to happen. Think about your fuel, products, insurance, time, admin, travel — and your value. Price your services to make a profit and to reflect the quality you offer. Clients who value you will pay it.

3. 📅 Systems are your best friend

I didn’t start with fancy software, but I did have routines and systems — and that made all the difference. Use cleaning checklists so nothing gets missed. Create message templates for quotes and follow-ups. Set aside a weekly admin hour. It keeps you organised, professional, and calm.

4. 👥 Not every client is your client

This one took me a while. It’s tempting to say yes to everyone — but not all clients are a good fit. Some want miracles in 30 minutes. Some won’t respect your time. That’s OK. You’re allowed to say no. The right clients will come, and they’ll make this journey so much more rewarding.

5. 🧽 Consistency builds reputation

Want more clients? Start by being brilliant for the ones you already have. Show up on time. Leave their home sparkling. Be polite. Be consistent. Word of mouth is powerful — we built our business on it. Every clean is a chance to market yourself without saying a word.

6. 💡 It’s not just about cleaning

Running a cleaning business means wearing all the hats: marketing, admin, customer service, stock control… and yes, actual cleaning too. You’ll learn to juggle. You’ll learn to pivot. You’ll probably cry once or twice. But you’ll also grow in confidence and resilience like never before.

7. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Build a business that fits your life

I started this business to create a better life for my family — and I still believe you don’t have to choose between being a great parent and a great businesswoman. My partner Ryan and I now run the business together, with a strong ethos of helping other families by taking pressure off their homes.

Whether it’s cleaning, handyman jobs, or moving support — we’re here to make people’s lives easier. And you can build something similar too, on your terms.

8. 🌱 Keep learning, always

You won’t know it all at the start — and that’s fine. Learn from mistakes. Ask questions. Google things. Book onto a course. Trial better products. Read blogs (like this one!). Every day is a school day, and your business will grow as you do.

💬 Final Words from Me

Starting your own cleaning business won’t be easy. But it will be worth it. You’ll meet amazing clients. You’ll see the pride in your work. You’ll gain confidence you didn’t know you had. And you’ll get to build something that’s truly yours.

If you’re on the edge of starting and you’re not sure where to begin, drop me a message — I’m always happy to support others who want to grow something special from the ground up.