As an entrepreneur, you’re always on the lookout for new and unique business ideas. So, why not consider a cleaning business? Cleaning businesses are in high demand, and there are many different types of cleaning businesses from which to choose. Here are 25 unique cleaning business ideas and opportunities to get you started.
House Cleaning
House cleaning is the most common type of cleaning business. House cleaning businesses can either be operated as a sole proprietorship, a corporation, or as a franchise. There are many different aspects to and levels of house cleaning, so you’ll need to decide what type of services you want to offer. Some house cleaning businesses focus on general cleaning, while others specialize in deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, or eco-friendly cleaning.
Window Cleaning
Window cleaning is a specific cleaning business idea that can be quite profitable. Window cleaners typically use long-length adjustable ladders and special window-cleaning solutions to clean the outside of windows. Some window cleaners also offer inside window cleaning services. Window cleaners can clean the windows of houses, retail businesses, corporate buildings, and more.
Chimney Cleaning
Chimney cleaning is a highly-specialized cleaning business. Chimney cleaners use special brushes and vacuums to clean the inside of chimneys. They may also use cameras to inspect the condition of the chimney. Chimney cleaners typically need to be certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Office/Commercial Cleaning
Office and commercial cleaning businesses offer cleaning services to a variety of customers, including office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, and more. These businesses typically offer a wide range of services, such as trash removal, vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and restroom cleaning.
Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning businesses clean carpets for both residential and commercial customers. Carpet cleaners use special machines and solutions to clean carpets, and they typically offer a variety of services, such as spot cleaning, pet stain removal, and deep cleaning.
Waste Disposal Business
Waste disposal businesses collect and dispose of waste for both residential and commercial customers. They may also offer recycling services. Waste disposal businesses typically need to be specialized with licenses and insurance.
Vehicle Cleaning/Detailing
Vehicle cleaning and detailing businesses clean the interior and exterior of cars, trucks, and vans. They may offer a variety of services, such as hand washing, waxing, polishing, and upholstery cleaning.
Boat Cleaning Service
Boat cleaning businesses clean the inside and outside of boats. They may also offer boat detailing services. Owners of boat cleaning or detailing services may want to obtain cleaning certification through various agencies to provide the highest levels of care for luxury yachts and sailboats.
Green Cleaning
Green cleaning businesses use environmentally-friendly products and procedures to clean homes and businesses. Green cleaners typically use non-toxic, biodegradable, and recycled products.
Ceiling and Wall Cleaning
Ceiling and wall cleaning businesses clean the ceilings and walls of homes and businesses. They typically use a ladder and special solutions to clean these surfaces.
Airport Cleaning
Airport cleaning businesses offer cleaning services to airports. They may also offer ground support services, such as cleaning in baggage handling and snow removal services. Airport cleaners typically need to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Pool Cleaning
Pool cleaning businesses clean residential and commercial swimming pools on a regular basis. They may also offer pool deck maintenance and pool repair services.
Exterior Home Cleaning
Exterior home cleaning businesses clean the exterior surfaces of homes, such as the siding, gutters, and windows. They typically use long-length, adjustable ladders and special solutions to clean these surfaces.
Junk Removal Business
Junk removal businesses collect and dispose of junk for both residential and commercial customers. They may pick up furniture, appliances, electronics, and other items from the customer’s home or business. Junk removal businesses typically need to be licensed and insured.
Create Online Cleaning Courses
Online cleaning courses teach people how to effectively clean their homes or businesses. These courses may cover topics such as cleaning tips, product recommendations, and safety procedures. Online cleaning courses can be self-paced or live.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning businesses clean the gutters of homes and businesses. Gutters need to be cleaned regularly to prevent debris build-up and damage. Gutter cleaners typically use a ladder and special tools to clean these surfaces.
School Cleaning
School cleaning businesses offer cleaning services to schools. They may also offer some maintenance and repair services. School cleaners typically need to undergo a background check for any record of child abuse and have references checked by school authorities.
Hospital Cleaning
Hospital cleaning businesses offer cleaning services to hospitals. They may also offer light maintenance and repair services. There are no certifications required for general hospital cleaning service staff; however, there are requirements for those cleaning staff members who work with infectious disease waste, equipment, and garments.
Repair Cleaning Equipment
Repair cleaning businesses repair and maintain cleaning equipment. They may also sell new and used cleaning equipment. Repair cleaners may be trained in-house or by instructors through an online or self-taught repair course.
Sell Cleaning Supplies
As an alternative to starting a cleaning business, another idea would be to sell the equipment and supplies needed for cleaning services. You could sell basic cleaning products such as mops, buckets, gloves, and cleaning solutions, as well as green cleaning supplies. Additionally, you could sell specialty cleaning items, such as window wipes, hand tools and solvents to remove stubborn stains.
Start a Cleaning Franchise
Franchises offer an already-established brand, marketing, and support. You could start a cleaning franchise, such as Jan-Pro, Molly Maid, or Stanley Steemer.
Crime Scene/Death/Trauma Cleanup Services
Crime scene and trauma cleanup services are called in to clean up after homicides, suicides, trauma sites and other related areas. They remove blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazardous materials. Crime/Trauma scene cleaners are not required to become certified; however, they may choose to be trained and certified by the American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA).
Street Cleaning
Street cleaning businesses clean the streets of cities and towns. They may also offer other services, such as power washing and graffiti removal. Street cleaners typically use a specialized water truck with heavy-duty brushes and cleaning solutions to clean these surfaces.
Parking Lot Cleaning
Some companies hire cleaning companies to clean their parking lots. Parking lot cleaners typically use a power washer and tools to pick up trash to clean these surfaces.
Conclusion
This list of cleaning business ideas is not exhaustive, but rather meant to give you an idea of the unique cleaning businesses that are out there. With a little creativity, you can come up with your own unique cleaning business. So, get out there and start cleaning!