Think starting a cleaning business in Ontario is as simple as buying supplies and posting on Facebook? Think again. 

Most first-timers burn out by month two — not because cleaning’s too hard, but because they skip the boring stuff: budgeting, pricing, legal paperwork, and actual strategy. They try to clean everything, everywhere, for everyone… and end up doing nothing well.

But if you niche down, plan smart, and stay consistent? A cleaning business can be lean, profitable, and life-changing.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Find your niche (and stand out from generic “we do it all” cleaners)
• Budget realistically — without wasting money on shiny equipment you’ll never use
• Register legally, get insured, and price your services for actual profit
• Attract your first paying clients with simple, low-cost marketing
• Build trust, manage your schedule, and grow like a real business

Let's begin: here’s how to start a cleaning company!

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1. Research the cleaning industry and identify your niche

Start with the boring but necessary: market research. Understand the cleaning industry around you. Figure out who needs what. Is there more demand for residential cleaning? Do local Airbnb hosts need turnover service? Is someone already cleaning the dentist's office across from you?

Rationale: This is where your strategy begins. The more specific your service, the easier it is to stand out. Generic cleaning businesses are everywhere. What’s rare is someone who solves specific problems.

Pro tip: Research your top 10 competitors and review their 1-star reviews. If everyone complains about "no-shows" or "forgot the blinds again," congrats — you’ve just found a problem you can build a business around.

• Example: Meet Jermothy, founder of "Clean Freaks R Us." He noticed that most residential cleaning services were charging luxury prices but failing to deliver the basics. His genius? A transparent checklist and a money-back punctuality guarantee. That’s it. It worked.
• Counter-example: Then there’s Yhtomrej (yes, that’s Jermothy backward), who called his company "Mopfinity." He tried to offer commercial, residential, post-party, pre-party, car detailing, and dog grooming services. In month two, he was broke, tired, and ghosted by a laundromat manager.

Common mistakes:

• Trying to do everything for everyone
• Skipping real competitor analysis

Cost estimate: Minimal. Just your time and a laptop.

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. Search your local area for 10 cleaning businesses on Google and Yelp (Time-bound: 2 days)
2. Write down the top 3 complaints from their reviews (Measurable & Relevant)
3. Choose one gap in the market you can confidently address (Specific & Achievable)
4. Define your niche clearly in one sentence — e.g. "budget-friendly, on-time residential cleaning for single parents" (SMART)

Tools:

• Google Trends
• Yelp

2. Calculate startup costs and budget for your business

You’re not just buying mops. You’ll need cleaning products, software, a website, insurance, gas money — and maybe therapy by week three. Planning your costs ahead gives you control over the chaos.

Rationale: Most first-time owners run out of money not because it was expensive, but because they didn’t write anything down. Budgeting helps you prevent nasty surprises.

Pro tip: Use three tiers in your spreadsheet: absolute essentials, nice-to-haves, and "I'll buy this if I land a big client."

• Example: Jermothy budgeted $4,000. He kept it lean: $800 in supplies, $300 for business reg, $600 for a website, and $2,000 saved for 3 months of basic expenses. By the time jobs started rolling in, he was still in the green.
• Counter-example: Yhtomrej bought matching polos, branded Yeti mugs, and a drone for promo videos. He forgot about insurance and spent his emergency fund on scented garbage bags.

Common mistakes:

• Forgetting recurring costs like fuel and software
• Not allocating any cushion for unexpected expenses

Cost estimate: Anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000, depending on the scale. Most lean solo operations can start around $3K–$5K.

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. Make a list of one-time and recurring costs (Specific; 2 hours max)
2. Categorize each item into "essential," "optional," or "later" (Relevant)
3. Add cost estimates beside each item (Measurable)
4. Total the essentials and ensure you have or can raise that much (Achievable)
5. Finish and review within 1 week (Time-bound)

Tools:

• Google Sheets / Excel
• QuickBooks for tracking once you're live

3. Choose a business structure that fits your goals

This part’s not too exciting either, but it matters. Decide if you’re registering as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or incorporating (e.g. an LLC). This affects your taxes, liability, and your professional image.

Rationale: You need a structure that fits your goals. Going solo? Keep it simple. Planning to franchise? You’ll need liability coverage.

Pro tip: Search "[your province] & sole prop vs corporation" and compare tax rules directly. Some places let you defer more taxes with incorporation.

• Example: Jermothy kept it lean — he started as a sole proprietor and used that extra time and money to land clients. When his reviews picked up, he incorporated for better protection.
• Counter-example: Yhtomrej spent $1,500 on incorporation before he had a single client. He also forgot to file quarterly taxes and got fined. Beautifully inefficient.

Common mistakes:

• Picking a structure because "someone told me to"
• Ignoring liability until something goes wrong

Cost estimate:

• Sole prop: $60–$100
• Corporation: $200–$500

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. Read a 10-minute explainer on business structures in your region (Specific)
2. Make a chart of pros/cons for each based on your goals (Measurable)
3. Choose your structure and register online (Achievable & Time-bound)
4. Revisit the decision in 6 months if you're scaling fast (Relevant)

Tools:

• Ontario Business Registry
• Canada Revenue Agency

4. Register your business and obtain the required licenses

Time to make it official. You’ll need to register your business name and find out what license is needed to start a cleaning business in your city or province.

Rationale: Registering protects your brand name, proves legitimacy, and keeps you on the right side of fines or shutdowns.

Pro tip: In Toronto? You’ll need a municipal business license. That means ID, business registration document, criminal record check, insurance proof, and some patience.

• Example: Jermothy registered "Clean Freaks R Us" through ServiceOntario in under an hour. He triple-checked Toronto’s business license requirements and had every doc in a folder. 
• Counter-example: Yhtomrej assumed a business license was "optional." His fourth client asked for proof — he panicked, fumbled through Google, and ghosted the job.

Common mistakes:

• Ignoring city-specific license requirements
• Not keeping digital & printed copies of registration documents

Cost estimate:

• Business name registration: ~$60
• Municipal license (varies): $100–$300

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. Search "[your city] cleaning business license requirements" (Specific)
2. Gather required documents: ID, insurance, business number (Measurable)
3. Register your business online (Achievable)
4. Apply for local license or permit (Time-bound: within 2 weeks)
5. Keep digital & hard copies in a shared folder or binder (Relevant)

Tools:

• ServiceOntario
• City of Toronto Licensing

5. Get the proper insurance to protect your business

Time to cover your assets. Liability insurance protects you when (not if) something goes sideways. Clients will ask if you’re insured; be ready to say yes without sweating.

Rationale: Insurance gives you legal and financial protection if things go wrong: someone trips on a wet floor, a contractor breaks something, or your mop bucket floods a condo unit.

Pro tip: Get a quote for a bundled policy (e.g. general liability & commercial property). It’s often cheaper than buying separate plans.

• Example: Jermothy grabbed a $2M general liability policy with bonding included. He also listed it on his site with a badge that says “Fully Insured & Bonded.” Clients love that kind of professionalism.
• Counter-example: Yhtomrej waited until a client’s vase broke and then offered to “e-transfer them later.” She left a 1-star review: “He said ‘trust me bro.’”

Common mistakes:

• Only getting the bare minimum coverage
• Forgetting to update policy details when scaling up or hiring

Cost estimate: $500–$2,000/year, depending on location and service types

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. Google "cleaning business insurance [your province]" and read 3 quote summaries (Specific)
2. Compare 2–3 bundled policies and get actual quotes (Measurable)
3. Buy coverage that includes general liability and bonding (Achievable)
4. Upload proof of insurance to your website and keep a digital copy (Relevant)
5. Complete all this within 2 weeks of registering your business (Time-bound)

Tools:

• Zensurance
• ThinkInsure

6. Invest in essential cleaning supplies and equipment

This is where you stop Googling and start buying. You'll need mops, vacuums, sprays, gloves, buckets, and any other specific items required for your niche.

Rationale: High-quality supplies make your job easier and your work more professional. Showing up with a broken Swiffer and dollar-store rags doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.

Pro tip: Start small. Rent or borrow larger equipment (like carpet cleaners) until you know you’ll need it consistently. Don’t splurge on equipment that won’t pay for itself.

• Example: Jermothy built a modular kit consisting of a commercial vacuum, microfiber towels, labelled spray bottles, and an eco-friendly multipurpose cleaner. His setup was affordable yet professional-looking.
• Counter-example: Yhtomrej ordered everything online — citrus foam blasters, a $300 mop that broke in week two, and a floor buffer he never used.

Common mistakes:

• Overspending on specialized tools too soon
• Forgetting backups (extra cloths, spare mop heads, etc.)

Cost estimate: $500–$2,000 initially

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. List all tools required for your specific services (Specific)
2. Prioritize into "must have" vs "buy later" (Relevant)
3. Compare prices at 3 vendors (Measurable)
4. Buy only what you can afford with startup cash (Achievable)
5. Acquire all essentials within 1 week of getting insurance (Time-bound)

Tools:

• Home Depot
• Uline

7. Set competitive prices based on market and costs

This is where you figure out what your time is worth — and what clients are actually willing to pay. The goal isn’t to be the cheapest. It’s to be the clearest.

Rationale: Pricing affects everything: profit, positioning, and perception. If it’s too low, you’ll burn out. If it’s too high without clear value, you’ll empty out your own inbox.

Pro tip: Use the “Good–Better–Best” pricing method. Offer 3 packages with increasing perks. It helps with upselling and gives people a choice without resorting to race-to-the-bottom pricing.

• Example: Jermothy charged $90 for a basic 2-hour clean, $130 for premium (including fridge & baseboards), and $180 for a deep clean. People booked mid-tier most often.
• Counter-example: Yhtomrej charged $20/hour, brought no supplies, and underquoted every job. His clients didn’t respect him, and he couldn’t afford Febreze.

Common mistakes:

• Forgetting to factor in drive time, supply costs, and admin time
• Never raising prices once demand increases

Cost estimate: Time investment only

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. Calculate your costs/hour, including time, supplies, and transport (Specific)
2. Research what five competitors charge (Measurable)
3. Create three price tiers with increasing value (Achievable)
4. Publish pricing clearly on your site or flyer (Relevant)
5. Finalize and launch within 2 weeks of buying supplies (Time-bound)

Tools:

• Jobber Pricing Guide
• ZenMaid Pricing Formula

8. Build a marketing strategy to attract your first clients

If a mop falls in a forest and no one sees it, did it ever clean? Time to get loud. You need visibility. Consider: websites, flyers, word of mouth, and whatever your friends' group chats are discussing.

Rationale: No marketing means no clients. Marketing builds trust, even if it’s just a basic site and a few good reviews. You're not just selling cleaning — you’re selling reliability.

Pro tip: Your first 10 clients will probably come from people you already know. Offer them a discounted rate for testimonials, and ask for referrals after completing the first job.

• Example: Jermothy built a website in 48 hours, posted it in 5 Facebook groups, and distributed 100 flyers offering a first-time discount. His first client came from a friend of a friend.
• Counter-example: Yhtomrej spent 3 weeks making a logo, forgot to launch his site, and waited for the algorithm gods to bless him. They did not.

Common mistakes:

• Obsessing over branding before doing any outreach
• Not asking happy clients to leave reviews

Cost estimate:

• Website: $500 or less
• Flyers/cards: $100–$300
• Ads: optional, but can help

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. Claim your Google Business profile & add info/photos (Specific)
2. Build a simple website using a template (Achievable)
3. Design & print 100 flyers with your niche offer (Measurable)
4. Promote in 3 local groups or friend networks (Relevant)
5. Complete these steps within 4 weeks of pricing launch (Time-bound)

Tools:

• Canva
• Google My Business

9. Deliver excellent service to build client trust

You don’t need to be the best cleaner in the world — you need to be the one people trust. Reliability and consistency matter more than the perfect mop trick.

Rationale: Satisfied clients come back, refer others, and leave reviews that do your marketing for you. Your reputation is your business.

Pro tip: Create a cleaning checklist you leave behind at each job. It shows you’re detail-oriented and gives clients a psychological “receipt” of value.

• Example: Jermothy leaves a signed checklist at every job, texts a thank-you with a feedback link, and logs notes about each client’s preferences.
• Counter-example: Yhtomrej forgot to wipe a kitchen counter, missed two appointments, and blamed Google Maps. His review section became a battlefield.

Common mistakes:

• Not setting clear expectations with clients
• Letting quality slip once you get busy

Cost estimate: Minimal (printing checklists, time to follow up)

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. Create a reusable cleaning checklist template (Specific)
2. Print 20 copies or make them digital (Measurable)
3. Leave one after every job and ask for feedback (Achievable)
4. Respond to all feedback within 48 hours (Relevant)
5. Implement by your first three paid jobs (Time-bound)

Tools:

• Trello
• SurveyMonkey

10. Manage scheduling and team operations efficiently

Once you’ve got clients, you’ll need to stay on top of who’s cleaning what, when, and where — especially if you hire help. Chaos is cute in sitcoms, not in businesses.

Rationale: Efficient scheduling = happier clients, less stress, and no double-booked Tuesdays. Systems keep everything running smoothly.

Pro tip: Use colour-coded calendars for different types of jobs or staff. And build in buffers — traffic and toddlers happen.

• Example: Jermothy uses ZenMaid to automate booking reminders, sync team calendars, and notify clients before each visit. His no-show rate is basically zero.
• Counter-example: Yhtomrej just winged it from his Notes app. He forgot three appointments in a row — yikes!

Common mistakes:

• Not setting realistic job durations
• Forgetting to account for travel between clients

Cost estimate: $20–$100/month, depending on software

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. Pick one scheduling software that fits your budget (Specific)
2. Test it with 2–3 mock jobs (Measurable)
3. Train yourself or your team on it before real bookings (Achievable)
4. Sync it with your Google Calendar or phone (Relevant)
5. Launch it before client #5 (Time-bound)

Tools:

• ZenMaid
• Sling

11. Track your finances and plan for long-term growth

This is where a side hustle becomes a real business. Keeping clean books is as important as keeping clean floors.

Rationale: When you know what’s coming in, going out, and where you’re spending, you can grow smarter and faster.

Pro tip: Create a “profit pulse check” that you do weekly. 15 minutes every Friday: log revenue, expenses, and number of jobs. That’s all it has to be!

• Example: Jermothy uses Wave to track every invoice and expense. He sets revenue goals, adjusts pricing, and updates marketing strategies monthly.
• Counter-example: Yhtomrej had one giant folder labelled “MONEY STUFF.” The CRA did not find this amusing.

Common mistakes:

• Mixing personal and business finances
• Not saving for taxes
• Avoiding bookkeeping until tax season

Cost estimate: $0–$70/month, depending on tools

Step-by-step to-do list:

1. Set up a dedicated business bank account (Specific)
2. Choose one bookkeeping tool and learn the basics (Achievable)
3. Log your income/expenses weekly in the same spot (Measurable)
4. Set a savings goal for tax time and track it (Relevant)
5. Begin tracking consistently within your first month (Time-bound)

Tools:

• QuickBooks
• Wave

Get the capital you need to start your business with Lotly

Let's go over what we've learned so far:

• Niche down, plan smart, and budget realistically to launch a cleaning business that actually makes money. Most new owners fail by trying to serve everyone and skipping foundational steps, such as market research, pricing, and legal setup.
• Deliver professional service and build trust with checklists, insurance, and reliable scheduling. It’s not about fancy gear — clients value consistency, clear communication, and results they can see.
• Marketing, financial tracking, and the right software turn your side hustle into a scalable business. Use tools like Google My Business and QuickBooks to attract clients, manage operations, and stay profitable long-term.

Concerned about funding initial business expenses? Lotly's straightforward home equity solutions offer secure access to capital, even if your income doesn't fit traditional lender criteria. We work with a network of over 50 lenders across Canada, so you can establish your business without financial stress — book a free consultation today to learn more.

FAQs

How can I attract clients for my home-based business?

To attract clients for your home-based business, you can utilize online tools such as Google My Business and QuickBooks to establish a presence and promote your services. These platforms allow you to showcase your business information, manage operations, and even connect with potential clients through targeted advertising.

Additionally, networking with other small businesses and leveraging social media as a marketing tool can also help attract clients to your business.

How do I handle taxes for my home-based business?

As a business owner, it is vital to understand your tax obligations. In the case of a home-based business, you may be eligible for certain deductions, such as home office expenses and mileage if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes. You should consult with an accountant or tax professional to ensure accurate reporting and payment of taxes for your specific business.

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