33 Unique Cleaning Business Ideas To Start a Profitable Home-Based Cleaning Business

Are you looking to start a home-based cleaning business but struggling to come up with unique ideas?

As someone who used to run my own domestic cleaning business, I do know a little bit about the cleaning industry.

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Whilst I was running my house cleaning business, which was through a franchise, the franchise owners kept adding ‘extra’s’ to our list of cleaning services – if we so wished to offer them in our individual businesses as franchisees.

I certainly learnt a lot through my time in the cleaning industry, especially being trained by a power-house business management team.

This business training not only opened my eyes into the cleaning industry, but to also run and manage a successful home-based business in general – and I will always be grateful for that.

So this article is giving you 33 unique cleaning business ideas which are compiled from:

My own cleaning business experiences.
Cleaning services which I personally use, and
Additional research within the cleaning industry.

Also, before you dive into starting a cleaning business, make sure that you understand what self employment actually entails and that you’re completely happy with being self employed and running your own small business.

1. Residential Cleaning

Also known as domestic or house cleaning which primarily focuses on cleaning homes, apartments, and condos.

You’ll likely build a portfolio of regular customers who want their homes cleaned either once a week or every other week.

This is the reason why I think running a house cleaning business is one of the best cleaning businesses to run – for regular, repeat customers.

2. Oven Cleaning

Here you would specialize in professional cleaning for residential and commercial ovens, to make sure that they are restored to a sparkling, hygienic condition.

You would clean ovens by using specialized tools and eco-friendly, non-hazardous cleaning products.

Oven cleaning has proven to be more popular as the years go by, with one reason being that people are now opting for the larger ‘Range’ type of cookers which require a lot of cleaning if the owner does not keep on top of the regular cleaning.

3. Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Although wooden floors are really popular, there’s still a big market for the deep cleaning and maintenance of carpets, rugs, upholstery, and drapery.

Services may include steam cleaning, stain removal, and odor elimination.

4. Vintage Rug Restoration

Vintage rug restoration specializes in the meticulous repair, cleaning, and preservation of antique and heirloom rugs, aiming to revive their original beauty and value.

You may need to be trained as this type of restoration is usually done by skilled artisans who utilize traditional techniques and high-quality materials to carefully restore rugs, ensuring they retain their authenticity and historical significance.

5. Window Cleaning

This is one of the cleaning services that my family cannot do without.

Yes, we’ve gone down the route of cleaning our outside windows ourselves (well, when I say ‘we’, I mean just Sean, my husband:)), but it does become a chore especially when you’re working full-time.

The focus is exclusively on cleaning windows for residential and commercial properties. Services may include exterior and interior window cleaning, as well as cleaning of screens and tracks.

6. Blind Cleaning

A blind cleaning business offers professional services dedicated to thoroughly cleaning and maintaining various types of window blinds, including vertical, horizontal, and Venetian blinds.

You would use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions and you would ensure that the customers’ blinds are free from dust, allergens, and grime, enhancing both the appearance and air quality of indoor spaces.

7. Mattress Sanitisation

A mattress sanitization and cleaning business specializes in thorough cleaning and disinfection services for mattresses, eliminating dust mites, allergens, and bacteria to promote healthier sleep environments. Using advanced techniques and eco-friendly products, these businesses aim to remove stains, odors, and contaminants, rejuvenating mattresses and ensuring their hygiene and longevity.

Although this isn’t cleaning, starting an ironing business is a great alternative home-based business, or you could even offer ironing in adjacent to a cleaning business.

8. Gutter & Fascia Cleaning

A gutter and fascia cleaning business provides professional maintenance services to ensure gutters and fascia boards are free from debris, leaves, and other obstructions, preventing water damage and promoting proper drainage. Using specialized equipment, these businesses meticulously clean and inspect gutters and fascia, helping to preserve the structural integrity of buildings and enhance curb appeal.

9. Air Duct & Vent Cleaning

An air duct and vent cleaning business specializes in professional services aimed at removing dust, allergens, and contaminants from HVAC systems’ ductwork and vents, improving indoor air quality. Using heavy-duty equipment such as high-powered vacuums and brushes, these businesses thoroughly clean and sanitize ducts and vents, promoting better airflow and reducing the risk of respiratory issues.

10. Residential Drive / Patio Cleaning

A drive and patio cleaning business offers professional services focused on restoring the cleanliness and appearance of outdoor surfaces such as driveways, patios, and pathways. Using high-pressure washing equipment and eco-friendly cleaning solutions, these businesses efficiently remove dirt, grime, moss, and stains, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and safety of outdoor spaces.

11. Hoarder House Cleaning

A hoarder house cleaning business specializes in compassionate and thorough cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of hoarder households. With a focus on decluttering, organizing, and sanitizing, these businesses help restore living spaces to safe and functional environments while prioritizing sensitivity and discretion.

home-based cleaning business ideas

12. Commercial Cleaning

Specializes in cleaning commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, restaurants, and warehouses. Services may include office cleaning, floor maintenance, restroom sanitation, and window cleaning.

13. Graffiti Removal Cleaning

A graffiti removal cleaning business provides professional services aimed at eradicating unwanted graffiti from various surfaces, including walls, buildings, and public spaces. Graffiti cleaning uses special techniques, cleaning products, and cleaning agents where they efficiently restore the affected areas to their original appearance, helping to maintain the visual appeal and integrity of communities.

14. Air BnB Cleaning

An Airbnb cleaning business offers professional cleaning services tailored to short-term rental properties, ensuring a seamless turnover between guests. With meticulous attention to detail and efficient turnaround times, these businesses help hosts maintain high cleanliness standards and provide a welcoming environment for their guests.

15. Rental Cleaning

A rental cleaning business specializes in providing thorough cleaning services for residential properties, ensuring they are pristine and ready for new tenants. With attention to detail and efficient methods, these businesses help property owners maintain cleanliness standards and enhance the appeal of their rental units.

This is working together with Realtors / Estate Agents to do the cleans after tenants have moved out.

16. Parking Lot Cleaning

A parking lot cleaning business offers professional services focused on maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in parking areas. Using specialized equipment such as sweepers and pressure washers, these businesses remove debris, trash, and stains, ensuring a clean and inviting environment for customers and visitors.

17. Janitorial Services

Offers comprehensive cleaning solutions for businesses, schools, hospitals, and government facilities. Janitorial services may include daily cleaning, trash removal, restroom maintenance, and floor care.

18. Specialized Cleaning

Targets specific industries or environments that require specialized cleaning expertise, such as medical facilities, laboratories, cleanrooms, and food processing plants.

19. Solar Panel Cleaning

A solar panel cleaning business provides specialized services aimed at removing dirt, dust, and debris from solar panels to optimize their efficiency and performance. Using environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and techniques, these businesses ensure maximum sunlight absorption, prolonging the lifespan of solar systems and enhancing their energy production.

20. Car / Vehicle Cleaning

A car/vehicle cleaning business offers professional services dedicated to restoring the cleanliness and appearance of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles. Using advanced cleaning techniques and eco-friendly products, these businesses provide interior and exterior detailing to ensure vehicles look pristine and well-maintained.

21. RV & Camper Van Cleaning

An RV and camper van cleaning business specializes in providing professional cleaning services tailored to recreational vehicles and camper vans. With meticulous attention to detail, these businesses ensure both the interior and exterior of RVs are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, allowing travelers to enjoy a comfortable and hygienic living space on their adventures.

22. Pool Cleaning

A pool cleaning business offers professional services focused on maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of swimming pools. Utilizing specialized equipment and chemicals, these businesses remove debris, algae, and contaminants, ensuring pools are safe and enjoyable for swimmers.

23. Boat Cleaning

A boat cleaning business specializes in professional services dedicated to restoring the cleanliness and appearance of boats and watercraft. Using specialized equipment and eco-friendly products, these businesses provide thorough cleaning and detailing to ensure vessels remain pristine and seaworthy.

24. Chimney Sweeping

A chimney sweeping cleaning business offers specialized services focused on removing creosote, soot, and debris from chimney flues to ensure safe and efficient fireplace operation. Utilizing professional tools and techniques, these businesses help prevent chimney fires and maintain optimal air quality in homes and buildings.

25. Trash Bin Cleaning

A trash bin cleaning business specializes in providing professional services aimed at thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing garbage bins and dumpsters. Using high-pressure washing equipment and environmentally friendly cleaning agents, these businesses help eliminate foul odors, bacteria, and pests, promoting hygiene and cleanliness in residential and commercial areas.

26. Green Cleaning

Focuses on eco-friendly cleaning practices and products, appealing to environmentally-conscious clients who prioritize sustainability and non-toxic cleaning solutions.

27. Post-Disaster Cleanup

Provides cleanup and restoration services after natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, fires, or other emergencies. This niche requires specialized training and equipment.

28. High-Rise Cleaning

Specializes in cleaning tall buildings and skyscrapers, including exterior window washing, facade cleaning, and pressure washing of building exteriors.

29. Construction Cleanup

Provides post-construction cleaning services for newly built or renovated properties. This includes removing construction debris, dust, and dirt, as well as polishing surfaces and preparing the space for occupancy.

30. Industrial Equipment Cleaning

An industrial equipment cleaning business offers professional services focused on thoroughly cleaning and maintaining machinery and equipment used in industrial settings. Using specialized techniques and cleaning agents, these businesses help ensure the optimal performance, longevity, and safety of industrial machinery, contributing to efficient operations and regulatory compliance.

31. Event Cleaning

An event cleaning business provides specialized cleaning services tailored to venues before, during, and after events such as weddings, conferences, and concerts. With meticulous attention to detail and quick turnaround times, these businesses ensure venues are immaculate, creating a positive and memorable experience for event attendees.

32. Basement Cleaning & Organization

A basement cleaning and organization business offers professional services focused on decluttering, cleaning, and organizing basement spaces to maximize functionality and aesthetics. Using efficient methods and personalized organization solutions, these businesses transform cluttered basements into tidy and usable areas, enhancing the overall living or storage space.

33. Metal Ware Cleaning

A metal ware cleaning and organization business specializes in restoring and organizing metal items such as silver and brass which includes kitchenware, tools, and decorative pieces. Using specialized cleaning techniques and organization systems, these businesses ensure that metal items are sparkling clean, properly stored, and easily accessible, enhancing both their appearance and functionality.

Conclusion

Now that you have explored these 33 unique cleaning business ideas, it’s time to put them into action and start your own profitable home-based cleaning business. Remember, the key to success in the cleaning industry is to provide exceptional service and stand out from the competition.

Identify a niche market that you can specialize in, and use innovative, creative, small-scale, or eco-friendly ideas to differentiate yourself and attract customers. By following these tips and implementing your chosen business ideas, you can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a reality.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful cleaning business that not only generates profits but also helps you create a fulfilling and satisfying career.