How much can I earn cleaning houses?

House cleaners typically earn $25-$50 per hour for standard cleaning, with deep cleaning and specialized services commanding $50-$75+ per hour. Most cleaners charge $100-$200 per home visit, with potential to earn $50,000-$100,000+ annually full-time.

Do I need a license to start a cleaning business?

Requirements vary by location. Most areas require a basic business license and possibly a DBA registration. Some states require contractor licenses for larger operations. Check your local regulations, and consider liability insurance even if not required.

What supplies do I need to start cleaning houses?

Basic startup supplies cost $100-$300 and include all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant, microfiber cloths, mop, vacuum, scrub brushes, gloves, and a caddy. Many cleaners start with client-provided supplies and invest in their own as they grow.

Should I bring my own supplies or use the client's?

Both approaches work. Using your own supplies ensures consistency and quality, projects professionalism, and allows you to charge more. Using client supplies reduces startup costs and works well for beginners. Many successful cleaners transition to bringing their own supplies as they grow.

House Cleaning Side Hustle Guide 2026 - Start a Cleaning Business

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Essential Gear for Cleaning Professionals

Caddy Organizer - Carry supplies efficiently
Microfiber Cloths (50 pack) - Professional cleaning results
Extendable Duster - Reach high areas safely
Spray Bottles (6 pack) - Custom cleaning solutions

Why House Cleaning?

House cleaning is one of the most accessible and reliable side hustles available. The demand for residential cleaning services continues to grow as dual-income households, busy professionals, and aging homeowners seek help maintaining their homes. Unlike many gig economy jobs, cleaning provides steady, recurring income from repeat clients.

The residential cleaning industry generates over $60 billion annually in the US alone, and independent cleaners capture a significant portion of this market. With minimal startup costs, no formal education requirements, and the ability to set your own schedule, house cleaning offers an immediate path to earning extra income while building skills that can grow into a full business.

The Recurring Revenue Advantage

Unlike one-time gigs, cleaning clients typically become weekly or bi-weekly regulars. Five recurring clients can generate $1,000-$2,000+ per month in predictable income. This stability makes house cleaning exceptionally valuable as a side hustle.

Whether you're looking for supplemental income, transitioning between careers, or building toward financial independence, house cleaning offers flexible hours, immediate earning potential, and clear paths for growth. Many successful cleaning business owners started with a single client and grew into operations generating six or seven figures annually.

Types of Cleaning Services

Understanding different cleaning service types helps you choose your focus and price appropriately. Each has different time requirements, skill levels, and earning potential.

Standard/Maintenance Cleaning

Regular weekly or bi-weekly cleaning that maintains a home's cleanliness. Includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom/kitchen cleaning, and tidying.

Rate: $25-$50/hour or $100-$175/visit

Deep Cleaning

Intensive one-time or periodic cleaning that addresses neglected areas. Includes inside appliances, baseboards, window tracks, grout, and detailed attention throughout.

Rate: $50-$75/hour or $200-$500+/visit

Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning

Thorough cleaning of empty homes for tenants or homeowners transitioning. Usually required by landlords and in high demand from real estate agents.

Rate: $200-$600+ depending on size

Post-Construction Cleaning

Specialized cleaning after renovations or construction. Removes dust, debris, adhesives, and paint splatters. Requires specific skills and often premium pricing.

Rate: $0.15-$0.50/sq ft or $75+/hour

Airbnb/Vacation Rental Turnover

Quick, thorough cleaning between guests including laundry, restocking, and inspection. Time-sensitive with premium pay for reliability.

Rate: $75-$200 per turnover

Specialty Services

Organizing, laundry service, refrigerator cleaning, oven cleaning, window washing, or eco-friendly/green cleaning as add-ons or standalone services.

Rate: Varies widely by service

Getting Started

Launching a house cleaning side hustle requires minimal investment but thoughtful preparation. Here's your step-by-step startup guide:

1. Define Your Service Area

Start within a 15-20 minute drive from your home to minimize travel time between jobs. Factor in traffic patterns when scheduling. As you grow, you can expand your territory strategically.

2. Choose Your Services

Start with standard residential cleaning to build experience. Add deep cleaning and specialty services as you develop skills and client relationships. Specializing (e.g., eco-friendly only, Airbnb turnovers) can differentiate you in crowded markets.

3. Set Your Initial Rates

Research local competitors on Thumbtack, Yelp, and Google. Price slightly below established services while building your reputation, then raise rates as you gain reviews and referrals. Never price so low you resent the work.

4. Create Simple Business Systems

Set up a dedicated business phone number (Google Voice is free), create a simple booking process, and establish clear policies for cancellations, keys, and payments. Professionalism wins clients.

5. Get Your First Clients

Start with friends, family, and neighbors who need cleaning help. Offer a discounted first clean in exchange for honest reviews. Use these initial jobs to refine your process and build testimonials.

Supplies & Equipment

Quality supplies make cleaning faster and produce better results. Here's what you need to start and what to add as you grow:

Essential Startup Kit ($100-$150)

All-purpose cleaner (or make your own)
Glass/window cleaner
Disinfectant (bathroom/kitchen)
Microfiber cloths (10-15)
Scrub brushes (various sizes)
Toilet brush
Duster with extendable handle
Spray bottles (for custom mixes)
Rubber gloves
Cleaning caddy/bucket

Equipment Upgrades ($150-$400)

Quality vacuum (Dyson, Shark, or commercial)
Spin mop with bucket
Steam cleaner (optional but powerful)
Scrub pads and magic erasers
Grout brush
Squeegee for windows
Long-handled duster for ceiling fans
Knee pads for comfort
Professional apron with pockets

Pro Tip: Bulk Buying

Once established, buy concentrated cleaners in bulk and dilute yourself. A gallon of concentrate can make 20+ spray bottles of cleaner, dramatically reducing your per-job supply costs and increasing profits.

Pricing Your Services

Pricing can make or break your cleaning business. Here are the main pricing models and typical rates:

Home Size	Standard Clean	Deep Clean	Time Estimate
1 Bed/1 Bath	$75-$125	$150-$225	1.5-2.5 hours
2 Bed/2 Bath	$100-$175	$200-$300	2-3.5 hours
3 Bed/2 Bath	$125-$225	$250-$400	2.5-4.5 hours
4 Bed/3 Bath	$175-$300	$350-$550	3.5-5.5 hours
5+ Bed/3+ Bath	$225-$400+	$450-$700+	4.5-7+ hours

Flat Rate Pricing

Quote a fixed price based on home size, condition, and service type. Clients prefer predictability. As you get faster, your effective hourly rate increases.

Hourly Pricing

Charge by the hour (typically $25-$50). Better for first-time clients or unpredictable situations. Less preferred by clients but protects you on difficult jobs.

Finding Clients

Building a client base is the biggest challenge for new cleaners. Use multiple strategies simultaneously for fastest growth:

Word of Mouth

Tell everyone you know. Ask satisfied clients for referrals (offer a free clean or discount for successful referrals). This becomes your primary source over time.

Cost: Free / Referral discounts

Nextdoor & Facebook Groups

Post in neighborhood apps and local community groups. Respond to cleaning requests. Be helpful and professional—reputation spreads fast locally.

Cost: Free

Thumbtack & Housecall Pro

Service marketplaces connect you with clients actively searching. You pay per lead or a monthly fee. Can generate quick leads but watch your costs.

Cost: $10-$30+ per lead

Google Business Profile

Free listing that appears in local searches and Google Maps. Collect reviews from every happy client. Essential for long-term visibility.

Cost: Free

Strategic Partnerships

Connect with real estate agents (move-in/out cleans), property managers (turnover cleans), and Airbnb hosts (turnover service). One good relationship can provide steady work year-round.

Professional Cleaning Checklist

A consistent process ensures quality and efficiency. Use this checklist as a starting point for your standard cleaning service:

All Rooms

✓ Dust all surfaces, furniture, décor
✓ Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
✓ Vacuum carpets and rugs
✓ Mop hard floors
✓ Empty trash cans, replace liners
✓ Wipe light switches and door handles
✓ Clean mirrors and glass
✓ Straighten and organize visible items

Kitchen

✓ Clean and sanitize countertops
✓ Clean exterior of appliances
✓ Clean stovetop and range hood
✓ Clean microwave inside and out
✓ Clean sink and faucet
✓ Wipe cabinet fronts (as needed)
✓ Clean inside microwave
✓ Take out trash/recycling

Bathrooms

✓ Clean and disinfect toilet (inside and out)
✓ Clean shower/tub and glass doors
✓ Clean sink and countertop
✓ Clean mirrors
✓ Wipe cabinet fronts and fixtures
✓ Empty trash
✓ Replace towels neatly (or fold)
✓ Mop floor

Bedrooms

✓ Make beds (or change linens if requested)
✓ Dust all surfaces and furniture
✓ Dust nightstands and lamps
✓ Vacuum floors and under beds
✓ Empty trash cans
✓ Organize visible clutter (neatly)
✓ Clean mirrors

Time Management Tips

Speed and efficiency directly impact your hourly earnings. Here's how professional cleaners maximize productivity:

Work Top to Bottom

Dust and debris fall down. Start with ceiling fans and high shelves, work down to counters, then floors. You only clean each surface once.

Work Left to Right

Move systematically around each room in one direction. This prevents backtracking and ensures you don't miss spots.

Let Products Work

Spray toilets, showers, and ovens first, then clean other areas while products break down grime. Return for easy wipe-down.

Carry Your Supplies

Use a cleaning caddy and apron to keep everything with you. Minimize trips back to your supply bucket. Every trip costs time.

Two-Cloth System

Keep a wet cloth and dry cloth in hand at all times. Spray, wipe with wet cloth, follow with dry for streak-free finish in one pass.

Legal & Insurance

Protecting yourself and your business is essential. Here's what to consider:

Business Registration

Register as a sole proprietorship or LLC. Get a business license from your city/county. File a DBA ("Doing Business As") if using a business name different from your legal name.

Liability Insurance

General liability insurance protects you if you damage client property or someone is injured. Policies start around $300-$500/year. Many clients require proof of insurance.

Bonding

A surety bond provides additional protection against theft claims. Costs $100-$300 annually. Being "bonded and insured" is a strong selling point for clients.

Contracts & Policies

Create a simple service agreement covering scope of work, pricing, cancellation policy, and liability limitations. Protects both you and your clients.

Cleaning Income Calculator

Average Rate Per Home ($)

Homes Cleaned Per Week

Supply Cost Per Home ($)

Gas/Travel Cost Per Home ($)

Scaling Your Cleaning Business

Once you've mastered solo cleaning, multiple paths exist for growing beyond your personal time limitations:

Raise Your Rates

As demand grows and your schedule fills, increase prices 10-20%. Better to have fewer higher-paying clients than burn out with too many cheap ones. Premium clients are often easier to work with.

Hire Employees or Subcontractors

Train reliable cleaners and send them to jobs while you focus on sales and quality control. Keep 30-50% of each job's revenue. This is how cleaning businesses scale to six and seven figures.

Add Premium Services

Offer organizing, laundry service, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, or move-in/out packages. Higher-margin services increase revenue without proportionally increasing time.

Specialize in a Niche

Become the go-to cleaner for Airbnbs, eco-friendly cleaning, post-construction, or luxury homes. Specialization allows premium pricing and easier marketing.

House Cleaning Side Hustle