Every commercial property needs cleaning services. From office buildings and schools to warehouses and retail centers, cleanliness is essential for safety, compliance, and professionalism. Many facilities don’t have the staff or tools to handle this work internally, and that’s where cleaning contractors come in.

 

A well-run cleaning company can be highly profitable. Most cleaning contracts are based on square footage, meaning large facilities can provide substantial recurring income. Over time, starting a commercial cleaning business also allows you to expand your client base and scale your team, increasing revenue and improving margins.

 

With the right tools and a clear commercial cleaning business plan, you can build a company that adds value to your clients and delivers consistent results.

There are two main ways to start a commercial cleaning business: go independent or join a franchise. Each has advantages, depending on your goals, resources, and risk tolerance.

 

Franchise model benefits:

• Access to a recognized brand name
• Established systems and training
• Less risk in launching and attracting customers

 

Independent business benefits:

• Greater control over your operations
• Potentially higher profit margins
• Flexibility to scale on your own terms

 

If you're looking for autonomy and scalability, an independent model might be the right choice. If you’d rather work within a system and benefit from brand recognition, franchising could make the process easier.

Before starting a commercial cleaning business, familiarize yourself with the types of commercial cleaning machines that you will need.

If you're ready to learn how to start a janitorial business, it's essential to lay the right foundation. Like any new venture, success begins with careful research, smart planning, and a clear understanding of your local market. You’ll need to know who your competitors are, what your customers need, and how your services can stand out.

 

From there, you’ll move through essential steps like establishing your brand, setting up your business legally, and investing in the right equipment. Once you're up and running, the focus shifts to building client relationships, refining your services, and scaling your operations for long-term growth.

Before you start investing time or money, take a close look at your local market. Research how many cleaning companies operate in your area, what types of services they offer, and how they price those services. This will help you understand how competitive the landscape is and where opportunities might lie.

 

Identifying a niche can also set your business apart. Will you specialize in offices, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, or something else? Each niche has unique needs and cleaning standards. Knowing your area of focus will help guide your marketing, pricing, and equipment decisions.

 

For example, healthcare and food production facilities may require more advanced sanitation protocols, while office buildings may prioritize aesthetics and flexibility. Choosing the right focus will make your business more competitive from day one.

Once you’ve completed your market research, it’s time to develop a detailed commercial cleaning business plan. This will be your roadmap for launching, financing, and growing your company. It’s also a key tool if you’re applying for funding or pitching investors.

 

A strong business plan should include:

• Executive Summary: A clear mission statement and overview of your goals
• Company Description: What makes your services valuable to potential clients
• Market Analysis: Insight into local demand and competition
• Business Structure: Whether you're a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation
• Service Offerings: The exact services your company will provide
• Marketing Plan: How you’ll promote your business to your target market
• Funding Needs: If applicable, a breakdown of how much you need and why
• Financial Projections: Revenue and cost estimates over the first 1 to 3 years

 

The more detailed your plan, the easier it will be to make strategic decisions and measure progress as you grow.

Before taking on clients, you’ll need to officially register your business and choose the right legal structure. The structure you select will impact how you pay taxes, handle liability, and manage ownership.

 

Here are some common business types:

 

• Sole Proprietorship: Easy to set up, but does not offer liability protection
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Offers liability protection and is relatively simple to manage
• Corporation: Offers the most protection, but comes with more administrative requirements

 

Once you've chosen your structure, you’ll need to register your business with your state and obtain a tax ID number (EIN). Many states and cities also require a business license to operate legally. Be sure to check your local regulations to avoid penalties or delays.

 

If you’ve settled on a name, make sure it’s available and not already trademarked. You may also want to trademark your own name and logo for future protection and branding.

 

At this point, consult a tax advisor or attorney to ensure your setup aligns with local business laws, tax codes, and liability standards.

Insurance is a critical part of managing risk. When you work in other people’s buildings, you take on responsibility for property, staff, and the services you provide. Having the right policies in place protects your company from unexpected events.

 

Common types of insurance for commercial cleaning companies include:

• General Liability Insurance: Covers third-party injuries and property damage
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Protects your employees in case of workplace injuries
• Commercial Property Insurance: Covers your equipment and office space
• Business Income Insurance: Keeps your income flowing if your operations are interrupted
• Professional Liability Insurance: Covers mistakes or service issues that lead to legal action
• Commercial Auto Insurance: Protects vehicles used for business purposes
• Employment Practices Liability Insurance: Covers claims like discrimination or wrongful termination
• Key Person Insurance: Supports your business if a vital team member is unable to work
• Cyber Liability Insurance: Helps you recover from cyberattacks or data breaches

 

Every business has unique risks, so speak with a licensed insurance broker to make sure you have the right coverage from day one.

With your legal setup complete, it’s time to acquire the equipment and materials needed for daily operations. Your goal is to offer reliable, professional service, and that starts with having the right tools.

 

Start with branded uniforms or shirts to reinforce your company image. Then invest in commercial-grade cleaning solutions, high-quality cloths, squeegees, and other essential items.

 

Next, research the industrial cleaning machines best suited to your niche. These may include:

 

• Floor Scrubbers: Walk-behind, ride-on, robotic, or compact models
• Sweepers: For indoor or outdoor debris removal
• Vacuums: Commercial-grade models for carpets and hard surfaces
• Carpet Extractors: For deep-cleaning upholstery and flooring
• Burnishers: To polish hard floors and maintain a professional finish
• Combination Machines: For simultaneous scrubbing and sweeping

 

If transporting large machines is a concern, consider storing equipment at a client site when possible. Proper storage and maintenance will extend the life of your tools and ensure consistent results.

Explore our comprehensive list of commercial cleaning supplies to consider.

Pricing your services correctly is critical. You should already have an idea of local pricing based on your research, but don’t rely on low prices alone to win business. Instead, focus on the value you offer, like reliability, professionalism, and high-quality results.

 

Most commercial cleaning contracts are based on square footage, frequency of service, and the complexity of the job. Offering service packages can make pricing more transparent and allow clients to choose what fits their budget and needs.

 

You’ll also need a billing system. Whether you use accounting software or a dedicated invoicing tool, make sure you can track payments, send reminders, and keep accurate financial records.

Your brand is how people recognize and remember you. A strong brand name, logo, and messaging strategy will help you stand out in a crowded market.

 

An easy-to-navigate website is essential. It should include:

• Your list of services
• Contact information
• Testimonials or client reviews
• A way to request quotes or schedule consultations

 

Use search engine optimization (SEO) best practices to improve your visibility, especially on local searches. Make sure your business is listed on Google Business Profiles, Yelp, and relevant local directories.

 

Encourage clients to leave online reviews. These play a major role in whether someone chooses your company or a competitor.

Once your setup is complete, it’s time to attract your first clients by implementing your marketing strategies. Start with local outreach by contacting property managers, small businesses, or facility operators in your area. Use flyers, emails, or local networking events to get your name out there.

 

Digital advertising can also help. Paid search ads, local social media campaigns, and listing platforms are cost-effective ways to reach potential customers.

 

Referral programs can be a great way to scale. When clients are happy with your service, offer incentives for sending new customers your way. Over time, word-of-mouth marketing will become one of your strongest tools.

Starting a contract cleaning business takes time, planning, and the right equipment. From legal steps and insurance to branding and client acquisition, every phase plays a role in your long-term success.

 

With over 100 years of experience, Nilfisk builds machines trusted by professional cleaners worldwide. From compact floor scrubbers to heavy-duty vacuums, our lineup has the tools you need to deliver exceptional results.

Ready to equip your business? Contact us today for a personalized quote on Nilfisk cleaning machines.