How Much Does It Cost to Start a House Cleaning Business?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
Starting a house cleaning business can be a low-barrier, high-reward venture—but understanding the startup costs is key to launching successfully. Whether you're planning to offer maid services, deep cleaning, or Airbnb turnover cleaning, knowing what to budget for helps you avoid surprises and build a profitable operation.
At Wexford Insurance, we help cleaning professionals protect their businesses with tailored insurance coverage. In this guide, we’ll break down the typical costs of starting a house cleaning business and how to plan for long-term success.
Typical Startup Costs for a House Cleaning Business
Here’s a breakdown of the most common expenses:
1. Business Registration and Licensing
Business license: $50–$200 (varies by state)
DBA (Doing Business As): $25–$100
EIN (Employer Identification Number): Free via IRS
2. Cleaning Supplies and Equipment
Basic supplies (mops, vacuums, cloths, sprays): $300–$800
Eco-friendly or specialty products: $100–$300
Uniforms or branded apparel: $50–$200
3. Marketing and Branding
Logo and branding: $100–$500
Website setup: $200–$1,000
Business cards, flyers, and local ads: $100–$300
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4. Transportation
Personal vehicle use: minimal cost (initially)
Commercial vehicle purchase or lease: $5,000–$25,000
Fuel and maintenance: ongoing monthly expense
5. Insurance Coverage
Protecting your business is essential. At Wexford Insurance, we offer specialized coverage for cleaning professionals. Here are the types of insurance to budget for:
Protects against property damage and injury claims. Estimated cost: $300–$600/year
Required if you hire employees.
Estimated cost: $500–$1,000/year
Covers vehicles used for business purposes.
Estimated cost: $800–$2,000/year
Protects your gear from theft or damage.
Estimated cost: $100–$300/year
Covers damage to your office or storage space.
Estimated cost: $500–$1,500/year
Total Estimated Startup Cost
Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
Business Registration & Licensing | $75 – $300 | Includes business license, DBA, and EIN |
Cleaning Supplies & Equipment | $300 – $800 | Basic tools like vacuums, mops, sprays, and cloths |
Eco-Friendly/Specialty Products | $100 – $300 | Optional for niche services or green cleaning |
Uniforms & Branding Apparel | $50 – $200 | Optional but adds professionalism |
Website & Branding | $200 – $1,000 | Includes logo, website, and marketing materials |
Local Advertising & Print Materials | $100 – $300 | Flyers, business cards, and local promotions |
Transportation (Vehicle Use) | $0 – $25,000 | Personal vehicle use or commercial vehicle purchase/lease |
Fuel & Maintenance | $50 – $200/month | Ongoing cost if using a vehicle |
Insurance Coverage | ||
General Liability Insurance | $300 – $600/year | Covers property damage and injury claims |
Workers’ Compensation Insurance | $500 – $1,000/year | Required if hiring employees |
Commercial Auto Insurance | $800 – $2,000/year | Covers business-related vehicle use |
Tools & Equipment Insurance | $100 – $300/year | Protects gear from theft or damage |
Commercial Property Insurance | $500 – $1,500/year | Covers damage to your office or storage space. |
Types of Cleaning Services We Work With
At Wexford Insurance, we provide coverage for a wide range of cleaning professionals:
Deep Cleaning Services
Maid Services
New Build Final Clean
Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Cleaning
Apartment Cleaning
Office Cleaning
Each service type has unique risks—and we help you find insurance that fits your business model.
Final Thoughts
Starting a house cleaning business doesn’t require a massive investment—but it does require smart planning. By budgeting for equipment, marketing, and insurance, you’ll be ready to launch with confidence and protect your business from day one.
Need help insuring your cleaning business?
Visit Wexford Insurance or contact us at 317-942-0549 to explore our specialized insurance programs for residential and commercial cleaning professionals.
