How to Start a Janitorial Business: Step-by-Step Guide

Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
Sep 26
3 min read

Starting a janitorial business can be a profitable and scalable venture—especially with the growing demand for commercial cleaning services in offices, industrial facilities, apartment complexes, and post-construction sites. Whether you're interested in office cleaning, disaster cleanup, or final cleaning, this guide will walk you through the key steps to launch your janitorial business successfully.

At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping janitorial businesses get the right insurance coverage to protect their operations and win more contracts. Let’s dive into how to start your janitorial business the right way.

Step 1: Choose Your Janitorial Niche

Before you begin, decide what type of cleaning services you want to offer. Common niches include:

Commercial cleaning
Office cleaning
Industrial cleaning
Apartment turnover cleaning
Post-construction/final cleaning
Disaster cleanup
Residential/house cleaning

Step 2: Register Your Business

To operate legally, you’ll need to:

Choose a business name
Register your business entity (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
Apply for an EIN via the IRS website
Check local licensing requirements

Step 3: Write a Business Plan

A business plan helps you define your goals, target market, pricing strategy, and financial projections. You can write it yourself using free templates from sites like SBA.gov, or hire a professional business consultant or accountant to help tailor it to your janitorial niche.

Your plan should include:

Executive summary
Market analysis
Services offered
Marketing strategy
Financial plan
Insurance needs

Step 4: Get Janitorial Business Insurance

Insurance is essential for protecting your business from liability, property damage, and employee-related risks. At Wexford Insurance, we work with top carriers to offer:

Step 5: Purchase Equipment and Supplies

Start with essential cleaning tools and supplies such as:

Vacuums, mops, buckets
Disinfectants and cleaning chemicals
Microfiber cloths and gloves
Uniforms and branded gear
Transportation (van or truck)

Step 6: Set Your Pricing Structure

Pricing depends on the type of service, square footage, frequency, and location. You can charge:

Hourly rates
Flat rates
Recurring contracts

Use tools like Jobber and Housecall Pro to manage quotes and invoices.

Step 7: Build Your Brand and Online Presence

Marketing is key to attracting clients. Contractor Back Office can help you with:

Step 8: Hire and Train Staff

As you grow, you’ll need reliable employees. Make sure to:

Conduct background checks
Provide safety and cleaning training
Use scheduling and payroll software
Offer uniforms and branded materials

Step 9: Start Selling and Networking

To get your first clients:

Join local business directories like Yelp or Angi
Network with property managers, real estate agents, and contractors
Offer free estimates or trial cleanings
Ask for referrals and reviews

Conclusion

Starting a janitorial business is a smart move for those who are looking to enter a high-demand industry with scalable growth potential. By following the right steps—from choosing your niche and writing a business plan to securing insurance and building your brand—you’ll be well-positioned to succeed. With support from Wexford Insurance, you can protect your business and focus on growing with confidence.

Contact us today to get started