Cleaning business ideas you can start for up to $20,000
22 ideas
Cleaning is a practical sector for people who want to start with real equipment and real customers rather than a big premises. These 22 ideas all have a startup cost up to $20,000.
Mobile driveway and deck pressure washing
Clean driveways, paths, decks and walls at customers' homes using a ute or van setup.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile sofa, chair and mattress cleaning
Deep clean sofas, chairs and mattresses at customers' homes and offices, priced per item.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Solo house clearance with a ute
Clear unwanted furniture and belongings from homes using your own ute or trailer, working on your own or with a mate.
- A$1k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Rubbish removal with a ute and trailer
Pick up household junk, garden waste and renovation rubbish and take it to the tip or recycling.
- A$2k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile graffiti removal for local businesses
Remove graffiti from shopfronts, fences and walls for property owners and shops in your area.
- A$2.5k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Residential pool servicing round
Visit homes weekly or fortnightly to clean, balance and maintain swimming pools.
- A$2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Commercial pool maintenance contracts
Look after pools at units, motels, gyms and body corporates on regular contracts.
- A$4k-15k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Mobile carpet and rug cleaning
Deep clean carpets and rugs in homes and offices with a portable extraction machine.
- A$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online janitorial equipment supplier
Sell mops, vacuums and cleaning machines online to cleaning firms and building managers, shipped direct from suppliers.
- A$1k-6k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile car wash and detail
Drive to homes and workplaces and hand wash cars on the spot for a set fee.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Shopfront and office window cleaning
Win recurring contracts cleaning windows for shops, cafes and small offices.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile tile and grout cleaning
Deep clean tiled floors, showers and grout at people's homes using machines and a ute or van.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Commercial tile floor cleaning
Deep clean tiled floors in shops, cafes and offices, often after hours on regular contracts.
- A$4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Dry cleaning pick-up and delivery service
Collect garments from homes and offices, have them cleaned by a trade plant, and deliver them back.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home ducted heating and cooling cleaning
Clean ducted air conditioning and heating systems in local homes, working from your ute or van.
- A$4k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Cleaning team for schools and larger sites
Build a small crew to hold contracts for schools, childcare centres and larger offices.
- A$2k-10k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Home-based nappy laundry round
Collect used cloth nappies from local families each week, wash them at home and return them fresh.
- A$3k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile boat detailing
Wash, polish and protect boats at marinas, boat ramps and driveways with a ute or van of gear.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Rainwater tank cleaning for local homes
Clean out sludge and disinfect rainwater tanks for homeowners and small acreage properties near you, priced per tank.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online cleaning supplies shop for businesses
Sell cleaning products online to small firms and cleaners who want easy reordering and delivery.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile central vacuum installer
Supply and fit ducted vacuum systems in new builds and existing homes, working from a ute or van with no shopfront.
- A$5k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Charter and marina boat cleaning contracts
Turn around charter boats between trips and keep marina fleets clean on a contract basis.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
About these ideas
Some are hands-on service businesses, such as mobile carpet and rug cleaning, commercial tile floor cleaning or a mobile car wash and detail. Others are lighter on physical work, like an online cleaning supplies shop for businesses. Think first about whether you want residential or commercial customers, since commercial work often means contracts and regular hours, while household work suits flexible days. Also consider vehicle needs, storage for chemicals and equipment, and the physical demands of the job. Compare the equipment costs with how quickly you could win your first regular clients.
Questions
How much equipment do I need to start a cleaning business?
It depends on the service. Mobile carpet or tile cleaning usually needs a commercial machine and a vehicle, while supply shops need stock and a website. List the essentials for one service first, then add extras once paying customers are confirmed.
Do I need a licence or insurance to run a cleaning business in Australia?
Requirements vary by state, territory and service. Check with your state or local council, and ask an insurer about public liability cover. Waste removal, pool work and anything involving chemicals or heating and cooling systems may have extra rules worth confirming.
Should I target homes or commercial clients?
Households tend to book one-off or occasional jobs and can be quicker to win. Commercial clients may offer recurring contracts but often want references, insurance and set hours. Consider your availability, how you would find customers, and which type suits your skills and budget.