Cleaning business ideas with a startup cost over $20,000
19 ideas
These 19 cleaning businesses need more capital than a mop and a ute sign, usually because of vehicles, machinery, premises or stock. That spend can buy you capacity and contracts that smaller operators can't easily match.
Commercial pressure washing contracts
Clean shopfronts, car parks, footpaths and bin areas for businesses on a regular schedule.
- A$6k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Self-service launderette
Run a coin or card-operated launderette for renters and apartment dwellers who have no washing machine at home.
- A$60k-250k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Drop-off wash and fold launderette
Wash, dry and fold other people's laundry by the kilo from a small shopfront or unit.
- A$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Linen laundry for Airbnbs and small businesses
Wash and return towels and bed linen for holiday rentals, cafes, salons and gyms.
- A$15k-50k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estate and end-of-lease clearance team
Run a small crew that clears whole properties for families, executors, landlords and agents, with sorting and a broom-clean finish.
- A$20k-70k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Skip bin hire for homes and small sites
Drop off skip bins for renovations and clean-ups, then collect and dispose of the waste.
- A$80k-250k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Graffiti removal crew for councils and property managers
Build a small crew with a fitted-out ute to take on ongoing graffiti clean-up contracts.
- A$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Local janitorial supply and delivery service
Hold stock of cleaning gear and deliver to local cleaners, strata managers and businesses, with demos and reorders.
- A$10k-50k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Mobile blast cleaning service
Take blasting gear to customers' sites to strip paint, rust, graffiti and grime from masonry, steel, trailers and boats.
- A$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Neighbourhood dry cleaning shop
Run a local shop that cleans, presses and repairs suits, dresses and delicate fabrics on site.
- A$60k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Office and commercial duct cleaning contracts
Win regular duct cleaning work from offices, shops and property managers, often after hours.
- A$8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Full-time rubbish removal truck business
Run a branded truck and small crew clearing homes, offices and building sites on booked jobs.
- A$60k-150k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Nappy laundry service from a small unit
Run a subscription nappy wash service from a small industrial unit with bigger machines and a delivery route.
- A$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Regular rubbish collection for small businesses
Collect bins and bulk rubbish on a schedule from shops, cafes and building sites.
- A$45k-150k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Boat detailing shed or workshop
Run a covered detailing bay near a marina or boat storage yard, restoring boats for owners and dealers.
- A$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Farm and commercial water tank cleaning
Run a fully equipped tank cleaning rig for farms, businesses and councils with larger tanks, on regular schedules.
- A$12k-45k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Bike wash and tune-up workshop
Run a small unit or shared workshop where cyclists drop off bikes for a deep clean, drivetrain care and basic tune.
- A$25k-90k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Cleaning supplies delivery round
Deliver chemicals, mops, bags and paper products to local cleaners, offices and small businesses.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Central vacuum showroom and install service
Run a small shop or unit that sells, installs and services central vacuum systems for homes and commercial buildings.
- A$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Ideas such as a linen laundry for Airbnbs and small businesses, a full-time rubbish removal truck business or a self-service launderette suit people who have savings or finance access and can handle a bigger commitment. Before you choose, work out your break-even point, how many regular customers you need to cover repayments, and whether you need a lease, council approval or environmental permits. Talk to a few potential clients first, and compare buying new equipment against used or leasing. Check what insurance and licences your chosen idea may require.
Questions
Why do some cleaning businesses cost more than $20,000 to start?
Higher costs usually come from trucks, industrial washing machines, specialised equipment, premises fit-outs or bulk stock. Get several quotes, and compare buying, leasing and second-hand options so you understand your true startup figure before committing any money.
What should I check before buying expensive cleaning equipment?
Check running costs, servicing, resale value, and whether you have enough confirmed work to justify it. Ask an accountant about finance and tax treatment, and confirm the insurance cover the equipment or vehicle may need.
Do I need licences or approvals for a larger cleaning business?
It depends on your state or territory, council and the work. Waste disposal, wastewater, vehicles, premises and chemical use can all have rules. Check with your local council, state environment authority and insurer before you buy or sign a lease.