Cleaning business ideas you run from your own premises
9 ideas
These 9 cleaning ideas all rely on a shopfront, unit or workshop of your own, rather than working from home or at customers' sites. They suit people who are comfortable with a lease, fit-out costs and regular opening hours, and who want a base where customers can find them.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Options range from a self-service launderette or a drop-off wash and fold launderette to a linen laundry for Airbnbs and small businesses or a boat detailing shed or workshop. Before anything else, work out what space, power, water and drainage your chosen service needs, and what rent you can carry while you build up customers. Check the location suits your market, whether foot traffic or easy truck access matters more, and compare the equipment costs with your budget.
Questions
What should I check before leasing premises for a cleaning business?
Check that the zoning and lease terms allow your type of work, and that the space has enough power, water supply and drainage for commercial machines. Ask your local council about approvals, and get the lease reviewed before signing.
Do I need special permits for a laundry or cleaning workshop?
Possibly. Councils may have rules on trade waste, wastewater disposal, noise and chemical storage, and some activities may need approvals. Contact your local council and relevant state authorities early to check what applies to your premises and service.
How do I choose between a launderette, a laundry service and a detailing workshop?
Compare start-up costs, how much space you need, and whether your customers are households or businesses. Consider your skills, the hours you want to work and what local demand looks like. Visiting similar businesses nearby can show you what already exists and where gaps may be.