Cleaning business ideas you can start for up to C$20,000
23 ideas
Cleaning is one of the more approachable sectors for first-time owners because demand is steady and you can often start with one vehicle, a few specialized tools and a handful of local clients. These 23 ideas suit people who are comfortable with physical work, enjoy visible results and want to build repeat customers.
Mobile graffiti removal
Remove graffiti from walls, fences and shutters for local property owners and businesses.
- C$2k-9k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online janitorial supplies with local delivery
Sell mops, vacuums and cleaning machines to local cleaning firms and building managers from a simple online shop.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile carpet and rug cleaning
Deep clean carpets and rugs in homes and small offices with your own extraction machine.
- C$2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
House clearance with a van
Clear unwanted contents from homes, basements and garages, then sort, donate, recycle or dispose of them.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Residential pool cleaning route
Service backyard pools weekly through the swim season for homeowners in your area.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Driveway and deck pressure washing
Restore driveways, decks, fences and siding for homeowners with a pressure washer and a trailer or truck.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile sofa and mattress cleaning
Deep clean sofas, chairs and mattresses at people's homes and offices with portable extraction machines.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile car wash and detailing
Wash and detail cars at customers' homes and workplaces from a van or trailer.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Dry cleaning pickup and delivery
Collect clothes from busy people, have a local plant clean them, and bring them back.
- C$1k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Cloth diaper pickup and wash service
Collect used cloth diapers weekly, wash them at a partner laundry and drop them back clean.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile tile and grout cleaning
Restore dirty tile floors, showers and grout in homes with a van-based setup that comes to the customer.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Commercial tile floor cleaning
Deep clean tiled floors in restaurants, shops and offices, often outside opening hours.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local cleaning supplies delivery service
Buy in bulk and deliver chemicals, mops and paper products to cleaners and small businesses on regular orders.
- C$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Cistern and farm water tank cleaning
Drive to rural homes, cottages and farms to clean and disinfect their water storage tanks, paid per tank.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Junk and garbage removal with a truck or trailer
Haul away household garbage and bulky junk in your pickup or trailer and take it to a licensed disposal site.
- C$3k-18k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile boat detailing
Wash, polish and protect boats at marinas and driveways during the boating season.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Junk removal with your pickup or trailer
Haul away old furniture, yard waste and household clutter on evenings and weekends using a pickup or small trailer.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Dryer vent cleaning for landlords
Clean vents across rental buildings on a yearly schedule for landlords and property managers.
- C$2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Home air duct cleaning
Clean furnace and vent ductwork in local homes using a truck-mounted or portable duct cleaning system.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Commercial cleaning company with a small crew
Win contracts for offices, schools and larger buildings and run a small team of cleaners.
- C$3k-15k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Mobile boat washing and detailing
Wash, polish and tidy boats at marinas and driveways for owners who don't have the time.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Marina and charter boat cleaning contracts
Clean charter and rental boats between trips and keep marina fleets presentable on a contract.
- C$2.5k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile central vacuum installer
Supply and fit central vacuum systems in existing homes and new builds, working from your van.
- C$4k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Options include dryer vent cleaning for landlords, junk removal with a pickup or trailer, and commercial tile floor cleaning. Before you commit, think about how much equipment you really need, whether a used van or trailer will do, and who your first five customers could be. Landlords, property managers and small businesses often prefer reliable contracts over one-off jobs. Also consider Canadian winters, which can slow outdoor work such as pool or boat cleaning, and how you would fill quieter months.
Questions
How much should I budget for a cleaning business in Canada?
Costs vary widely by niche. Price out equipment, a vehicle or trailer, supplies, insurance, and marketing before you start. Compare buying used with leasing, and keep some cash aside for slow weeks while you build a client base.
Do I need insurance or licences to start a cleaning business?
Requirements differ by province and municipality, so check with your local city office and provincial agencies. It is worth asking an insurer about liability coverage, and about bonding if you will work in client homes or commercial buildings.
How do I handle seasonal slowdowns in Canada?
Check which services are affected by cold weather, such as outdoor pool or boat work. Consider pairing them with indoor services like duct, tile or carpet cleaning, or seeking recurring commercial contracts that provide steadier income year-round.