Cleaning business ideas with a startup cost over $20,000
20 ideas
These 20 cleaning business ideas need more capital than a mop-and-bucket startup, usually because of equipment, vehicles or a leased space. They suit people who have savings or financing and want a business with real assets and less competition from casual operators.
Graffiti removal for property managers
Win regular clean-up contracts with property managers, condo boards and business areas.
- C$6k-25k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Self-service laundromat
Run a coin or card-operated laundromat where locals wash and dry their clothes, or buy an existing one.
- C$120k-500k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Drop-off wash-and-fold laundry
Wash, dry and fold other people's laundry from a small unit, with pick-up or drop-off.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Mobile janitorial equipment supplier
Visit cleaning firms and building managers with a van of equipment, take orders and restock them on a regular route.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Linen laundry for small local businesses
Wash and return towels, sheets and linens for salons, Airbnb hosts and small restaurants.
- C$40k-180k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estate cleanout and resale service
Clear homes after a bereavement or downsizing, and sell the items of value online to offset the cost.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Commercial pressure washing contracts
Clean storefronts, parking areas, patios and building exteriors for local businesses on a regular schedule.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Cleanout and waste hauling for contractors
Run a truck and a helper to clear renovation debris and property cleanouts for contractors and landlords.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Hand car wash and detailing bay
Rent a small unit or lot and run a hand wash and detailing service for local drivers.
- C$10k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighbourhood dry cleaning shop
Run a local shop that cleans and presses garments for households and businesses.
- C$60k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Diaper rental and laundry service
Supply clean cloth diapers on subscription, collect them used and wash them in your own small unit.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Bike cleaning and tune-up workshop
Run a small rented unit where cyclists drop off bikes for cleaning, drivetrain care and basic upkeep.
- C$10k-40k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Commercial water tank cleaning contracts
Clean and disinfect storage tanks for buildings, industrial sites and farms on regular maintenance contracts.
- C$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Regular garbage pickup for small businesses and rentals
Collect garbage on a set schedule from small businesses and rental properties and take it to a licensed disposal site.
- C$40k-150k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Boat detailing and restoration bay
Rent a heated bay to restore, polish and protect boats year-round, including winter work.
- C$6k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Full-time junk removal and cleanout crew
Run a branded truck with a helper, clearing homes, estates and small commercial jobs for steady, repeat work.
- C$15k-45k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Mobile blast cleaning on site
Take blasting gear to customers to strip rust, paint and grime from brick, steel, trailers and equipment.
- C$8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Parts blasting workshop
Run a small unit where customers drop off wheels, frames and parts to be blasted clean and ready for paint.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Duct cleaning for offices and buildings
Win repeat duct cleaning work from property managers, offices and condo boards with a small crew and vehicle.
- C$8k-40k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Central vacuum shop with install team
Run a small shop selling central vacuum systems, parts and service, with installers on the road.
- C$25k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Examples include a self-service laundromat, duct cleaning for offices and buildings, and graffiti removal for property managers. Before anything else, price the equipment and any build-out, then work out how many customers you need each week to cover rent, utilities and loan payments. Check water, drainage and zoning requirements with your municipality, and ask about insurance and environmental rules for chemicals or wastewater. Visit a few similar operations to see how busy they are before you commit.
Questions
Why do some cleaning businesses cost more than $20,000 to start?
Costs usually come from commercial machines, a work van or trailer, and a leased premises with plumbing and ventilation. Get written quotes for equipment and installation, and ask whether leasing or used machines are options before you borrow.
What licences and permits should I check for a larger cleaning business in Canada?
Check with your city or municipality for a business licence, zoning approval and building permits. Also ask about wastewater discharge, chemical handling and any provincial workplace safety requirements. Rules vary by province and by the type of cleaning service.
How can I reduce the risk of a big upfront investment?
Test demand first by speaking to potential commercial clients or watching foot traffic at a site. Look at lease terms, equipment warranties and insurance options, and consider speaking with an accountant about financing and how long it may take to break even.