Commercial tile floor cleaning business

Restaurant and cafe owners, retail managers, property managers, gyms and small office operators.

Monthly or quarterly contracts priced by floor area, plus one-off deep cleans. Regular contracts give steadier income than one-off home jobs.

• Operating floor scrubbers and wet vacuums
• Working to a schedule and quoting accurately
• Following health and safety procedures

• Commercial general liability insurance, and some commercial clients ask for proof of it before hiring
• Restaurant kitchens may have hygiene and chemical rules, check with your local public health unit and the client
• Workplace safety training such as WHMIS for cleaning chemicals, check your province's requirements
• WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire help, rules differ by province
• Slippery floors after cleaning, use warning signs

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the scrubbers, vacuums, chemicals and insurance you need. Compare equipment quotes and insurance prices before buying, since your own costs may differ.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many contracts you hold and how often each site is cleaned. The estimate assumes at least 15 hours a week. Revenue is not profit.

Check your commercial general liability insurance, since some clients ask for proof. Check hygiene and chemical rules for restaurant kitchens with your local public health unit, WHMIS training requirements in your province, and WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire help.