Mobile tile and grout cleaning business

Homeowners, landlords, property managers, and people preparing a home for sale or for a move.

Price per square foot or per room, with add-ons for grout sealing, stain treatment and shower cleaning. Repeat visits come from landlords and property managers.

• Physical stamina for kneeling and scrubbing
• Knowing which cleaners suit which tile and stone
• Reliable and tidy with customers' homes

• Commercial general liability insurance, check what it covers if you damage natural stone or tile
• Natural stone like marble can be damaged by the wrong cleaner, always test a small area first
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence for mobile services
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, check with the CRA
• A vehicle that can carry equipment and water, and winter driving conditions in some regions

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the machines, cleaners and vehicle setup you choose. Your own figure will vary, so price out equipment and insurance before you commit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,500, depending on how many jobs you win and whether you add extras like grout sealing. The estimate assumes at least 10 hours a week. Revenue is not profit.

Check what your commercial general liability insurance covers if you damage natural stone or tile. Also check whether your municipality requires a business licence for mobile services, and ask the CRA about GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.