Cleaning business ideas you can start for up to £20,000
17 ideas
A budget of up to £20,000 opens up cleaning businesses that go well beyond a bucket and mop. This page lists 17 ideas, from commercial tiled floor cleaning and office and property carpet cleaning contracts to van-based house clearance, which needs a reliable vehicle more than specialist kit.
Van-based house clearance
Clear homes after bereavements, moves and tenancies using your own van and a licensed waste route.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Man and van waste removal
Clear unwanted rubbish from homes and small jobs with a van, and take it to be disposed of legally.
- £3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Commercial pool maintenance contracts
Look after pools at hotels, gyms, holiday parks and schools on regular contracts.
- £2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Office and property carpet cleaning contracts
Win regular carpet cleaning work from offices, agents and property managers, often outside normal hours.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Commercial and fleet pressure washing
Win regular contracts to wash shopfronts, forecourts, bin areas and work vehicles.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Office chair and soft furnishing cleaning
Clean office seating, waiting-room chairs and soft furnishings for businesses, out of hours.
- £1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Boat cleaning for marinas and charter firms
Win regular cleaning contracts with marinas, hire fleets and charter operators, with a small team.
- £1.5k-7k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile blast cleaning service
Travel to homes, farms and small firms to strip paint, rust and grime from surfaces with blasting kit.
- £4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Central vacuum system installer
Supply and fit built-in vacuum systems in new builds, renovations and existing homes.
- £2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Commercial tiled floor cleaning
Deep clean tiled floors in shops, restaurants and offices, often out of hours.
- £1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Farm and rural water tank cleaning
Clean large storage tanks, troughs and private supply tanks for farms, estates and rural homes with a van and pressure kit.
- £2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Bike wash and care workshop
Run a small unit or garage where cyclists drop off bikes for cleaning, servicing and storage-ready prep.
- £2k-10k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Local cleaning supplies delivery round
Buy cleaning chemicals, tools and paper in bulk and deliver them to local cleaners, offices and small businesses.
- £1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Man and van rubbish removal
Collect unwanted items and household rubbish from homes and small businesses in your own van.
- £1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Ventilation and duct cleaning service
Clean ventilation ducts and extract systems in homes and small offices for owners and property managers.
- £1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Contract cleaning company with a small team
Win contracts for schools, larger offices and business units, and run a small team of cleaners.
- £1.5k-8k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Boat prep for dealers and brokers
Get boats sale-ready or handover-ready for dealers, brokers and charter firms on a regular contract.
- £2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
About these ideas
They suit practical people who are happy with physical work and want repeat customers or contracts rather than one-off jobs. Before you choose, think about what equipment and vehicle you will need, whether you want domestic or commercial clients, and how you will win your first few regular customers. Check insurance, waste handling rules and any training needed for the chemicals or machinery involved. Lower-cost ideas can be started alone, while others suit building a small team.
Questions
How much of a £20,000 budget should go on equipment?
It depends on the idea. Machines, a van and insurance can take most of the budget, while service rounds need less kit. Price the essentials first, then keep money back for marketing and a few months of running costs.
Do I need insurance and licences to start a cleaning business in the UK?
Often you will want public liability insurance, and employer's liability if you hire staff. Waste work such as clearances may involve carrier registration. Check requirements with your local council and the relevant UK government guidance before trading.
Should I aim for commercial or domestic cleaning customers?
Commercial clients can offer regular contracts but may expect insurance, references and flexible hours. Domestic customers are easier to reach but can be more varied. Think about your availability, how you like to work and how you would find each type of client.