Mobile blast cleaning service

Travel to homes, farms and small firms to strip paint, rust and grime from surfaces with blasting kit.

Startup cost£4k to £15k
Monthly revenue£1.5k to £7k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • £4k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.

Official data

6,083 UK companies in this field, 47% registered in the last 2 years

SIC 81229 “Other building and industrial cleaning activities”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.

What it is

A van-based service using abrasive blasting, soda blasting or high-pressure washing to clean brickwork, stone, metal, gates, trailers and machinery on site.

Your first three steps

  1. Take a blasting or pressure-cleaning training course and learn which media suit brick, stone, steel and wood
  2. Price a starter kit (compressor, blast pot, PPE, dust control) and get public liability insurance quotes
  3. Photograph a few practice jobs and offer discounted work to neighbours, local builders and farms to build a portfolio
Who pays

Homeowners, landlords, farms, small builders, garages and small industrial or commercial sites.

How it makes money

Quote per job or per square metre, with day rates for larger or more difficult work. Extra charges for travel, access equipment and waste clean-up.

Skills that help
  • Operating compressors and blasting equipment safely
  • Judging which method suits which surface
  • Quoting accurately
  • Reliable customer service
Watch out for
  • Public liability insurance, and employer's liability if you take on helpers
  • Dust, noise and silica or lead paint risks: check the HSE guidance on risk assessments, respiratory protection and COSHH
  • Damage to soft brick, stone or listed buildings: test small areas first and check whether listed building rules apply
  • Waste from blasting may need handling in a particular way: check waste carrier registration and disposal rules with your local council or the Environment Agency
  • Noise and dust may upset neighbours: check any council restrictions
  • Working at height needs proper access equipment and training

🔒 Full research report for UK

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile blast cleaning business?

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £15,000, depending on the vehicle, blasting kit and safety equipment you choose. Training and insurance are worth including when you build your budget.

How much can a mobile blast cleaning service make?

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the type of work, how many jobs you win and how accurately you quote. Customers can include homeowners, landlords, farms, garages and small firms.

What rules and risks should I check before starting?

Check public liability insurance, and employer's liability if you take on helpers. Check HSE guidance on risk assessments, respiratory protection and COSHH for dust, silica and lead paint. Check waste carrier and disposal rules, listed building rules and any council noise or dust restrictions.

Other ways to run this business

Similar cleaning ideas

More ideas →