Cleaning business ideas you can start for up to $20,000
23 ideas
These 23 cleaning business ideas all have startup costs of up to $20,000, so you can begin with a van, a trailer or a few specialist tools rather than a shopfront. They suit practical people who like visible results and don't mind physical work.
Mobile sofa and mattress cleaning
Visit homes and offices to deep clean sofas, chairs and mattresses, priced per item.
- $1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Upholstery cleaning for rentals and offices
Clean furniture for short-term rentals, landlords and small offices on repeat schedules.
- $2.5k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile carpet cleaning service
Deep clean carpets and rugs in homes and offices using a portable extraction machine.
- $2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Cleaning supply delivery route
Deliver chemicals, paper goods and tools to local cleaning crews, offices and restaurants on a regular schedule.
- $2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Trash hauling with a pickup or trailer
Collect household and small commercial trash on demand and take it to a licensed dump or transfer station.
- $1.5k-7.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Dry cleaning pickup and delivery service
Collect dry cleaning from busy customers, have a local plant clean it, and bring it back.
- $1k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Central vacuum installer and reseller
Sell and install central vacuum systems in new and existing homes, working with builders and homeowners.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Cloth diaper pickup and delivery service
Collect used cloth diapers weekly, have them professionally washed, and deliver them back clean to local families.
- $2k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Commercial cleaning company with a small crew
Win larger contracts like schools and office buildings and run a small team of cleaners.
- $3k-15k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Commercial pool maintenance
Look after pools at apartment complexes, HOAs, hotels and gyms on a contract basis.
- $2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile graffiti removal service
Remove graffiti from walls, shutters and signs for local businesses and property owners.
- $1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home cleanout and junk removal service
Clear out homes after a move, a death or a tenant leaving, and haul away or donate what's left.
- $1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Bike cleaning and tune-up workshop
Run a small rented space where cyclists drop off bikes for cleaning, drivetrain care and basic tune-ups.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Mobile boat detailing
Wash, polish and protect boats at marinas and driveways, working from your truck or van.
- $1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile tile and grout cleaning
Deep clean tile floors, grout and shower walls in homes, using a van and a pro machine.
- $2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Commercial tile floor cleaning
Deep clean tile floors and grout for restaurants, shops and offices on a regular schedule.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile boat washing and detailing
Wash, wax and detail boats at the dock or on the trailer for owners near you.
- $1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Charter and marina boat cleaning contracts
Turn around charter boats and marina fleets on a regular schedule with a small crew.
- $4k-15k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Cistern and rainwater tank cleaning
Drive to homes and farms to clean and disinfect cisterns, rainwater tanks and stock tanks, paid per tank.
- $2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home air duct cleaning service
Clean vents and ductwork in local homes using a truck-mounted or portable vacuum system.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Home dryer vent cleaning
Clear lint from dryer vents in local homes to cut fire risk and help dryers work better.
- $1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Dryer vent cleaning for landlords and apartments
Win repeat contracts to clean dryer vents across rental homes and apartment buildings.
- $4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Parts and restoration blasting workshop
Run a small shop with blast cabinets and a blast booth, cleaning parts, wheels and restoration projects dropped off by customers.
- $4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
About these ideas
Options range from home air duct cleaning service and dryer vent cleaning for landlords and apartments to home cleanout and junk removal service. Before you choose, think about what equipment you really need, whether you want homeowners or commercial clients, and how far you're willing to travel. Check what licenses, insurance and disposal rules apply in your state and city, especially for waste, chemicals or work on other people's property. A small test run with a few paying customers will tell you more than a long plan.
Questions
How much of a $20,000 budget should go on equipment?
It depends on the idea. Specialist gear like duct or vent cleaning equipment can take a big share, while a trailer for hauling may cost more. Get quotes, consider buying used, and keep money back for insurance, fuel and marketing.
Do I need a license or insurance to start a cleaning business?
Requirements vary by state, county and city, and by service type. Check whether you need a business license, and ask about general liability insurance, bonding, and any rules on waste disposal or chemicals. Your local government and an insurance broker are good starting points.
How do I find my first customers in a cleaning business?
Start locally. Ask friends and neighbors, list your service on Google Business Profile and neighborhood apps, and approach landlords, property managers or small businesses that need regular work. Check what proof or references they expect, and offer clear, written quotes.