Mobile tile and grout cleaning

Homeowners, landlords, property managers, realtors preparing homes for sale and Airbnb hosts.

Price per square foot or per room, with add-ons such as grout sealing, grout color touch-ups and shower cleaning. Repeat visits every year or two and referrals from realtors and property managers help fill the calendar.

• Physical stamina for kneeling and scrubbing
• Knowing which cleaners suit which tile and stone
• Customer service and clear quoting

• General liability insurance, and check whether your state or city requires a business license
• Natural stone such as marble or travertine can be damaged by the wrong cleaner, so test and learn before taking those jobs
• Check your state's rules on disposing of dirty wastewater and any chemical safety requirements
• Workers' compensation insurance once you hire helpers

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on whether you buy a portable or truck-mounted machine, the vehicle you use, and your supplies and insurance. These are estimates, so compare quotes before buying equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many jobs you book, your pricing, and whether you add grout sealing. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and the idea starts at about 10 hours a week.

Check general liability insurance and whether your state or city requires a business license. Learn to test cleaners on natural stone such as marble, check wastewater disposal and chemical safety rules, and look at workers' compensation if you hire helpers.