How to Start a Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Business in the UK: Tools, Training & Getting Customers Online
🧽 Want to Start a Cleaning Business in the UK? Here’s How to Do It Right
Domestic and commercial cleaning is one of the UK’s most in-demand and flexible industries. Whether you're going solo or building a team, starting a cleaning business is affordable, profitable, and full of long-term opportunity, especially if you know how to market yourself properly online. See our fully setup and hands off cleaning websites that can be yours for free
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of getting started, from equipment to earnings, and how a proper website and lead system from SMB Booster can help you grow from day one.
💷 Why Start a Cleaning Business?
Low startup costs – You can begin with basic tools and supplies.
Massive demand – Homes, landlords, offices, letting agents & builders all need cleaning services regularly.
Repeat customers – Many clients want weekly, bi-weekly or monthly cleans.
Flexible schedule – Work when it suits you, part-time or full-time.
Scalable – Start solo and grow into a team-based operation.
📊 How Big Is the Market?
The UK cleaning industry is worth over £59 billion, and continues to grow every year. Post-COVID, demand for deep cleans, commercial sanitising, and end-of-tenancy cleans has skyrocketed.
Whether you’re targeting homes, offices, shops, gyms, or rental properties, there’s room for new, reliable cleaners in almost every town and city.
📚 Do You Need Qualifications?
No formal qualifications are legally required to start a cleaning business. However, training adds trust and professionalism, especially when targeting offices or landlords.
Consider:
Health & Safety (COSHH) training
British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) short courses
DBS checks (especially if working in homes or schools)
🧰 Basic Equipment You'll Need
Here’s a typical kit list to start with:
Vacuum cleaner (commercial or portable)
Mop, bucket, brushes & cloths
Microfibre cloths & dusters
Cleaning solutions (eco-friendly options are a plus!)
PPE – gloves, apron, mask
Branded T-shirt/uniform (great for trust & branding)
Vehicle (optional, but helpful for scaling)
💷 Startup Costs & Earnings
Startup costs: £500–£2,000 depending on kit and branding
Domestic cleaning rate: £15–£25/hour
Commercial cleaning contracts: Can range from £300 to £5,000/month or even more depending on scale and frequency
With just 10 weekly clients at £20/hour, you could earn £800/week or more — and that’s just with a solo setup.
💻 Why You Need a Website That Brings in Leads
Most customers now find cleaners through Google, not flyers or Facebook groups (although they help). If your business isn’t online, or your website looks outdated then you’re losing bookings and sales.
At SMB Booster, we help cleaning companies look professional and win more jobs with:
✅ Beautiful, mobile-optimised websites
✅ Tap-to-call buttons & quote forms
✅ Live chat widget so clients can message you instantly (on Essential plan & above)
✅ Google reviews pulled into your site (on Essential plan & above)
✅ A "Review Us" button to boost trust
✅ SEO setup to help you rank for services in your area
✅ Ongoing support, no tech headaches
And all of this (including Free website design) from just £25/month for hosting and support, no contracts, no faff.
We’ve built websites for roofers, landscapers, and locksmiths — and now we help cleaning companies with marketing and getting leads, and help you stand out online and grow faster.
🚀 Ready to Start Your Cleaning Business the Smart Way?
If you're ready to launch or level up your domestic or commercial cleaning business website, the first step is getting your online presence sorted. We’ll build the system and we will do it for free, just asking a small amount each month for hosting and support while you just focus on delivering great service.
👉 Visit smbbooster.co.uk and request your FREE website Design today.
