What should you purchase to start a Cleaning Company

Starting a cleaning business can be a low cost way to get into business for yourself. Like I mentioned in my post on “How to Start a Cleaning Business,” one of the very first step in deciding to go into the cleaning business for yourself is to decide if you want to go the consumer or the commercial route. Or as I mentioned previously, you can do both.  What I am going to do here is give you a list of the supplies and equipment you will need to go either route. And obviously if you are going both routes, you will need all of the items.

I am going to start with what you will need to start a commercial cleaning company. Here’s the great thing about it though, you don’t necessarily need to go out and purchase 10 of everything. You can purchase the supplies and equipment as you bring in more clients. This will be very helpful for your cash flow as you don’t want to be heavy on assets and low on cash.

What you need to start a commercial cleaning company:

• Basic cleaning solutions/solvents which include all purpose cleaner, window cleaner, degreaser, mopping solution, disinfectants
• Cleaning supplies which include trash bags, garbage can liners, spray bottles, buckets, mops, feather dusters, toilet brushes, paper towels, rags, micro fiber rags and squeegees
• Caddy
• Gloves
• Vacuum cleaner
• Broom
• Dust pan
• Mop
• Mop bucket
• Large 44 gallon Trashcan with wheels
• Ladder
• Uniforms or name tags for your employees or contract workers

What you need to start a residential cleaning company:

• Basic cleaning supplies which include all purpose cleaner, window cleaner, degreaser, mopping solution, disinfectants
• Cleaning supplies which include trash bags, garbage can liners, spray bottles, buckets, mops, feather dusters, toilet brushes, paper towels, rags and squeegees
• Furniture polish
• Caddy
• Gloves
• Vacuum cleaner
• Broom
• Dust pan
• Mop
• Mop bucket

Here’s a money saving tip, frequently look through Craigslist for items like 44 gallon trashcans, mop buckets, vacuum cleaners, etc. These items will often show up on Craigslist because maybe a company has closed or lost a big contract. You can literally get quality cleaning equipment for half the price.

One last point I would like to make, be sure to provide your own cleaning supplies and equipment. Sometimes the client may offer to provide but never assume they will. What will be provided should be clearly stated in your agreement or contract. Again, don’t go and purchase everything all at once. Only purchase as you sign on new clients to help balance your cashflow.