LIMITED PHONE SERVICE - EMAIL IS PREFERRED
CONTACT VIA EMAIL - LIMITED PHONE SERVICE
About Us Contact Us Shipping Easy Returns Privacy Policy Terms of Service
Skip to content
February 14, 2026 Kellen Briggs

How to Start a Cleaning Business in Australia: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a cleaning business in Australia can be one of the smartest and most accessible ways to enter the world of small business ownership. With relatively low start-up costs, strong demand across residential and commercial sectors, and the flexibility to scale at your own pace, the cleaning industry offers genuine opportunity for motivated entrepreneurs.

But while the barrier to entry is low, long-term success requires more than just a mop and a vacuum. You need the right structure, legal setup, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and operational systems to build a profitable and sustainable cleaning business.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to start a cleaning business in Australia — from registering your business and securing insurance to winning your first clients and scaling for growth. Whether you’re looking to build a side hustle, replace your income, or create a multi-team operation, this guide will walk you through every essential step.

How to Start a Cleaning Business in Australia the Right Way

Learning how to start a cleaning business in Australia properly means treating it like a real business from day one. Many people enter the industry casually, underprice their services, skip insurance, or rely solely on word of mouth. While some survive this way, most struggle to grow.

If you want stability, strong margins, and long-term growth, you need to build on solid foundations.

Understand the Cleaning Industry in Australia

Before you begin, it’s important to understand the market landscape.

The Australian cleaning industry covers:

  • Residential home cleaning

  • Commercial office cleaning

  • Industrial cleaning

  • End-of-lease cleaning

  • Builders cleans

  • Carpet and upholstery cleaning

  • Pressure washing

  • Specialised services (medical, hospitality, schools)

Demand is strong across metro and regional areas. Businesses outsource cleaning to reduce overheads, and busy households increasingly pay for professional cleaning services.

The key is deciding which niche suits your skills, budget, and goals.

Choose Your Cleaning Niche

Trying to do everything at once can slow you down. When starting a cleaning business in Australia, it’s often better to specialise first.

Residential Cleaning

  • Lower entry cost

  • Easier to start solo

  • Regular recurring clients

  • Requires strong customer service skills

Commercial Cleaning

  • Larger contracts

  • Evening or after-hours work

  • More compliance requirements

  • Higher earning potential

Specialised Cleaning

  • Carpet cleaning

  • Pressure washing

  • Builders cleans

  • Medical cleaning

Specialisation can help you charge higher rates and stand out in a competitive market.

Register Your Cleaning Business in Australia

Once you’ve chosen your direction, it’s time to make it official.

Choose a Business Structure

Common options include:

  • Sole trader

  • Partnership

  • Company (Pty Ltd)

Many cleaning businesses start as sole traders due to simplicity and lower costs.

Apply for an ABN

You’ll need an Australian Business Number (ABN) to operate legally and invoice clients.

Register Your Business Name

If trading under a name other than your own, you must register it.

Register for GST (If Required)

If your turnover exceeds $75,000 per year, you must register for GST.

Setting up correctly from the start protects you legally and builds client trust.

Get the Right Insurance

Insurance is non-negotiable when learning how to start a cleaning business in Australia.

Essential policies include:

  • Public liability insurance

  • Professional indemnity insurance (if applicable)

  • Workers compensation (if hiring staff)

Many commercial clients require proof of insurance before awarding contracts.

Purchase the Right Equipment and Supplies

Your equipment reflects your professionalism. Investing in quality tools improves efficiency and results.

Basic equipment may include:

  • Commercial vacuum cleaner

  • Mop and bucket system

  • Microfibre cloths

  • Cleaning chemicals

  • PPE (gloves, masks)

For specialised services, you may need:

  • Carpet extractors

  • Pressure cleaners

  • Steam cleaners

  • Floor scrubbers

Start with what you need for your niche and upgrade as you grow.

Create a Pricing Strategy That Protects Your Profit

Underpricing is one of the biggest mistakes new cleaning businesses make.

When setting prices, consider:

  • Labour time

  • Equipment costs

  • Travel expenses

  • Insurance

  • Taxes

  • Profit margin

Avoid competing purely on price. Instead, compete on:

  • Reliability

  • Professionalism

  • Communication

  • Consistency

Research local competitors, but don’t race to the bottom.

Build a Professional Brand

If you want clients to take you seriously, your branding must reflect professionalism.

Essentials Include:

  • Business logo

  • Uniform or branded shirts

  • Professional invoices and quotes

  • Website

  • Google Business Profile

A simple website outlining services, service areas, and contact details builds credibility instantly.

Marketing Your Cleaning Business in Australia

Marketing is where many new cleaning businesses struggle. Relying solely on word of mouth limits growth.

Online Marketing

  • Google Business Profile

  • Local SEO

  • Facebook and Instagram

  • Paid Google Ads

  • Online directories

Offline Marketing

  • Letterbox drops

  • Local networking

  • Real estate partnerships

  • Builders and property managers

Consistency in marketing builds steady client flow.

Winning Your First Clients

Your first few clients are critical. Focus on delivering exceptional service and collecting reviews.

Offer:

  • Clear quotes

  • Transparent pricing

  • On-time service

  • Strong communication

  • Follow-up after job completion

Positive reviews on Google significantly improve visibility.

Create Systems From Day One

Even if you’re working solo, systems make scaling easier.

Examples include:

  • Checklists for every job

  • Standard operating procedures

  • Client onboarding forms

  • Scheduling software

  • Invoicing systems

Efficiency increases profit margins and reduces mistakes.

Hiring Staff and Growing Your Team

Once demand exceeds your capacity, it may be time to hire.

Before Hiring:

  • Ensure consistent work volume

  • Calculate wage affordability

  • Understand Fair Work requirements

Provide proper training to maintain service standards.

Compliance and Workplace Safety

Cleaning involves chemicals and physical labour. Workplace safety matters.

  • Provide PPE

  • Train staff on chemical handling

  • Follow Safe Work Australia guidelines

  • Maintain equipment properly

Compliance protects both you and your clients.

Managing Cash Flow and Finances

Cash flow is the lifeline of any cleaning business.

Tips:

  • Invoice promptly

  • Set clear payment terms

  • Track expenses

  • Separate business and personal accounts

  • Use accounting software

Strong financial management ensures long-term stability.

Common Mistakes When Starting a Cleaning Business in Australia

Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Underpricing services

  • Skipping insurance

  • Ignoring marketing

  • Overpromising and underdelivering

  • Poor time management

Learning from others’ mistakes saves time and money.

Scaling Your Cleaning Business

Once established, growth opportunities include:

  • Expanding service areas

  • Adding specialised services

  • Securing long-term commercial contracts

  • Hiring supervisors

  • Investing in advanced equipment

Scaling requires strong systems and leadership.

How Much Can You Earn?

Income varies depending on niche, location, and scale.

Solo operators can generate strong hourly income. Commercial contracts can significantly increase revenue. Profitability depends on:

  • Pricing accuracy

  • Labour efficiency

  • Client retention

Many cleaning businesses grow into highly profitable operations when managed strategically.

Is Starting a Cleaning Business in Australia Worth It?

Absolutely — if approached professionally.

Benefits include:

✔ Low start-up costs
✔ High demand
✔ Scalable growth
✔ Flexible hours
✔ Strong recurring income potential

With the right planning and execution, a cleaning business can provide financial independence and long-term stability.

Final Thoughts on How to Start a Cleaning Business in Australia Successfully

Learning how to start a cleaning business in Australia is about more than buying supplies and finding a client. It’s about building a structured, compliant, and scalable operation from day one.

Focus on:

  • Choosing the right niche

  • Registering properly

  • Securing insurance

  • Investing in quality equipment

  • Marketing consistently

  • Delivering exceptional service

If you commit to professionalism, strong systems, and continuous improvement, your cleaning business can grow from a simple start-up into a thriving enterprise.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others considering starting a cleaning business — and bookmark it as your roadmap for building a successful cleaning operation in Australia.

Next article How to Clean Grout in Tiles: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Lasting Results