How to become a cleaning contractor

So, you enjoy cleaning – so much so that you fancy doing it professionally and want to start your own cleaning business. Well, the good news is that as a cleaning contractor there will never be a lack of cleaning work out there for you.

From commercial cleaning to residential cleaning to industrial cleaning to specialised cleaning services, there will always be places that require a good, honest, regular clean by an experienced cleaning contractor or cleaning subcontractor.

If you’re driven, take pride in doing a job right, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty – pun fully intended – there will be endless opportunities for you to build a long-term, rewarding career as a cleaning contractor.

So, how does one go about becoming a cleaning contractor? Find out all you need to know to get up and running as a cleaning contractor.

The steps to take to become a cleaning contractor

1. What type of cleaning will you do?

Cleaning contractors can specialise in a specific type of cleaning, such as residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, or Government contract cleaning. Try to identify your cleaning niche – whether that’s a specific industry, or a specific set of cleaning services that you are confident that you can sell to clients.

When starting out as a cleaning contractor it’s advisable to be specific with your cleaning services offering. Don’t try to be all things to all clients; there will be plenty of time to expand your cleaning contractor services in due course.

While there is no mandatory training for cleaning contractors, if you’re new to the cleaning profession and want to build a career in cleaning, you might consider enrolling in a Certificate II in Cleaning Operations. You will also need to decide if you’ll start your own cleaning business or buy into a franchised cleaning business.

2. Registering your new cleaning business

As with any other business, you are required to register your new cleaning contractor business on the Australian Business register. Registering your cleaning contractor business requires you to be eligible to register on the Australian Business register, which enables you to obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN). Joining the register requires that you formalise the business structure of your cleaning contractor business.

3. Choose the tools of your trade

Exactly what cleaning equipment you will need for your new cleaning contractor business will depend on what type of cleaning jobs you plan to accept. If it’s residential cleaning, you can get started with a mere few basic cleaning products.

The must-have tools of the trade for any committed cleaning professional include:

• A quality vacuum cleaner that’s designed for rigorous work
• An industrial grade mop and bucket
• Rags and cloths
• Broom
• Toilet brush
• Dusters and dustpan
• Paper towels

The above will get you started; you can add to your cleaning arsenal as your cleaning contractor business grows.

4. Promote your business

The cleaning industry is competitive, and you don’t want to be reduced to competing on price alone. So put some thought into how you will promote yourself to differentiate your cleaning contractor business from your competition.

While you’re cleaning business is in its infancy, be sure to ask clients who are satisfied with your service for testimonials, which you can use to help secure new clients and future business. Customer testimonials are critical for new cleaning contractor business as the give your new business credibility.

Following these four steps will position your shiny new cleaning contractor business for success.

Have you got your cleaning business insurance sorted?

While you’re busy building your cleaning contractor business, let us help with your cleaning business insurance*. We’ll sweep up and neatly present all the available insurance quotes for your cleaning business, making it easier than ever to choose business insurance for your cleaning business. Go online for your cleaning insurance or give us a call 1300 920 864 to see how we can help protect your business.