Lessons Every Cleaning Business Owner Should Hear
Running a cleaning business is as much about learning from setbacks as it is about celebrating wins. Every cleaning business owner faces setbacks, but those who learn, adapt, and keep moving forward are the ones who thrive. So whether you’re just starting out, or looking to take your business to the next level, here’s what we think you need to know!
1. Pricing with Purpose
One of the biggest hurdles for cleaning business owners is pricing. Too often, there’s a fear that raising prices will drive clients away. But the truth is, undervaluing your services only hurts your business in the long run. Owners who confidently communicate their value, adjust their rates, and stick to their pricing see not only better retention, but also more respect from clients.
- Set clear, fair prices that reflect your expertise and costs.
- Review your rates at least annually and don’t let inflation or rising expenses eat into your profits.
- Communicate the value you deliver, so clients understand what they’re paying for.
2. Recruitment: Finding and Keeping the Right People
Recruitment remains one of the toughest challenges in the cleaning industry. What really works is structured onboarding, ongoing training, and focusing on hiring people with the right attitude, even if they lack experience. The businesses that thrive are those that invest in their teams, provide regular feedback, and create a positive work culture.
- Document your recruitment process and use it consistently.
- Prioritise attitude and willingness to learn over experience alone.
- Retain great staff with ongoing support, clear expectations, and recognition.
3. Communication is Your Superpower
Things don’t always go to plan in business. What separates the best from the rest is how you communicate when challenges arise. Simple check-ins, quick apologies, and regular updates can transform tricky situations into opportunities to build trust and loyalty.
- Be proactive, don’t wait for clients to chase you.
- Own your mistakes and communicate solutions clearly.
- Set up routine communications (even automated ones) to keep clients informed and engaged.
4. Systems Are Your Safety Net
Growth brings complexity, and chaos soon follows without systems in place. Having templates, written processes, and clear documentation for everything from quoting and scheduling to training and client feedback is crucial. Even small businesses benefit from systemising their operations.
- Start with one process, like a quoting template or onboarding checklist, and build from there.
- Regularly review and refine your systems as your business grows.
- Systems save time, reduce stress, and make scaling possible.
5. Embracing Change and Continuous Learning
The cleaning industry is always changing – new products, regulations, and client expectations mean you can’t afford to stand still. Ongoing learning, whether through masterclasses, networking, or embracing new technology, is key. The most successful business owners are those who make professional development a regular habit.
- Invest in your own learning and your team’s development.
- Stay curious, attend industry events, join masterclasses, and connect with others in the industry.
- Be open to change and ready to adapt your business as the industry evolves.
Ready to level up your business?
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1 thought on “Lessons Every Cleaning Business Owner Should Hear”
Thank you for sharing such a well-structured and easy-to-digest post. It’s not always easy to find content that strikes the right balance between informative and engaging, but this piece really delivered. I appreciated how each section built on the last without overwhelming the reader. Even though I’ve come across similar topics before, the way you presented the information here made it more approachable. I’ll definitely be returning to this as a reference point. It’s the kind of post that’s genuinely helpful no matter your level of experience with the subject. Looking forward to reading more of your work—keep it up!