Is Carpet Cleaning a Profitable Business?

4 Things to Consider When Starting a Carpet Cleaning Business

Successful carpet cleaning company owners know that is important to do research on how to start a cleaning business. Determining the type of cleaning service you want to offer is the first step. Choosing to specialize in a particular niche, such as carpet and upholstery cleaning, is a great start.

When starting a carpet cleaning business, there are several things you need to consider. Learn more about them below.

1. Getting Yourself Training and Certification

To ensure your credibility as a carpet cleaner, you need to prove that you are skilled in advanced carpet cleaning methods and dirt removal techniques.

The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) offers a training program where you can obtain your carpet cleaning certification. Getting this certification will help you validate to your clients that you have the right skills and knowledge in performing the right carpet cleaning procedures.

2. Starting a Carpet Cleaning Business Franchise

Cleaning franchises are a great alternative for beginning business owners who might not have the capacity to start one from scratch. They’re also fairly low-cost to start.

Popular carpet cleaning franchises include:

• OpenWorks
• Kwik Dry Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning
• Steamatic Restoration and Cleaning
• Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services
• Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning International
• The Maids

There are many other franchises depending on your location. It is best to do thorough research to see which franchise would match your preferences the most.

The cheapest franchise out of the options above is Openworks, with a $9,000 minimum required start-up fee. Still, there may be cheaper options available making it beneficial to research the various franchises available in your area. A simple Google search will show you most of the franchises in your area that you can look into.

3. Determining the Budget for Your Carpet Cleaning Business

The key to starting a successful carpet cleaning business is to determine a good budget to start operations. Overall, the start-up costs of a carpet cleaning business are around $10,000. Depending on the size of your carpet cleaning business, your costs may be much higher.

Some startup costs to consider while determining your budget include:

• Vehicle
• Equipment and tools
• Licensing and permits
• Insurance
• Advertising

Vehicle

A carpet cleaning business requires you to use large-sized high-powered types of equipment. You will need a vehicle with enough space to transport your equipment when going to perform a carpet cleaning service.

Equipment and Tools

For most carpet cleaning businesses, start-up equipment costs around $500 for smaller models and upwards of $5,000 for larger machines. For example, EPB Supply Solutions shares that a box carpet extractor costs between $1,100 and $4,000.

Focus on investing in quality equipment such as:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Carpet extractor
• Carpet cleaner
• Defoamer
• Carpet rake
• Detergents and soap

Choosing the perfect equipment for carpet cleaning can be difficult. It is highly recommended to do your research on different types of tools that fit your budget and type of business.

Licensing and Permits

If you don’t plan to purchase a carpet cleaning company franchise, there are other options. You may choose to register your cleaning business with a license. Check with your local business registration division to learn more about license requirements in your area.

Acquiring a license can cost around $30 to $75, depending on whether you apply for a general business license or a sole proprietorship. By making a pros and cons list for each option, you will be able to choose the best fit.

Insurance

Business insurance is an absolute necessity for new businesses, but learning about insurance can be complicated.

General liability insurance can range from $500 to $1,000 per year. If you hire employees to work for you, you will need to account for the costs of workers’ compensation insurance as well.

4. Marketing a New Carpet Cleaning Service Business

To create a successful and lucrative business, people must come to know about it first.

Grow your customer base through different types of advertising. Promoting through social media is a cost-effective way to spread the word about your new carpet cleaning business. Interact with customers through various social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to increase engagement.

Not to be overlooked, word-of-mouth advertising is one of the most profitable ways to market any cleaning business. The key to growth is working consistent jobs with a stream of customers and getting referred to others who are in need of the same service.

Paid advertising, such as printed flyers or online ads, can be another effective way of promoting your carpet cleaning business. Keep in mind, however, that this form of marketing can be time-consuming and costly.

For a more budget-friendly, fast, and effective method, consider advertising on Craigslist or Facebook to reach new customers. Facebook Groups are an easy way to discover businesses or homeowners in need of carpet cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Carpet Cleaning Business

Is carpet cleaning difficult?

Carpet cleaning can be a difficult task, with some tough stains taking hours to remove. Obtaining the right carpet cleaning equipment, such as a high-powered vacuum, can make your job much easier.

How much money can you make as a carpet cleaner?

Strong Carpet Cleaning Systems shares that a carpet cleaner can earn $75 to $150 an hour, which may equate to up to $200,000 or more a year. For many people, a carpet cleaning business is quite lucrative.

Are carpet cleaners in high demand?

According to Globe News Wire, the carpet cleaning industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% with a $290,000,000 increase in the market size by 2027.

There’s a never-ending demand for carpet cleaning services, and the industry will continue to flourish in the coming years.

Is Starting a Carpet Cleaning Business Worth It?

Research has shown that as of 2022, the carpet cleaning industry is valued at $5.9 billion. Almost every home, office, and school will eventually need professional carpet cleaning, giving cleaning business owners the opportunity to grow their profit significantly over time.

Gathering accurate research and quality equipment will help aid you on the path to carpet cleaning success.

Once your carpet cleaning service is up and running, you will need a system to eliminate manual processes such as automating schedules, sharing checklists, and creating bookings with clients. The Taskbird app can help you do all that and more.