Quick Facts
What You'll Do
House cleaning is exactly what it sounds like - you arrive at a client's home with your supplies and clean it to their satisfaction. The work includes vacuuming, mopping, dusting, scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens, and handling trash. Deep cleans and move-out cleans also include appliance interiors, baseboards, and inside cabinets.
The business model is simple: build a set of recurring weekly or bi-weekly clients and fill your week with a consistent schedule. A well-run solo operation with 10 recurring clients earns $4,000-$6,000/month. The key is showing up reliably, doing a thorough job, and making the booking and payment process easy for clients.
Common service types:
- Standard weekly or bi-weekly clean
- Deep clean (first visit or occasional)
- Move-in / move-out clean
- Post-construction cleanup
- Vacation rental turnover cleans
- Office cleaning (small businesses)
- Appliance deep-clean add-ons
- Seasonal spring / fall cleaning
Earnings Breakdown
Earnings depend on how many clients you take on and whether you charge by the job or by the hour. Job-based pricing is recommended - it rewards your efficiency.
| Level | Effective Hourly | Per 3-BR House | Monthly (Part-time) | Monthly (Full-time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Building reviews, platform |
$25 - $30/hr | $100 - $140 | $800 - $1,500 | $2,500 - $3,500 |
| Intermediate 5+ reviews, recurring clients |
$30 - $42/hr | $140 - $200 | $1,500 - $3,000 | $3,500 - $5,500 |
| Experienced Full client roster, direct |
$42 - $50+/hr | $180 - $250 | $2,500 - $4,500 | $5,000 - $8,000 |
Note: Airbnb turnover cleans pay $80-$150 per clean (1-2 hours) with consistent recurring demand. Building a base of 5-8 Airbnb hosts is a highly efficient income stream for house cleaners.
Startup Costs
House cleaning has one of the lowest startup costs among local service businesses. A basic supply kit gets you started for under $100.
| Item | Cost | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning supplies kit | $50 - $100 | Required | All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, mop. Stock and refill regularly. |
| Vacuum cleaner | $0 - $150 | Recommended | Use clients' vacuum to start. Owning your own (Shark Navigator ~$100) looks more professional and is faster. |
| General liability insurance | $25 - $50/mo | Required by platforms | Required by Handy and most homeowners. Covers accidental damage. Hiscox and Next Insurance offer affordable monthly plans. |
| Caddy / supply bag | $15 - $30 | Recommended | A cleaning caddy keeps your supplies organized and speeds up your work. Makes you look more professional at first impressions. |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Quick path to earning - first job within days
- Recurring clients give predictable weekly income
- No experience required to start
- Cash tips are extremely common
- High demand year-round
- Immediate physical results you can see
Cons
- Physical toll on joints and back over time
- Exposure to cleaning chemicals
- Client homes vary widely in condition
- Must supply your own cleaning products
- Mileage costs cut into earnings
- Weather and traffic affect scheduling
How to Get Started
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1
Buy a starter cleaning supply kit
Spend $50-100 at a grocery or hardware store on essentials: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom disinfectant, microfiber cloths (at least 12), a scrub brush, sponges, a mop, and trash bags. Store everything in a caddy or tote bag that you carry to each job. Bring your own supplies to every home - it signals professionalism from day one.
-
2
Clean 2-3 homes for free or discounted to get reviews
Post on Nextdoor or your neighborhood Facebook group offering a discounted first clean in exchange for an honest review. Take before-and-after photos (with permission). Your goal is 3-5 reviews before charging full market rates. These early reviews are the foundation of your word-of-mouth referral business.
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3
Create profiles on Thumbtack and Handy
Both platforms connect you with homeowners actively searching for cleaners. Thumbtack charges per lead you accept (typically $5-20). Handy takes a percentage of the booking. Fill out every field, upload a professional photo, and set your service area accurately. Complete profiles get 3x more leads.
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4
Offer a move-in or move-out special
Post on Nextdoor, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace advertising move-out cleans. These jobs are in constant demand near apartment complexes and pay $200-$400 each. They are also excellent portfolio builders because before-and-after results are dramatic. Real estate agents are a great referral source - introduce yourself to local agents.
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5
Lock in recurring weekly clients
After a client's first clean, offer a 10-15% discount for a weekly or bi-weekly recurring booking. Most clients who liked the first clean will convert. Ten recurring clients at $150 each generates $1,500/week. This is the steady income base that makes house cleaning a real business rather than random gigs.
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6
Get general liability insurance
A liability policy costs $25-50/month and covers accidental damage. It is required by Handy and most professional homeowners. It also protects you personally - one cracked TV screen or broken heirloom can cost more than a year of premiums. Hiscox and Next Insurance have easy online sign-up.
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7
Track mileage and pay quarterly taxes
Mileage driven to client homes is a deductible business expense ($0.67/mile in 2026). Use an app like MileIQ to track it automatically. Set aside 25-30% of income for taxes and pay quarterly estimates. With $3,000/month in earnings, expect $700-$900 per quarter in estimated taxes.
Best Platforms for Finding Clients
Taxes as a House Cleaner
You'll owe self-employment tax
As a 1099 contractor or sole proprietor, you pay both the employee and employer share of Social Security and Medicare - that is 15.3% on top of your regular income tax. On $40,000 of cleaning income, expect a tax bill of $10,000-$12,000 before deductions.
Calculate My Tax Bill - FreeKey tax rules for house cleaners
- ✓ Track mileage to every job - at $0.67/mile (2026 IRS rate), 100 miles/week = $2,800+ in annual deductions. Use MileIQ or Google Maps history.
- ✓ Deduct all supplies: cleaning products, microfiber cloths, gloves, mop heads, and any equipment purchased for the business.
- ✓ Deduct insurance premiums - your monthly liability insurance is a 100% deductible business expense.
- ✓ Pay quarterly estimates if you expect to owe more than $1,000. Due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15.
- ✓ Keep cash tip records - all income is taxable, including cash tips. A simple notebook or notes app is sufficient for tracking.