Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Residential Cleaning Business
A low-cost, year-round home service with weekly and every-other-week repeat customers, which many owners grow from cleaning homes themselves into hiring and managing a small team.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026
$740 – $4,294*Pending verificationSourcesConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Insureon — house cleaning business insurance cost (updated September 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Moderate
Difficulty
High
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Year-round, steady
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2.7 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $4,294
3 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
3 / 56.0% a yearPending verificationSourcesMolly Maid 2026 FDD (issued April 1, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Merry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026MaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 4 brands: Molly Maid 4.7% (2025); The Maids 5.5% (2025); Merry Maids 13.5% (2025); MaidPro 0.4% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
4 / 510.1% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
268 of 2,657 SBA 7(a) loans to Janitorial Services (NAICS 561720), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 272 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
2 / 5Growing fasterPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Janitorial services, which includes house cleaning (NAICS 561720): employer establishments +8.3% (62,592 to 67,799) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
California has no state cleaning license; you need a city or county business license, and EDD registration and workers' comp once you hire (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
1 / 5Many customers
Many households on recurring visits; losing one client barely matters.
Physical demand
5 / 5High
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (4 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $14,900 – $60,000Pending verificationSourcesMolly Maid 2026 FDD (issued April 1, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Merry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026MaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $109,860 – $203,950Pending verificationSourcesMolly Maid 2026 FDD (issued April 1, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Merry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026MaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands. | $740 – $4,294*Pending verificationSourcesConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Insureon — house cleaning business insurance cost (updated September 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 3% – 7% of revenuePending verificationSourcesMolly Maid 2026 FDD (issued April 1, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Merry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026MaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $21,430 – $22,630Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — house cleaning business insurance cost (updated September 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — pricing page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $21,430 – $22,630 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $161,658 – $294,693 | $22,170 – $26,924* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $14,900 – $60,000Pending verificationSourcesMolly Maid 2026 FDD (issued April 1, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Merry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026MaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $109,860 – $203,950Pending verificationSourcesMolly Maid 2026 FDD (issued April 1, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Merry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026MaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $740 – $4,294*Pending verificationSourcesConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Insureon — house cleaning business insurance cost (updated September 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 3% – 7% of revenuePending verificationSourcesMolly Maid 2026 FDD (issued April 1, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026The Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Merry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026MaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $21,430 – $22,630Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — house cleaning business insurance cost (updated September 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Jobber — pricing page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $21,430 – $22,630
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $161,658 – $294,693
- Independent
- $22,170 – $26,924*
5-year totals assume $75,920–$138,320 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Molly Maid
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 gross sales per target household in each owner's territory, not total sales per business, for 188 franchise owners (402 franchised businesses) open all of 2025.
- Average 2025 gross sales per target household, 188 franchise owners open all of 2025$21.65 a yearPending verificationSourceMolly Maid 2026 FDD (issued April 1, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Parts II and III. Gross sales, not profit. A target household is a household counted in the owner's territory. Leaves out 6 businesses that opened, 22 that changed owners, 2 with unreliable data and 21 that closed in 2025. 72 of 188 owners (39%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales per target household, same 188 owners$18.77 a yearPending verificationSourceMolly Maid 2026 FDD (issued April 1, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Parts II and III. Gross sales, not profit. A target household is a household counted in the owner's territory. Leaves out 6 businesses that opened, 22 that changed owners, 2 with unreliable data and 21 that closed in 2025. 72 of 188 owners (39%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Average share of 2025 cleanings done for recurring customers, same 188 owners90%Pending verificationSourceMolly Maid 2026 FDD (issued April 1, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Parts II and III. Gross sales, not profit. A target household is a household counted in the owner's territory. Leaves out 6 businesses that opened, 22 that changed owners, 2 with unreliable data and 21 that closed in 2025. 72 of 188 owners (39%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
The Maids
The 2026 FDD reports revenue from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025 for 97 franchised outlets (338 territories), per outlet and per territory, plus results for company-owned offices.
- Average revenue per franchised outlet, Oct 2024–Sep 2025, 97 reporting outlets$1,184,666.90 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table II. Revenue, not profit. Includes 11 outlets that closed during the period and leaves out 9 that opened during it. Many outlets run several territories. 31 of 97 outlets (32%) met or beat the average. Your results may differ.
- Median revenue per franchised outlet, same 97 outlets$764,050.98 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table II. Revenue, not profit. Includes 11 outlets that closed during the period and leaves out 9 that opened during it. Many outlets run several territories. 31 of 97 outlets (32%) met or beat the average. Your results may differ.
- Average revenue per territory, Oct 2024–Sep 2025, 338 territories$386,244.05 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table II. Revenue, not profit. Includes 11 outlets that closed during the period and leaves out 9 that opened during it. Many outlets run several territories. 31 of 97 outlets (32%) met or beat the average. Your results may differ.
- Median revenue per territory, same 338 territories$305,937.75 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Maids 2026 FDD (issued January 18, 2026, amended May 12, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table II. Revenue, not profit. Includes 11 outlets that closed during the period and leaves out 9 that opened during it. Many outlets run several territories. 31 of 97 outlets (32%) met or beat the average. Your results may differ.
Merry Maids
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 gross sales for 414 Qualified Franchises (the territory type sold today) and for franchise ownership groups; it leaves out 103 businesses that closed during 2025.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 414 Qualified Franchises open all of 2025$439,243 a yearPending verificationSourceMerry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 1. Gross sales (all billings, before expenses), not profit. Leaves out 28 businesses not open all year, 12 that changed owners, 230 older Legacy Franchises and 103 that closed in 2025. 152 of 414 (36.7%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 414 franchises$339,352 a yearPending verificationSourceMerry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 1. Gross sales (all billings, before expenses), not profit. Leaves out 28 businesses not open all year, 12 that changed owners, 230 older Legacy Franchises and 103 that closed in 2025. 152 of 414 (36.7%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, top quarter (104 franchises)$914,092 a yearPending verificationSourceMerry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 1. Gross sales (all billings, before expenses), not profit. Leaves out 28 businesses not open all year, 12 that changed owners, 230 older Legacy Franchises and 103 that closed in 2025. 152 of 414 (36.7%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, bottom quarter (104 franchises)$130,847 a yearPending verificationSourceMerry Maids 2026 FDD (issued May 21, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 1. Gross sales (all billings, before expenses), not profit. Leaves out 28 businesses not open all year, 12 that changed owners, 230 older Legacy Franchises and 103 that closed in 2025. 152 of 414 (36.7%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
MaidPro
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 gross consumer sales and job counts for 245 franchised outlets that reported all 12 months of 2025.
- Average 2025 gross consumer sales, 245 franchised outlets reporting all of 2025$430,998 a yearPending verificationSourceMaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19. Gross consumer sales, before costs, not profit. Leaves out 11 outlets that opened in 2025; quarter figures leave out 20 businesses that report two territories together. 110 of 245 (45%) met or beat the average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross consumer sales, same 245 outlets$380,083 a yearPending verificationSourceMaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19. Gross consumer sales, before costs, not profit. Leaves out 11 outlets that opened in 2025; quarter figures leave out 20 businesses that report two territories together. 110 of 245 (45%) met or beat the average. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross consumer sales, top quarter (57 outlets)$925,133 a yearPending verificationSourceMaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19. Gross consumer sales, before costs, not profit. Leaves out 11 outlets that opened in 2025; quarter figures leave out 20 businesses that report two territories together. 110 of 245 (45%) met or beat the average. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross consumer sales, bottom quarter (56 outlets)$110,563 a yearPending verificationSourceMaidPro 2026 FDD (issued April 10, 2026), Items 5–7 — Minnesota CARDS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19. Gross consumer sales, before costs, not profit. Leaves out 11 outlets that opened in 2025; quarter figures leave out 20 businesses that report two territories together. 110 of 245 (45%) met or beat the average. Your results may differ.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- A national brand within Neighborly, a group of home-service franchise brands
- A protected territory defined by zip codes
- Required initial training program and an operations manual
- Prescribed scheduling and business software
- A network of 432 U.S. Molly Maid franchises at the end of 2025
- A national brand with a defined territory
- Start-up package with training, supplies, and equipment
- Optional national sales center to take customer calls
- Required national convention with other owners
- A national brand affiliated with ServiceMaster
- A 10-day initial training program for two people
- Customer management and scheduling software included in the technology fee
- Discounts for veterans and for converting an existing cleaning business
- A national brand with its own scheduling software (four user licenses included)
- Initial and ongoing training
- Optional national sales center for customer inquiries
- A conversion program for people who already run a cleaning business
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning supplies and equipment (vacuum, tools, products)Pending verificationSourceConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Single tier-3 guide (a software vendor's article); to be cross-checked against supplier prices before verification. | $500 | $1,250 | $2,000 |
| California LLC filing (Articles of Organization and Statement of Information)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026$70 for the Articles of Organization plus $20 for the Statement of Information, both filed online. California also charges LLCs an annual minimum tax through the Franchise Tax Board, which is not included here. | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| City or county business license and permitsPending verificationSourceConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Single tier-3 guide (a software vendor's article); to be cross-checked against supplier prices before verification. Fees are set by each city or county. | $50 | $275 | $500 |
| Website and online booking setup | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch (cards, flyers, listings)Pending verificationSourceConnecteam — how to start a small cleaning business(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Single tier-3 guide (a software vendor's article); to be cross-checked against supplier prices before verification. | $100 | $300 | $500 |
| Total (sourced lines only) | $740 | $1,915 | $3,090 |
Share of mid estimate
- Cleaning supplies and equipment (vacuum, tools, products)65%
- California LLC filing (Articles of Organization and Statement of Information)5%
- City or county business license and permits14%
- Marketing launch (cards, flyers, listings)16%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
Mid is the halfway point between low and high where a source gives only a range.
The total leaves out 1 line we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Ticket is the low end of Thumbtack's standard-cleaning range ($146). Jobs per week, ramp-up, and the 10% supplies-and-travel cost are our assumptions for an owner who cleans alone, not operator data. No wages are included. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 2
- Year-1 revenue
- $55,991
- Year-2 profit
- $63,924
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 13.0 | $1,898 | $557 | $1,341 | -$574 |
| 2 (Apr) | 16.8 | $2,452 | $612 | $1,839 | $1,266 |
| 3 (May) | 20.6 | $3,005 | $668 | $2,338 | $3,603 |
| 4 (Jun) | 24.4 | $3,559 | $723 | $2,836 | $6,439 |
| 5 (Jul) | 28.2 | $4,112 | $778 | $3,334 | $9,773 |
| 6 (Aug) | 32.0 | $4,666 | $834 | $3,832 | $13,606 |
| 7 (Sep) | 35.8 | $5,220 | $889 | $4,331 | $17,936 |
| 8 (Oct) | 39.5 | $5,773 | $944 | $4,829 | $22,765 |
| 9 (Nov) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $28,092 |
| 10 (Dec) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $33,419 |
| 11 (Jan) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $38,746 |
| 12 (Feb) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $44,073 |
| 13 (Mar) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $49,400 |
| 14 (Apr) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $54,727 |
| 15 (May) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $60,054 |
| 16 (Jun) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $65,381 |
| 17 (Jul) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $70,708 |
| 18 (Aug) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $76,035 |
| 19 (Sep) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $81,362 |
| 20 (Oct) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $86,689 |
| 21 (Nov) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $92,016 |
| 22 (Dec) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $97,343 |
| 23 (Jan) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $102,670 |
| 24 (Feb) | 43.3 | $6,327 | $1,000 | $5,327 | $107,997 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- House cleaning visit (typical national range)$185 – $324Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — house cleaning prices (updated October 20, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026National average range from Thumbtack; no published sample size. Local prices vary. Thumbtack lists $124 at the low end and $493 at the high end.
- Standard (regular) cleaning$146 – $202Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — house cleaning prices (updated October 20, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026National average range from Thumbtack; no published sample size. Local prices vary.
- Every-two-weeks cleaning, per visit$160 – $220Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — house cleaning prices (updated October 20, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026National average range from Thumbtack; no published sample size. Local prices vary.
- 2-bedroom, 1-bath home (average)$190Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — house cleaning prices (updated October 20, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026National average from Thumbtack; no published sample size.
- Deep cleaning$190 – $265Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — house cleaning prices (updated October 20, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026National average range from Thumbtack; no published sample size. Local prices vary.
- Move-out cleaning$200 – $286Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — house cleaning prices (updated October 20, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026National average range from Thumbtack; no published sample size. Local prices vary.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average receipts per establishment, all employer firms, NAICS 561720 Janitorial Services (includes maid and house cleaning), 2022$1,100,125 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per establishment, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 561720 Janitorial Services (includes maid and house cleaning), 2022$185,414 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per nonemployer (solo, no payroll) business, NAICS 5617 Services to Buildings and Dwellings (all building-service trades combined), 2024$28,004 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Nonemployer Statistics, U.S. file (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
The work itself is hard on the body
Cleaning means standing, bending, twisting, and repeating the same motions almost all day. O*NET reports most maids and housekeepers do these continually. For someone in their 50s, cleaning full time for years is a real strain.
How to manage it: Plan from the start to move into managing: clean yourself only while you learn the work and build a client list, use lightweight equipment such as a backpack vacuum, and cap your own cleaning hours.
Hiring and keeping good cleaners
Once you hire, your quality and reputation depend on people who may leave quickly. Finding, training, and keeping reliable cleaners is the main job of an owner who manages.
How to manage it: Pay fairly, schedule consistently, write simple checklists for each type of clean, and keep a short list of people you could bring on next.
Theft or damage claims in clients' homes
You work inside people's homes. A broken item or an accusation of theft can cost money and reputation, even when it is a misunderstanding.
How to manage it: Carry general liability insurance and a janitorial bond, run background checks on hires, do a walk-through with new clients, and put your breakage and key policies in writing.
Becoming an employer
Hiring brings payroll taxes, workers' compensation insurance, and California wage-and-hour rules. Treating cleaners as independent contractors when they work like employees can lead to back taxes and penalties.
How to manage it: Register with EDD, buy workers' comp before the first shift, use a payroll service, and get an hour of advice from an employment attorney or accountant before your first hire.
Low barriers mean many competitors
Anyone can start cleaning homes with very little money, so you compete with independent cleaners, apps, and franchise brands on price.
How to manage it: Compete on reliability, communication, being insured and bonded, and showing up on the same day every week rather than on being the cheapest.
Cancellations and skipped visits
Recurring clients cancel for vacations, holidays, or tight budgets. A few lost clients can leave a cleaner with an empty day you still have to pay for.
How to manage it: Use a written cancellation policy, keep a waiting list of one-time and deep-clean jobs to fill gaps, and grow the client list beyond what your schedule strictly needs.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
No state cleaning license
Pending verificationCalifornia has no state license for house cleaning. Cleaning is not a contractor trade, so no CSLB license is needed. Your city or county may still require permits; CalGold lists them by location and business type.
Verify with the CalGold permit assistance(opens in a new tab)City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Apply with the city where your business is based (or the county if you are outside city limits).
Verify with the CalGold permit assistance(opens in a new tab)Janitorial employer registration — residential-only businesses are exempt
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia DIR — Janitorial Workers Registration FAQs(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026California requires janitorial employers to register with the Labor Commissioner each year. The DIR says a business that only cleans residential dwellings, including private homes, does not have to register. If you add office or commercial cleaning with employees, you would need to register and provide sexual-harassment-prevention training.
Verify with the California DIR — Janitorial Workers Registration FAQs(opens in a new tab)Employer registration with EDD (if you hire)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia EDD — Step 1: Register as an Employer(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Once you pay an employee more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter, you must register with the Employment Development Department within 15 days and begin payroll tax reporting.
Verify with the California EDD — Register as an Employer(opens in a new tab)Workers' compensation insurance (if you hire)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia DIR, Division of Workers' Compensation — employer information(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026California requires every employer to carry workers' compensation insurance, even with only one employee. Have the policy in place before anyone works a shift.
Verify with the California Division of Workers' Compensation(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Decide whether you will clean yourself at first or hire from day one
- Form your business and get a city or county business license
- Buy general liability insurance and a janitorial bond
- Buy your starter supplies and a commercial vacuum
- Set your prices and write your cancellation and breakage policies
Phase 2
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Marketing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Operations
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Hiring your first cleaner
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Managing a team
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Equipment and supplies
Commercial vacuums, cleaning products, and janitorial supplies.
Scheduling software
Booking, scheduling, invoicing, and payments for home-service businesses.
Insurance and bonding
General liability, janitorial bonds, workers' comp, and commercial auto.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your cleaning business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Do I have to do the cleaning myself?
No, but many owners start that way to learn the work and keep costs low. The work is physically demanding, so if you are in your 50s or 60s, plan early to hire cleaners and spend your time on scheduling, sales, and quality checks.
Do I need a license to clean houses in California?
There is no state license for house cleaning. You will need a city or county business license, and if you hire, you must register with EDD and carry workers' compensation insurance.
What is a janitorial bond, and do I need one?
It is a small policy that helps cover a client's loss if someone working for you steals. It is not required by the state, but many clients look for a cleaner who is bonded and insured.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.