How to Start a Cleaning Business in the UK: A Simple Guide

Cleaning is one of the easiest businesses to start in the UK. You don't need a degree or a shop, and there's always demand, especially in London. But there are a few legal and practical steps to get right. This guide walks you through them.

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check GOV.UK or speak to an accountant for your situation.

Step 1: Choose what kind of cleaning you'll do

• Domestic cleaning: regular cleans of homes. Steady, repeat work.
• Deep cleaning and end of tenancy: bigger, one-off jobs that pay more per job.
• Office and commercial cleaning: often early mornings or evenings, with regular contracts.
• Specialist cleaning: carpets, windows, ovens or after building work. Needs extra kit and training.

Starting with one type keeps things simple. You can add more later.

Step 2: Set up your business

Most people start as a sole trader. It's simple and cheap. Some later set up a limited company.

• If you earn more than £1,000 in a tax year (6 April to 5 April) from self-employment, you need to register for Self Assessment with HMRC.
• Register by 5 October after the end of the tax year you started in, or you could get a penalty.
• Keep records of everything you earn and spend from day one.

GOV.UK explains how to set up as a sole trader and register.

Step 3: Get the right insurance

• Public liability insurance covers you if you damage something or someone gets hurt. It isn't a legal requirement, but most customers and almost all businesses will expect it.
• Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement once you employ staff (with a few exceptions).
• Think about cover for your equipment, and for keys you hold for customers.

Step 4: Health, safety and data

• Cleaning chemicals: if you employ people, you must manage the risks from hazardous substances (called COSHH). The HSE has simple COSHH guidance. Keep safety data sheets for your products, and never mix chemicals.
• Customer details: if you keep customers' names, addresses and phone numbers, you may need to pay the ICO data protection fee, and you must keep that information safe.
• Hiring staff: you must check their right to work before they start, and pay at least the National Minimum Wage.

Step 5: Work out your prices

Most domestic cleaners charge by the hour. Commercial jobs are often a fixed price per visit. To set your price, add up your real costs:

• products and equipment
• travel (in London, that can be a lot of time and money)
• insurance and phone
• tax and National Insurance
• time spent quoting, messaging and doing admin, which you're not paid for

Then check what others charge in your area, so you're not too high or too low. Our guide to what a cleaner costs in London shows typical prices.

Step 6: Get your kit

A simple starter kit:

• a good vacuum cleaner (light enough to carry up stairs)
• a mop and two buckets (one for kitchens, one for bathrooms)
• microfibre cloths in different colours, for different rooms
• all-purpose spray, cream cleaner, glass cleaner, limescale remover, toilet cleaner and degreaser
• gloves, scrubbing brushes and a caddy to carry it all

Step 7: Advertise and find customers

• Google Business Profile: free, and shows up when people search "cleaner near me".
• Local Facebook groups, Nextdoor and community noticeboards.
• Leaflets through doors in streets you want to work in.
• Reviews and referrals: ask every happy customer for a review, and offer a thank-you for recommendations.
• A simple website with your prices, areas and how to book.

Or: clean with TidyGo instead

Running your own business means doing the marketing, chasing payments and handling the admin as well as the cleaning. If you'd rather just clean, TidyGo finds the customers, takes the payments and handles bookings for you. Cleaners are ID and right-to-work checked before they join.

We're launching in London soon. Find out about becoming a TidyGo cleaner and join the cleaner waitlist.