Starting Your Own Commercial Cleaning Company: How to Compete with the Big Players

Have you ever thought about starting your own commercial cleaning company but worried about the competition from industry giants? In today’s episode, we explore what it takes to launch a commercial cleaning business from scratch and how to carve out a niche in a competitive market.

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Top Takeaways:

Takeaway 1: Humans are the #1 cause of issues

Commercial cleaning is a human business. Inevitably, you will encounter issues where your staff or subcontractors report something that doesn’t match reality. These inconsistencies and “he said, she said” situations can be mitigated, however, through the implementation of strong management principles and strong recruiting. You can also leverage technology to reduce the overhead of managing challenging cleaning staff. We all know getting into cleaning will require significant management overhead, but there are ways to establish a strong culture, which starts with good communication
and systems.

Takeaway 2: Logging in and using apps has challenges

For many cleaners, using a mobile phone for work-related tasks can add complexity to an already demanding job. Common challenges include forgetting their cell phones in the hustle of their daily routines, not having consistent cellular data, or concerns about privacy when asked to use personal devices for work purposes. As cleaners move quickly from task to task—cleaning restrooms, handling waste, stocking supplies, and responding to urgent requests—pausing to engage with a mobile app isn’t always feasible or efficient. Moreover, relying on personal devices can lead to security concerns, data usage costs, and potential privacy risks that some may wish to avoid. A solution that doesn’t require a mobile phone could eliminate these barriers, allowing cleaners to focus on their work without interruptions or privacy concerns, while still benefiting from the efficiency and organization that technology can bring to their role.

Takeaway 3: Knowing exact cleaning times can be used for strategic cleaning decisions.

Understanding cleaning times in specific areas can offer powerful insights that support a range of strategic decisions in commercial cleaning. By accurately tracking time spent in different spaces, cleaning companies can adjust pricing structures to reflect the true scope of service, offering improved pricing flexibility for clients. This data-driven approach also highlights areas where additional cleaning might be beneficial, allowing companies to propose expanded services that meet clients' evolving needs. For cleaning company owners, these insights can directly impact revenue—either by adding new services or by optimizing current contracts to ensure maximum efficiency and satisfaction. Furthermore, by transparently communicating cleaning times and service levels, companies can strengthen client relationships, improving contract renewals and customer loyalty over time.

Takeaway 4: Taking pride in cleaning accountability

Emphasizing accountability in cleaning not only elevates service quality but also strengthens your brand presence. When your organization consistently tracks, reports, and delivers on cleaning commitments, it demonstrates a genuine commitment to excellence—something clients notice and value. This transparency fosters trust, showing clients that you’re a partner they can rely on to maintain their standards and adapt to their needs. By taking pride in accountable cleaning practices, your organization builds a reputation for dependability, care, and professionalism, setting you apart in a competitive industry. This approach not only enhances client satisfaction but also establishes your brand as a trusted, results-driven partner.

Takeaway 5: Simplicity always wins

In cleaning, simplicity always wins. Straightforward, reliable processes keep teams focused and clients happy. When things are simple, efficiency shines, quality stays high, and your brand stands out. Choose simplicity—it’s the key to lasting success in cleaning.