How to Start a Janitorial Business

You might have a lucrative, limitless business of your own when you learn how to start a janitorial business.  In this business, you will be providing cleaning and maintenance services to businesses of all kinds.  You’ll work hard, and you might have to sacrifice some sleep in the beginning, but the payoff can be outstanding!

Many people who start a janitorial business do so from their homes for very little initial capital outlay.  And on average, these businesses profit around $40,000 in their first year.

What You’ll Need to be Successful

Before considering how to start a janitorial business, make sure there is a need in your area.  You are likely to have competition, and that’s fine, but make sure the market is not saturated.  Talk with office managers and business owners about their janitorial needs, and see where the competition is lacking.

Once you’ve decided that starting a janitorial business is a good idea, you will need to get a good insurance policy, covering your business as well as indemnifying your customers.  Most janitorial services are also bonded, and in some states you will need a specific license, in addition to your standard business license.  Check with your state to find out the requirements there.

Most of your expense when figuring out how to start a janitorial service will be for your supplies and equipment.  Some of the items you will need are:

• Mops and brooms
• A commercial vacuum cleaner
• Cleaning products, such as window cleaner and tile/floor cleaner
• Trash bags
• Cleaning cloths
• Dusters
• Gloves

You might also need to invest in a commercial floor buffer, if you plan on offering that service to clients with tile floors, like hospitals or department stores.

Many people who learn how to start a janitorial service decide to specialize in a particular type of business as their clients.  For example, if you get a hospital as a client, you can use that to your advantage by focusing your efforts on other hospitals in your area.  This will allow you to streamline your operation and could lead to some lucrative contracts.

It is also a good idea to try and group your cleaning jobs close together.  You’ll cut down on fuel expenses, and you will be able to take on more clients if they are all in the same general area.  Be careful though.  If you take on too many clients before you are ready, you could end up disappointing some of them, and you don’t want to get that reputation.

When you learn how to start a janitorial business, take it slow and steady, treat your customers well, and be very thorough in all your work.  If you do all that, word will get out that your janitorial business is the best, and then the sky’s the limit!

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