If you’re considering the idea of starting your very own cleaning business, you might be wondering what equipment you need to get. Even if you have a limited budget for your start-up, you will still need to invest in the essentials to ensure you can provide great service to your initial clients.
Further down the line, you might wish to spend more money on high-tech gadgets and stronger cleaning chemicals. However, for the time being, the basics will suffice. The question is, what are the basics?
Keep reading because we’re going to cover all of the essential pieces of equipment that you will need to start a successful cleaning business. We’ve split up these essentials into different categories to make it easier for you to identify what you already have and what you still need to buy.
Essentials for Every Cleaning Company
Not sure what to purchase when you launch your cleaning company? Check out the lists below to make sure you don’t miss any of the essentials that you’ll need for business success.
Cleaning Uniforms
You’ll need professional clothing to wear when you’re visiting clients’ homes or commercial buildings. You should also get yourself some protective, full-toed shoes and a fleece or jacket to keep you warm while you’re cleaning.
You’ll also need to get matching cleaning uniforms for all of your staff if you plan on hiring any in the future. You might wish to get your staff’s uniforms branded with your company logo to increase brand awareness.
As part of your uniform, you should also supply yourself and your staff with personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
- Aprons
- Latex and latex-free gloves
- Goggles
- Dust mask
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer
General Cleaning Tools
Of course, you’ll also need general cleaning tools, like the following:
- Abrasive sponges
- Soft sponges
- Microfibre towels
- Dusters
- Disinfectant wipes
- Spray bottles
- Trash bags
Cleaning Chemicals
You’re going to need a wide range of cleaning tools so for a variety of surfaces. It’s important to learn which chemicals are suitable for which surfaces to avoid causing damage and angering your clients.
Make sure you’ve got the following cleaning products on hand before you book your first client:
- Disinfectants
- Glass cleaners
- Shower cleaners
- Polish
- Toilet cleaning solution
- Oven cleaner
- Grout cleaner
- Carpet cleaning solution
- Stain remover
- Air fresheners
It’s also good to get pet and kid friendly cleaning products so you can cater to a wider customer base.
Floor Cleaning Tools
There are lots of different floor cleaning tools that you’ll need, as each type of flooring requires unique care. For flooring, consider getting the following tools:
- Dustpan and brush
- Vacuum cleaner
- Broom
- Mop and bucket
- Soap and detergents that are suitable for floors
- Soft cloths and sponges
- Paper towels
You can also use natural cleaning remedies, like baking soda, vinegar, and citrus fruits, alongside shop-bought chemicals. Again, make sure you know which remedies are suitable for which types of flooring and fabrics to avoid causing damage.
Technology and Budgeting Tools
You’ll need to have a variety of technologies on hand to successfully book cleaning jobs and manage your finances. Technology will also enable you to market your cleaning business and build brand awareness, but we’re going to cover marketing tools in the next section.
The technological tools you’ll need for cleaning business success include:
- Computer or laptop
- Strong WiFi connection
- Mobile phone
- Mobile data
- Invoicing software
- Budgeting software
- Web software
Marketing Tools
Marketing is essential for every business, but it’s especially important for start-ups. If nobody knows that your business exists, you’ll struggle to build a strong client base.
You can use various marketing tools to get your brand name out there and attract new customers and clients. Here are some key marketing tools that you’ll need:
- Business cards
- Leaflets and flyers
- Website
- Social media
- Advertisement boards and banners
- Graphics for your company vehicle
Consider hiring a marketing freelancer or outsourcing your marketing to an agency if you’re unsure where to start. They will help you to create a strong marketing strategy and can advise you on the best techniques and tools to use in order to gain as much brand awareness as possible.
Employment Equipment
If you plan on hiring employees to expand your cleaning business, you’ll need the right tools to track timesheets and wage payments. More specifically, you’ll need:
- Employee management software
- Payroll
- Timesheets
- Tax documentation
- Communication platform