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House Cleaning

Provide reliable residential cleaning services for busy Canadian households

Monthly (CAD)
$800–$3,000
Startup cost
$250
Difficulty
Medium
Remote
No

Time: 10-20 hours per week

Overview

Homeowners and busy professionals pay for recurring cleaning services to maintain their living spaces. You earn money by charging hourly or flat rates for tasks like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and bathroom sanitation. Income is generated through direct service fees, with higher margins for clients who commit to weekly or biweekly schedules. Success depends on building a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, allowing you to secure long-term contracts and steady cash flow in your local community.

Step-by-step action plan

  1. 1
    Purchase essential professional cleaning supplies

    Invest approximately $150 in a high-quality vacuum, microfiber cloths, mops, and non-toxic cleaning solutions. Brands like Method or Mrs. Meyer’s are popular with Canadian clients who prefer eco-friendly products for their homes.

  2. 2
    Set your competitive hourly rates

    Research local competitors on Kijiji and set a rate between $30 and $50 per hour. Consider offering a $10 discount for the first visit to attract long-term recurring clients.

  3. 3
    Create a detailed service checklist

    Develop a standard operating procedure for every room to ensure consistency. Use a digital template or a printed sheet to show clients exactly what they are paying for during each 3-hour session.

  4. 4
    Market services on local community platforms

    Post ads on Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor specifically targeting neighborhoods within a 15km radius. Highlight your availability for 'Weekly' or 'Biweekly' slots to minimize travel time and maximize earnings.

  5. 5
    Establish a secure payment process

    Set up Interac e-Transfer as your primary payment method to avoid transaction fees. Request payment within 24 hours of service completion to maintain healthy cash flow for your business.

  6. 6
    Obtain liability insurance and background check

    Apply for a basic criminal record check through your local police service for about $50. Purchase $1M in general liability insurance to protect against accidental damage to a client's property.

Resources & tools

Kijiji Canada

A primary platform for Canadians to list local service ads and find residential cleaning leads.

Facebook Marketplace

Highly effective for joining local community groups where neighbors share recommendations for cleaners.

Canadian Tire

A reliable source for purchasing professional-grade cleaning tools and bulk supplies across Canada.

WorkSafeBC

Provides essential safety guidelines for cleaners, even if you are operating as a sole proprietor in other provinces.

Zensurance

An easy-to-use Canadian platform to get quotes for small business liability insurance specifically for cleaners.

🍁 Canada-specific tips

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