The cleaning business in Canada is growing day by day. More people want clean spaces to stay safe and keep their businesses running. With germs spreading fast, cleaning is more important than ever. Cleaners are like everyday heroes, making sure homes and businesses stay fresh.
Thinking about starting a cleaning business in Ontario? You’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything—from registering your business to tips on running it smoothly.
Let’s get started from scratch!
2025 Guide for Starting a Cleaning Business in Ontario
Know Your Local Market
First, decide what kind of cleaning business you want to run. Do you want to clean homes (residential cleaning) or focus on offices and stores (commercial cleaning)?
- Home cleaning works well if you’re starting solo or with a small team. You’ll clean houses on a regular schedule and get paid right after each job.
- Commercial cleaning is bigger. You’ll need a team and a vehicle to transport supplies. The good part is you don’t need a lot of clients—just a few steady contracts can keep your business going.
Your location also matters. If you’re in a busy downtown area, businesses might need more commercial cleaning. If you’re in a residential neighborhood, homeowners may need regular cleaning services.
Here’s how to research your local market before starting your cleaning business:
- Search online for cleaning businesses near me and check their websites, pricing, and reviews.
- Talk to neighbors or business owners to see what they like or don’t like about their current cleaners.
- Figure out what customers want. Do they just need basic cleaning, or do they want extras like deep cleaning or upholstery cleaning?
- Look for gaps in the market. If no one offers a service that people need, that’s your chance to stand out.
Once you decide on the type of cleaning business, you’ll know what services to offer.
Types of Cleaning Services You Can Offer
When starting a cleaning business, think about the services you want to offer. The more options you provide, the more customers you can attract. Here are some common cleaning services you can include in your business:
House Cleaning
This is the most popular service. It includes basic tasks like vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and general tidying up. Homeowners love this service for keeping their space clean and fresh.
Office Cleaning
Businesses need regular cleaning to keep their workspace professional. This service usually includes emptying trash, cleaning restrooms, wiping down desks, and sanitizing shared areas.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning goes beyond the usual routine. It includes detailed tasks like scrubbing grout, cleaning baseboards, and washing inside appliances. Many clients book this service a few times a year.
Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning
People moving in or out of homes often need a thorough cleaning before the next occupant arrives. This service is in high demand with renters, homeowners, and landlords.
The services you choose will shape your cleaning business and help you stand out.
Set a Budget for Your Cleaning Company
Wondering how to start a cleaning business with little money? The good news is you don’t need a huge investment.
You can start small and keep costs low by doing the cleaning yourself. But even then, you’ll need to budget for:
- Cleaning supplies
- Gas and vehicle maintenance
- Business registration and insurance
- Payroll if you hire a team
- Taxes
Many home cleaning businesses start with basic supplies and upgrade as they grow. If you plan to hire employees, add payroll costs to your budget. And always set aside money for business taxes—otherwise, you could run into trouble later.
The key is to plan ahead so you don’t run out of money before your business takes off.
Choose a Brand Name for Your Cleaning Business
Picking a name for your cleaning business is one of the fun parts. Your name sets the tone for your brand and helps customers remember you. You can get creative—use wordplay, part of your own name, a fun nickname, or something that highlights your location or services, like residential cleaning or commercial cleaning.
Here’s what makes a great cleaning business name:
- Clearly describes what you do
- Easy to spell and remember
- Unique (not already taken)
- Sounds good when spoken
- Can grow with your business
Before you settle on a name, search online to make sure no one else is using it. If you pick a name that’s already taken, you could run into legal trouble later. A NUANS name search or an Ontario Business Name Search helps confirm that no other company is using the same or a similar name.
Register Your Business and Get a License
If you’re starting a cleaning business in Ontario, one of the first steps is to register or incorporate your business.
In Ontario, you can register your cleaning business as either:
- Sole Proprietorship – Simple to set up, and you’re the only owner.
- General Partnership – If you’re starting the business with someone else.
Both options are easy to register, and you can do it through Ontario Business Central in just a few steps.
Business License & Renewal
A cleaning business license in Ontario is valid for five years. After that, you’ll need to renew it to stay in good standing with the Ontario Ministry.
Incorporation Option
If you want extra protection, you can incorporate your cleaning business. Corporations have name protection within the province and don’t require renewal like sole proprietorships do. To incorporate, you’ll need a NUANS report to reserve your business name.
If you’re serious about opening a cleaning company, you can get help with registration or incorporation through various online services. Also, check out government funding programs—there may be grants available to help you start and grow your business.
Transportation
You and your team need a reliable way to get to clients. Many cleaning business owners add their logo and contact details to their vehicles for easy advertising.
Make sure your transportation is:
- Safe and reliable
- Big enough to carry cleaning supplies
- Branded to promote your business
Also, consider auto insurance, business insurance, and liability insurance. If you’re a sole proprietor, you’re personally responsible for any issues, so proper coverage is important.
Find a Supplier for Cleaning Products
You’ll need a steady supplier for cleaning products like:
- Vacuums and brooms
- Transport carts
- Cleaning chemicals and disinfectants
- Microfiber cloths, mops, and buckets
Buying in bulk can help you save money as your business grows.
Open a Business Bank Account
Once your cleaning business is registered, open a business bank account to keep your finances organized. This helps separate personal and business transactions, making taxes and bookkeeping easier.
A business bank account can also help you:
- Apply for a business loan or financing
- Get a business credit card
- Build financial credibility
Most banks will ask for your business license or Articles of Incorporation to open an account.
CRA Tax Accounts
When you register your business in Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) gives you a Business Number (BN). This is your tax ID.
You may also need to register for:
- HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) if you expect to make over $30,000 in revenue
- Payroll accounts If you hire employees, you’ll need a payroll account to handle deductions like income tax, CPP (Canada Pension Plan), and EI (Employment Insurance).
Managing taxes, payroll, and finances can get overwhelming when starting a cleaning business. That’s where Bestax Payroll Services and Accounting Services can help.
Get in touch with Bestax today and take the stress out of managing your cleaning business finances!
Market Your Cleaning Business and Attract Clients
Once your cleaning business is set up, the next step is finding clients. A strong marketing strategy helps build your customer base and grow your business.
Effective Ways to Promote Your Cleaning Business:
- Word of Mouth: Happy clients bring referrals, so provide excellent service.
- Social Media: Use Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to showcase your work and attract leads.
- Google My Business: Register your business so local customers can find you online.
- Website & Domain: A professional website builds credibility. Ontario Business Central can help with domain registration.
- Flyers & Business Cards: Distribute them in high-traffic local areas.
- Partnerships: Connect with real estate agents, property managers, or office buildings for steady contracts.
- Online Ads: Use targeted Facebook and Google ads to reach potential clients.
Make sure to use your exact registered business name in all marketing efforts to comply with regulations.
Start Your Cleaning Business with Bestax
Starting and growing a cleaning business requires the right setup, smart marketing, and proper business registration. If you need help with company formation, bookkeeping, payroll, or tax services, Bestax can simplify the process. Our team will help you through out the whole process starting from company registration to getting your taxes sorted.
Contact Bestax today and get your cleaning business set up the right way!
FAQs
What type of cleaner makes the most money?
Specialized cleaning roles, such as hazardous waste cleaners and industrial cleaning specialists, tend to earn higher salaries due to the specialized skills and risks involved.
Is cleaning a good business to start?
Yes, starting a cleaning business can be profitable due to low startup costs and consistent demand. Success depends on effective marketing and quality service.
How to start a cleaning business in Canada?
To start a cleaning business in Canada, define your services, register your business, obtain necessary licenses and insurance, and develop a marketing strategy.
How much money do I need to start a cleaning business?
Startup costs vary but can be relatively low, primarily covering supplies, insurance, and marketing.
What is a catchy name for a cleaning company?
Catchy names include “Sparkling Spaces,” “Maid in Canada,” or “Clean Sweep Services.
Unique cleaning business names
Examples of unique names are “EcoClean Solutions,” “DustBusters Pro,” or “Pristine Shine Co.”
What licenses are needed to start a cleaning business?
Requirements vary by location but generally include business registration and local permits.
How to get clients for a cleaning business?
Attract clients through word of mouth, social media marketing, local advertising, and partnerships with real estate agents.
How much does a cleaning business make per year?
Earnings vary widely; some businesses report significant revenues, depending on size and services offered.
What is the difference between residential and local cleaning businesses?
Residential cleaning focuses on homes, while local cleaning can include both residential and commercial clients within a specific area.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
