🧽 How to Start a Cleaning Business With No Money
💡 Starting with nothing doesn’t mean you have nothing to offer.
There’s a common belief that you need a lot of money, a van, or a full cleaning kit to start a business — but that’s simply not true. Cleaning is one of the most accessible industries for anyone looking to earn independently, especially if you’re willing to start small, work hard, and grow over time.
Whether you’re a carer, a parent, someone between jobs, or just looking for more freedom — this guide will walk you through how to start a cleaning business in the UK with little to no money, using what you already have and tapping into free tools and training.
✅ Step 1: Start Where You Are — Not Where You Think You Should Be
Before you stress about uniforms or fancy gear, pause and remind yourself:
You can begin with nothing but your time, effort, and trustworthiness.
Think about:
What kind of cleaning work you’re confident doing
Whether you can offer services using the client’s own products
If anyone in your network might give you a chance
If you don’t have your own supplies yet, offer a “client-supplied cleaning” service — this is more common (and professional) than people think.
It also avoids cross-contamination and reduces start-up costs.
You can explain it like this:
“To ensure hygiene and reduce costs, I use the client’s own cleaning products and tools. If you need help choosing the right ones, I’m happy to recommend a list.”
📱 Step 2: Set Up a Free Online Presence
You don’t need a website or paid ads — but you do need people to find and trust you.
Set up:
Google Business Profile – helps you appear in local searches
Facebook Business Page – list services, pricing, contact info
WhatsApp Business App – auto-replies, business hours, and contact labels
Instagram or TikTok – optional, but a great place to build credibility with photos, short videos, or even cleaning tips
💡 Add yourself to the Kleana Directory for free to boost your visibility instantly.
📚 Step 3: Learn As You Go — With Free Training and Social Media
No experience? No problem. There are free cleaning courses online that teach you the basics of:
Domestic and commercial cleaning
Health and safety
COSHH (handling cleaning chemicals)
Infection control
Some free UK-based course providers:
Vision2learn
The Skills Network
Reed.co.uk (search “free cleaning courses”)
Your local Job Centre or council may offer funded Level 1 or 2 courses
💡 Plus: Learn from professionals on social media
Many experienced cleaners share real tips, methods, and motivation on platforms like:
TikTok (search #CleanTok or #CleaningTipsUK)
Instagram Reels
YouTube cleaning vlogs
You can learn about:
Deep cleaning methods
Products people love
Speed cleaning hacks
How to manage your time and clients
You don’t need a classroom — you just need curiosity.
🧼 Step 4: Offer What You Can With What You’ve Got
Don’t wait until you have a full kit. Your first job can fund your second, and so on.
Start with:
Services where the client supplies the products
Basic domestic cleaning — dusting, hoovering, kitchen & bathroom cleaning
Organisation help or light decluttering
Even a borrowed hoover and gloves can get you going.
Once you get a few paid jobs, reinvest into:
Microfibre cloths
A decent mop and bucket
Spray bottles (some as cheap as £1)
Protective gloves
A small caddy or bag
Build as you go. Many successful cleaners started with just £10 in supplies.
💬 Step 5: Get Your First Clients Through Local Connections
The first few clients will build your confidence, give you references, and help spread the word.
Try:
Posting in local Facebook groups with a short intro and availability
Messaging family and friends:
“I’m offering affordable cleaning to build my new business — let me know if you or someone you know needs help.”
Creating a simple flyer (handwritten is fine!) to drop at post offices, cafés, hairdressers, or noticeboards
Offering a first-time clean deal (e.g. “First 2 hours for £20”)
💡 Focus on building trust and being reliable — your reputation is your best advert.
💸 Step 6: Set Realistic But Fair Prices
Even when starting out, avoid undercharging. You are providing real value, and your time deserves fair pay.
Starting rates (2025 average UK guide):
Basic domestic: £13–£15/hour
Deep clean or end of tenancy: £16–£22/hour
Specialist: £20–£30+ (eco, trauma, after-build)
You can still offer introductory deals or bundles, but don’t go too low. Cheap doesn’t always mean trustworthy — and you want clients who value your time.
🛡️ Step 7: What About Insurance?
You don’t need insurance to begin — but once you’re working regularly, it’s wise to consider Public Liability Insurance.
This protects you in case:
You accidentally break something in a client’s home
Someone slips or gets injured due to your work
Policies often cost around £5–£10/month, and can be paid monthly.
We’ll be posting a full guide soon about what insurance cleaners really need and where to get it affordably.
📃 Step 8: Register as Self-Employed (It’s Free)
When you earn more than £1,000 in a year, you must register as self-employed with HMRC. It’s free and simple.
Sign up for a Government Gateway ID
You’ll get a UTR number and do a yearly tax return
💡 If you’re on Universal Credit, you can still be self-employed — but you’ll need to report earnings monthly.
🚀 You’re Not “Just” a Cleaner — You’re Building a Business
You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience, resilience, and the decision to grow something of your own.
At Kleana, we’re here to support your journey with:
A free cleaner directory to promote your business
Future resources, grants, and training
Real community, tips, and trust
You already have what it takes to succeed — the rest will follow with time, care, and action.
🙌 You’ve Got This
Whether you’re starting with borrowed supplies, no equipment, or just an idea — this is how it begins.
And at Kleana, we’ve got your back every step of the way.