Do you live to clean? While most people are going to answer “no” to this question, the fact is, this can be an extremely lucrative career path. If you don’t mind cleaning, then it may be a great option for you.
After all, cleaning pro Katie Pearse was able to triple her rate, from just $62 per hour to $180 per hour after just seven years (that’s pretty impressive!). What’s even better, besides the cost of the equipment, the investment you have to make upfront can be low!
However, as with starting any type of business, you need to ensure you do it the right way. While you will need to research “how to start a commercial cleaning business,” get the proper financing and take other steps, you need to make sure you get the right type of equipment, too.
To help get you started, we have compiled a list of several must-have equipment items. If you acquire these, your cleaning business will be off to a sparkling start.
1. A Vacuum That Sucks
At the top of the list when it comes to cleaning equipment is a high-quality vacuum. You need one that can lift even the smallest particles of dirt and dust.
To find the right vacuum, think about how it’s going to be used. As a commercial cleaner, you will likely have a mix of carpet, tile and other materials. It’s a good idea to purchase a heavy-duty vacuum that can be used again and again and easily pull the dirt out of the carpet.
An upright, bagged vacuum offers great suction, but make sure you can carry it on your own. If you purchase one that is too big or too heavy, you may not be able to get it from place to place with ease.
2. An Effective Window Cleaner
One of the biggest challenges for many professional cleaners is windows. Getting them crystal clear and sparkling clean is virtually impossible if you don’t have the right tools.
Make sure that you make this process as easy as possible by selecting a quality window cleaner. There are some window cleaning products that even come with handy tools, taking some of the hassles out of cleaning windows.
You may also want to consider newspaper, instead of traditional paper towel. While newsprint is great for cleaning windows, make sure you dispose of the trash properly (never leave it on-site for the client to dispose of).
3. A Mop
While vacuums can remove debris from carpeted, tiled, and hardwood floors, they can’t get up the stuck-on grease and grime that often accumulates in high-traffic areas. For these tough spots, a mop is a must-have.
However, it isn’t a good idea to use a traditional mop. These simply use the cleaning solution and water, loosen the dirt and grime on the floor, and then move it around to dry. A better option is a more sanitary, reusable solution.
Purchase a mop that features a replaceable microfiber pad. With this, you can reuse the pad after you wash them. Another option is a steam mop. It will remove dirt and grime and sanitize the surfaces.
4. Microfiber Cloths
As a professional cleaner, you need these specially made nylon cloths with you at all times. Due to their makeup and design, these cloths are able to grab and hold much more dirt than traditional cotton cloths. This is thanks to the “loops and hooks” featured in the design.
Also, a microfiber cloth can be used either dry or wet. Even better, you don’t have to toss them out when you’re done with one job. Just wash and sanitize them and they are ready to go again.
5. Cleaning Solutions
There is a myriad of cleaning solutions available on the market today. If you relate with the “green” movement, then you need to put in some extra effort to find environmentally friendly options.
If you are cleaning a location where they are children, like a school, it’s crucial to use strong cleaners that don’t contain any potentially harmful chemicals. If you are in charge of cleaning a hospital, or another medical facility, there may be special considerations and regulations you have to meet. Be sure to know what these are.
6. Brushes
Another essential, must-have cleaning tool is a scrubbing brush. Actually, it wouldn’t hurt for you to get several of these, all different shapes and sizes.
You never know what kind of mess you are going to encounter, and if you have several different sizes of brushes, you will be equipped to handle them all.
If you are serious about getting into all the cracks and crevices, add a toothbrush to your arsenal. These offer a great way to easily clean grout and other smaller areas.
7. Toilet Brushes
The bathroom is a germ-fest. There is no doubt about it. Be sure to have the right toilet brush to really “give the germs the business.”
You can use an angled brush to reach and clean beneath the toilet rim, but you also need a brush with durable bristles. A sign you have found a quality brush is if it has a caddy that will keep the germ-ridden scrubbing part isolated from your other cleaning supplies.
How to Start a Commercial Cleaning Business: Equipment is Key
When you have the right equipment and tools for your cleaning business, you are on your way to building a successful venture. If you still have questions about how to start a commercial cleaning business, then contact us. We can offer information about how to get the financing needed to begin your cleaning adventure.