The Real Struggles of Running a Cleaning Business (And How to Overcome Them)

Running a cleaning business might sound straightforward on the surface: mop some floors, scrub some counters, cash in. But ask any cleaning business owner, and they'll tell you it's a grind—a constant hustle with more moving parts than a Swiss watch. From finding reliable employees to managing the admin chaos, here are the real struggles you face when running a cleaning business and what you can do about them.

The Employee Problem: Hiring, Firing, and Everything in Between

Finding good employees is like finding a needle in a haystack—if the haystack was on fire, and the needle kept quitting on you. The number one issue cleaning business owners face is staffing. And it’s not just about finding people; it’s about finding the right people. You want workers who show up on time, care about the job, and don’t ghost you after payday.

But here’s the deal: cleaning isn't a dream job for most folks. It’s hard work, and unless you’re paying top dollar, workers aren’t lining up to grab a mop and get scrubbing. So, what can you do? First, pay competitively. Offer hourly wages that make your employees feel valued and consider performance-based bonuses. People will put in the effort if they know there’s something extra in it for them.

Second, set them up to succeed. Employees aren’t going to care about your business as much as you do. That’s just reality. But you can create a culture that feels less like a transactional job and more like a small community or family. Regular team check-ins, proper training, and a little bit of human touch can go a long way in making employees feel invested.

Lastly, if you’re struggling with high turnover, think about contracting out some of the work. Sure, you might lose a little margin, but you’ll save yourself from the nightmare of rehiring and retraining every other month. Contracted cleaners have skin in the game—they’re running their own show, and that can mean better work and more reliability.

Burnout is Real: When Your Body Says “Enough,” But Your Business Says “Keep Going”

If you’re running a cleaning business, burnout isn’t just a word—it’s a lifestyle. Many owners are out there scrubbing floors themselves, managing the books, marketing, and doing everything else that needs to be done. And what happens? You crash. Physically, mentally, emotionally.

Look, you can only go so hard before the wheels come off. So, how do you keep grinding without grinding yourself down to a nub? Start by outsourcing where you can. I know, easier said than done. But if you’re a solo cleaner, hire someone part-time to handle admin work or even another cleaner to help you split the load. You might take a short-term hit financially, but it’s an investment in your longevity.

And don’t forget about your own health. It’s wild how many cleaning business owners treat their bodies like garbage while obsessing over cleaning other people’s houses. Schedule breaks. Hydrate. Go see a chiropractor (and hey, it’s a tax write-off). Remember, you are the most important asset in your business. If you break down, the business does too.

The Feast and Famine of Client Acquisition and Financial Stability

One week, you’re booked solid, and you’re feeling like a rockstar. The next week, your calendar is a wasteland, and you’re wondering if it’s time to dust off that resume. Welcome to the rollercoaster that is client acquisition in the cleaning business.

Most cleaning business owners have a hard time keeping a consistent stream of clients. Cancellations, one-time cleans, clients who balk at prices—these all create peaks and valleys in your cash flow. The key here is to smooth out the ride with more reliable, recurring clients. So, how do you get them?

First, start charging for last-minute cancellations. Nothing too wild, but just enough to make people think twice before bailing. It’s also worth crafting clear service agreements. Lay out expectations for both sides—frequency, rescheduling policies, and even the dreaded price increases. This clarity helps keep everyone on the same page.

Second, invest in your marketing game. You can’t just rely on posting in Facebook groups and hoping for the best. Experiment with Google Ads, send targeted direct mailers, or even try the good old-fashioned approach of business cards at local shops. Marketing doesn’t have to break the bank, but it does have to be consistent and strategic. Remember, marketing is an investment, not an expense.

And if you’re in a market with heavy competition, focus on what makes you different. Maybe it’s eco-friendly cleaning products, stellar customer service, or super flexible scheduling. Whatever it is, hammer that home in your marketing. Niche down and own that space.

The Admin Chaos: Taxes, Paperwork, and All the Stuff That Makes You Want to Scream

No one gets into the cleaning business because they love paperwork. Yet, here you are, drowning in it. Between taxes, scheduling, invoicing, and keeping up with expenses, the “business” part of the cleaning business is what really wears people down.

But here’s a little secret: you don’t have to do it all yourself. If you’re doing well enough to be buried under admin work, it might be time to bring in a part-time bookkeeper or a virtual assistant. They handle the nitty-gritty, and you get to focus on what you do best—growing your business. Think of it as buying back your time.

Also, use software to automate as much as possible. From scheduling apps to accounting tools, there’s tech out there that can make your life easier. Automate client reminders, use templates for quotes and invoices, and track expenses in real-time. The less you have to think about, the better.

And if you’re totally new to the business side, take a crash course in the basics of bookkeeping, taxes, and marketing. You don’t have to be an expert, but you do need to know enough to not get blindsided.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This, But You Need a Plan

Running a cleaning business is not for the faint of heart. It’s a grind—no two ways about it. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to suffer through it. By focusing on building a reliable team, managing burnout, stabilizing your client base, and taming the admin chaos, you can turn your cleaning business from a stress factory into a well-oiled machine.

Remember, every business owner goes through these struggles. You’re not alone. The key is to tackle them head-on with strategy, a bit of grit, and the willingness to pivot when something isn’t working. You got this. Now go make it happen.