Launching a cleaning business in London offers huge potential thanks to the city’s high demand for domestic and commercial cleaning services. This guide walks you through the essential steps—from registering your business and meeting UK legal requirements to choosing your niche, setting prices, and finding your first clients—so you can confidently start and grow a profitable cleaning company in one of the UK’s busiest markets.
Starting a cleaning business in London can be an excellent opportunity, thanks to the city’s dense population, thriving commercial sector, and continuous demand for reliable cleaning services. Whether you plan to focus on domestic cleaning, office cleaning, or specialised services, the steps below will guide you through launching a successful and legally compliant cleaning business.
1. Choose Your Cleaning Niche
Before anything else, decide what type of cleaning services you want to offer. Londoners often search for cleaners who specialise in certain areas, so defining your niche helps you stand out. Popular options include:
Domestic / residential cleaning
End-of-tenancy cleaning
Commercial and office cleaning
Airbnb and short-let cleaning
Deep cleaning or specialist services (carpets, ovens, upholstery)
Choosing a niche also makes it easier to price your services and market your business.
2. Register Your Business
If you’re operating in the UK, you must register as a legal business. Most start as a sole trader because it’s simple and low-cost, though you may choose to register a limited company for added protection.
Key steps include:
Register with HMRC for tax purposes
Open a dedicated business bank account
If hiring staff, register as an employer
3. Understand Legal Requirements
Although the cleaning industry is not heavily regulated, there are still key obligations:
Public liability insurance – protects you if property is damaged or someone is injured.
Employer’s liability insurance – required if you employ staff.
COSHH awareness (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) – ensure safe handling of cleaning products.
Clear health & safety procedures for staff.
These steps not only protect you but also increase trust with clients.
4. Purchase the Right Equipment
London customers expect professional-quality results, so invest in reliable tools. At minimum, you’ll need:
Cleaning cloths, sprays, mops, vacuum cleaner
Protective gear (gloves, masks)
Eco-friendly alternatives if targeting sustainability-conscious clients
Start lean—buy only what your niche requires—then expand as the business grows.
5. Set Your Prices
Research local competitors to understand what other cleaning companies in London charge. Pricing may be:
Hourly (e.g., £15–£25 per hour for domestic cleaning)
Fixed-rate (e.g., end-of-tenancy cleaning packages)
Subscription-based for regular clients
Make sure your prices cover expenses, travel, supplies, and your time.
6. Promote Your Cleaning Business
In a competitive city like London, strong marketing is essential. Effective strategies include:
Creating a simple, professional website
Listing your service on Google Business Profile
Using platforms like TaskRabbit, Gumtree, or Nextdoor
Posting before/after photos on Instagram and Facebook
Networking with landlords, estate agents, and property managers
Encourage satisfied customers to leave online reviews—they’re extremely influential.
7. Deliver Excellent Service
Consistency is the secret to long-term success in the cleaning industry. Arrive on time, communicate clearly, and deliver high-quality results. Happy clients become repeat customers and often refer you to others, helping your business grow organically.
