The COVID-19 crisis has negatively impacted various industries — but not the cleaning industry. In fact, cleaning companies or service providers have boomed during the pandemic. Many homeowners and property owners have consistently hired cleaning and disinfecting services. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that their residential or commercial spaces are free of the novel coronavirus.
The US Chambers of Commerce has included commercial cleaning as one of the highly in-demand service-based businesses in the pandemic. As such, it’s a good idea to launch your own business in your locality by offering cleaning services to both residential and commercial property owners.
That said, here’s how to start a cleaning service business during the pandemic:
1. Open a click-and-mortar business
It’s best to launch a click-and-mortar business, which means having both a physical and online business. First off, you need a physical office to keep your cleaning tools and materials in place. Also, you must have a business website so that your potential clients can hire your cleaning services online.
While at it, check your state laws and local regulations to see what the requirements are. From there, obtain the necessary paperwork and be sure to comply. Finally, secure a business permit as soon as possible so you can start operating.
2. Invest in cleaning tools and supplies
A cleaning business won’t be complete without the cleaning tools, equipment, and supplies. For the most part, you need cleaning essentials, such as brooms, dustpans, vacuums, water buckets, mops, scrub brushes, cleaning cloths, and sponges. Also, you need to invest in EPA-approved cleaning products such as disinfectants for coronavirus. Lastly, don’t forget office supplies for running an office for your cleaning business.
3. Create your team of professional cleaners
A key aspect of your cleaning business is your team of professional cleaners. Know there’s a line drawn between regular cleaning and disinfecting in a COVID-stricken world. As much as possible, you want to hire the right people who have the cleaning knowledge, skills, expertise, and industry experience.
Also, you want to ensure they have the required training and certification in handling hazardous chemicals and materials. Finally, make sure they have insurance for protection due to the threat of the novel coronavirus. As a business owner, you have the responsibility to foster the overall welfare of your employees.
4. Choose between a residential and commercial cleaning service
When it comes to a cleaning business, you have the option to deliver residential or commercial cleaning services. For residential cleaning, you can tackle general house cleaning or specific cleaning services like roof, gutter, and window cleaning. For commercial properties, you’ll most likely provide critical cleaning services such as sanitation and disinfection.
But if you have enough workforce and ample resources, you can cater to residential and commercial clients. You can partner with other businesses that can provide cleaning tools and products, garbage or disposal bin rental, and even lawn care services.
5. Set health and safety measures in place
Running a cleaning business is no easy feat during a pandemic. Keep in mind that your professional cleaners might get exposed to the threat of the novel coronavirus. While your goal is to keep your clientele’s spaces clean and tidy, you may put your employees’ life and health at risk.
For this reason, you must set health and safety measures in place. These protocols go beyond wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and washing hands frequently. When cleaning and disinfecting residential or commercial spaces, make sure your cleaners wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
6. Be robust in your marketing and promotion
The last on the list is to start promoting your cleaning business online. After having set everything in place, your goal is to let your local communities know that you’re ready to serve them. Whether residential or commercial cleaning, market your business via your website and social media channels like Facebook.
Also, be sure to register in Google My Business for local search engine optimization (SEO). That way, your local clients will quickly find your cleaning business online. Lastly, don’t forget to use content marketing in promoting your cleaning services.
At this point, you now know how to launch a cleaning business during a pandemic. All it takes is to open a click-and-mortar business, purchase cleaning tools and supplies, and create your professional cleaning team. You also have to choose between a residential or commercial cleaning service and set health and safety measures in place. Ultimately, promote your cleaning business with the sole intention of keeping every family and your community safe and clean amid the pandemic.
