How to Start a Steam Cleaning Business: 7 Easy Steps in 2024

Starting a steam cleaning business is one of the most paying enterprises you can currently think of. This is because most steam cleaning businesses don’t have tons of requirements and the demand for steam cleaners has shot up!

In most cases, you will only need some space, equipment, and legal paperwork from the county offices to begin.

However, there’s more to it.

So, stick around and read through the steps and you’ll be on your way to opening your first steam cleaning business!

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1. Draw a business plan

You might have heard the saying, “A goal without a plan is a dream.”

Well, that couldn’t be truer…

For you to have a strong foundation, you must first draw up a business plan that will help guide you through the whole process. A good business plan outlines where you want your business to be and also all the steps you’ll take to get it there.

Basically, having a good business plan will help you further along in your strategies and decision-making.

2. Assess your competition

If your steam cleaning business is to survive the current market, then you must learn and appreciate what the existing competitors in your region are doing.

Learning your competition’s strengths and weaknesses puts you at a better angle of knowing which path you’ll take in the business.

If you’re facing a lot of competition, then come up with something that will set you apart as unique on top of the rest. (Think in the line of offers, discounts, after-sales deals, and the likes.)

3. Decide on the type of steam cleaning service you want to offer

You have to figure out the scope of services that you think you can hack at the start without straining. For this, you may want to go back and check what your competitors are currently offering and see whether there’s a way to best them!

One way to do this is by checking their websites or brochures and finding if there’s a crack in their services that you can squeeze through.

That aside, here is a list of steam cleaning business ideas that you may consider:

• Carpet Steam Cleaning
• Wood Floors
• Tile Steam Cleaning
• Furniture Steam Cleaning
• Brick/Wooden Building Exteriors
• Boats
• Windows and Doors
• Paint Removal
• Full Restaurant Steam Cleaning
• Industrial Steam Cleaning
• RVs
• Patios
• Decks
• Upholstery

The list is endless…

4. Follow with registration, licensing, insurance, and setting up accounts

This step makes you legitimate and trustworthy before your would-be clients. It’s a pretty important step and you have to be diligent about it.

It involves:

i. Registration

After settling on a name for your steam cleaning company, registration is the next big step in getting all the required permits and paperwork.

If you’re in the United States, you must ensure that the name you’ve picked is not being currently used by another company in your state. Afterward, you’ll have to trademark it then register your domain for a website.

In Canada, you don’t have to register your company if it’s using your name. However, you still have to trademark it and register its trade name.

Also, as part of registration, you’ll have to specify the type of business you want to run.

Is it a private partnership, sole proprietorship (where you have full control of the business), or a limited liability company (for medium and/or high-risk businesses)?

ii. Licensing

Getting a license is a legal proof that you’re allowed by the government to get into people’s houses to clean stuff up.

The cost of getting one varies depending on your location and the type of business. You’ll also be required to renew your business license every year.

iii. Insurance

You should get insurance coverage to protect your business and employees from risks.

Insurance covers give you a soft landing in case of accidents and injuries in the course of your business’s operations. They help you avoid colossal debts that you can accrue when you pay for such things from your own pocket.

Some of the covers you should consider are:

• General liability insurance
• Health insurance
• Employment practices liability
• Vehicle insurance (for company vehicles)

Just check around with the various insurance providers in your area and see which one offers the best plan for your business.

iv. Accounts

The final step is to set up a business bank account where all your business’s transactions will take place.

Having a separate business account helps you keep track of your business’s cash flow and make/receive payments.

If you maintain your balances well, you’ll be also able to appropriately file your taxes and avoid problems with the Internal Revenue Service (US) or Canada Revenue Agency (Canada).

5. Get steam cleaning supplies and equipment

Whether you’re starting your business on a tight budget or not, you must procure some essential equipment for the job.

These may include top-of-the-line steam cleaners, face masks, cleaning overalls, etc.

You can buy new equipment or start with used ones (if you’re on a low budget) – provided they’re well-tested and safe to use.

6. It’s time to market

Marketing involves laying out your pricing as part of the promotion. You can give irresistible offers at the beginning to hook your first clients.

Now, a good way to market with little expense is by using family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to spread the word. Another way is through your website, brochures, posters, etc.

Once you get your clients hooked, you must keep the quality of your steam cleaning services top-notch to keep them longer and get more referrals.  

7. Hire more staff for growth as you develop

You may need a few employees as you start since you can’t always run everything in the business alone.

Even so, you can weigh whether you can juggle everything by yourself if you’re financially strained to onboard other workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you start an independent cleaning business or join a franchise?

This entirely depends on your preference.

You can start your steam cleaning business independently if you’re just targeting the local market or working on a tight budget.

Franchising works well when targeting bigger markets and when you want the advantages that come with already-established brands in the steam cleaning industry.

Is a steam cleaning business lucrative?

Yes, it is. More and more people are warming up to the effectiveness of steam cleaning, hence a growing demand world-over.

If you set up and market your business well, it’s safe to say that you’ll enjoy the fruits provided your services are exceptional!

How much do I need to start a steam cleaning business?

Starting a steam cleaning business is flexible and mostly doesn’t need a lot of initial capital. The top essentials are registering your company and getting the required equipment.

For that, you can start your own steam cleaning business with less than $1000 to $5000.