Cleaning businesses fall into several broad buckets:

• Residential cleaning: Houses, apartments, Airbnbs

• Commercial cleaning: Offices, warehouses, retail spaces

• Specialty cleaning: Carpets, windows, pressure washing

• Industrial or hazardous cleaning: Factories, construction sites, medical centres

• End-of-lease and bond cleaning: Tenancy turnover

• Niche cleaning services: E.g., crime scene, hoarding, or biohazard

Each niche has its own overheads, skill levels, and client expectations—but only some offer consistent, contract-based income.

What kind of cleaning business makes the most money?

If we’re talking strictly income potential, commercial cleaning is hands-down the winner. Here’s why:

• Bigger Contracts: Businesses usually require cleaning multiple times a week—sometimes daily—resulting in long-term, recurring revenue.

• Less Emotional Labour: Unlike house cleaning (where personal touches matter), commercial jobs are task-focused. It’s about outcomes, not vibes.

• Scalability: Once systems are in place, commercial outfits can service dozens of clients without drastically increasing admin overhead.

• Out-of-Hours Work: This frees up your days to focus on business ops—or even run a second gig.

Take Port Melbourne as an example. The area’s industrial estate and rapid commercial development have seen a noticeable uptick in demand for professional, reliable cleaning providers. Businesses want cleaners who show up, shut up, and get it done efficiently—every night if needed.

Why do most people start with residential cleaning?

Because it’s easy. There’s little red tape, no complex contracts, and you can usually start with just a car and some elbow grease. Platforms like Airtasker or Facebook Marketplace make it simple to score a few jobs and build early testimonials. But here’s the kicker: it’s often a race to the bottom on price.

Residential clients can be flaky. Schedules shift. One bad review stings harder than it should. Plus, the emotional toll of cleaning someone’s home (and all the judgment that comes with it) can’t be understated.

How much money do you need to start?

• Residential: Under $1,000 if you bootstrap it

• Commercial: $5,000–$15,000 depending on insurance, staff, uniforms, and equipment

• Specialty services: Up to $20,000+ depending on training and tools (e.g. high-end carpet cleaning machines or biohazard kits)

That said, the return on investment is faster in commercial. One medium-sized office contract can cover your startup costs in a month or two.

What are the pros and cons of each type?

Here’s a side-by-side snapshot:

Anyone who’s scrubbed rental kitchens at midnight knows: end-of-lease work is profitable but punishing.

Is location a factor in choosing your niche?

Absolutely. In places like Port Melbourne, there’s a huge density of light industrial zones, logistics hubs, and commercial offices. This makes it a ripe market for savvy operators who offer commercial cleaning in Port Melbourne with flexible scheduling and high compliance standards.

Conversely, regional areas might reward niche services like pressure washing, while inner-city neighbourhoods could favour Airbnb turnover cleans.

How can you stand out in a crowded market?

Let’s be honest: cleaning isn’t sexy. But it is built on trust and reliability. That’s where persuasion psychology kicks in.

Social proof is king. Testimonials, Google reviews, and case studies go further than slick logos or flash websites. Think: “We’ve cleaned the same dental clinic for 7 years with zero missed appointments.” That’s persuasive.

Also, consistency matters. Showing up at the same time, with the same team, in uniform, every week? That builds client confidence—and referrals.

A few practical tips to stand out:

• Invest in branded uniforms and vehicles

• Use job tracking and scheduling software (like Jobber or Tradify)

• Provide OH&S documentation proactively

• Offer flexible add-ons like consumable restocks or bin services

These details feel small—but in a tender process, they can make or break you.

Is it better to niche down or stay broad?

Early on, it helps to cast a wide net. But once you hit consistent volume, niching down improves efficiency and marketing clarity. For example, targeting just medical clinics means you can master hygiene protocols, purchase the right disinfectants in bulk, and speak directly to pain points in your proposals.

Or focus on office buildings, where after-hours access and key handling procedures become your competitive edge.

Real-world reflections from small operators

One Melbourne-based cleaner I spoke to started out doing end-of-lease work. “It paid alright,” she said, “but it broke my body within two years. I shifted to office cleaning and never looked back—less stress, fewer cancellations, better money.”

Another small biz owner added: “Commercial clients don’t argue over $50. They value reliability and systems.”

That tracks with what I’ve seen too. In this game, consistency trumps charisma.

FAQs

What licences do I need to start a cleaning business?
In most Australian states, you don’t need a specific cleaning licence, but you will need public liability insurance, an ABN, and possibly police checks or WWCC for sensitive sites.

How much can I make per year?
Solo operators doing residential cleans might earn $40,000–$70,000. But a two-person team running commercial contracts can bring in $120,000+ even in the first year.

Is franchising a good option?
It depends. Some franchises offer great training and built-in clients, but they can take a hefty cut. Read contracts carefully.

Choosing the right cleaning business to start comes down to more than mop heads and vacuum bags. It’s about aligning your lifestyle, strengths, and long-term vision with a model that actually pays. If you’re looking at steady growth, fewer cancellations, and solid margins, the commercial sector—especially in thriving hubs like Port Melbourne—is hard to beat.

In fact, for a deeper dive into the revenue potential of different cleaning niches, this guide on profitable cleaning businesses gives a great breakdown.