Cleaning Franchise Opportunities
Are you looking for a recession-resilient business that’s in demand, easy to scale and allows you to be your own boss? A cleaning franchise might be just what you're after.
Join us as we uncover why more entrepreneurs than ever are turning to the cleaning industry – and how you can get involved.
Cleaning Franchise Opportunities
For other industry opportunities please go to our franchise directory
Cleaning franchises: market snapshot
The UK cleaning sector is worth over £59 billion, according to PolicyBee. It contributes more than £24 billion to the UK economy, employing nearly a million people.
The below graph from the Office for National Statistics highlights just how much the cleaning industry has grown in the UK over the past few years.
Once upon a time, a quick vacuum and a spritz of polish would do. Then came the pandemic, and suddenly everyone was side-eyeing door handles wherever they went. Hygiene has now shifted from “nice-to-have” to absolutely non-negotiable.
Aaron Watson, managing director of Molly Maid UK, has seen this shift up close. "We’ve seen a 70% increase in weekly growth across the organisation – purely down to demand," he says.
"More people want help around the home than before. It used to be a luxury service, but people now view it as essential."
In a post-pandemic world, our relationship with cleaning has changed. No one wants to inject themselves with Dettol – but we do want to inhabit germ-free spaces.
Beyond the obvious health implications, there’s been a cultural shift. Enter the age of the ‘cleanfluencer’: content creators like Mrs Hinch and My Horsford Home have transformed housework into a lifestyle, particularly for Gen Z and Millennials who view tidy homes as part of their aesthetic and wellness routines.
When lockdowns forced people to work from home, many discovered newfound respect (or frustration) for the state of their living spaces. For some, cleaning became mindful and therapeutic. For others, it was a never-ending stressor.
Now, with 88% of workers facing some form of mandatory office return, according to the Virgin Media O2 Business Movers Index 2024, spare time is again in short supply. The home-as-sanctuary mindset stuck – but the time to keep it pristine? Not so much.
What is a cleaning franchise?
A cleaning franchise is a business model where you, the entrepreneur (franchisee), purchase the rights to trade under an established brand. Cleaning franchises span residential, commercial and specialist services– from windows and carpets to industrial units.
You’re not starting from scratch. Franchisees benefit from:
- Brand recognition
- Operational training
- A built-in customer base
- Proven marketing strategies
- Preferential supplier rates
Chris Wootton, CEO of Poppies Cleaning, explains, "The cleaning business is fundamentally a people business. We provide fulfilling work for employees and give clients back valuable time. If you focus on building a great team and delivering excellent service, success will follow."
This people-first ethos is echoed across the industry. It’s a key reason that cleaning franchises tend to outperform independent start-ups.
It’s not just domestic cleaning demand that’s skyrocketed. Offices, shops, schools and communal facilities are all under pressure to meet higher hygiene standards. The result is a booming industry with lots of opportunities for cleaning franchises to shine.
And when it comes to the different types of cleaning franchises available, your choice will depend on your goals, experience and budget. Popular categories include:
- Residential cleaning – Houses, flats, Airbnbs
- Commercial cleaning – Offices, retail spaces
- Specialist cleaning – Carpet cleaning, leather cleaning, oven cleaning, window cleaning, prams and children's equipment, end-of-tenancy
- Industrial cleaning – Warehouses, factories, medical facilities
- Other household tasks – Such as ironing
Who should start a cleaning franchise?
If you want to be your own boss while earning a stable, recurring income, a cleaning franchise might be up your street. The job typically offers flexibility (ideal for parents, carers and career-changers) and stability in an uncertain job market.
Time For You Cleaning sums it up as "a business model that adapts to your life, not the other way around."
If you're worried about having no clients or experience, that's exactly where a cleaning franchise model shines. You’ll receive systems, training and support from day one.
And you don’t necessarily have to do the cleaning yourself. Many cleaning franchises – like Molly Maid – operate as management franchises. This means you oversee teams rather than scrub tiles yourself.
Aaron Watson from Molly Maid explains, "Our franchise package includes a full business setup, first-year marketing and a tailored plan to help franchisees break even within the first year.
"With a six- to eight-week lead time, you can be up and running quickly. Growth potential is unlimited."
Deyssy Silva, an operations support manager for a national facilities services company, began as a domestic cleaner. Today, she oversees 150 staff.
"I encourage people to join the industry," she says. "You meet a wide range of people from all over the world, and if you start right at the bottom, you’ll have opportunities to progress."
Chris Wootton from Poppies adds, "I bought a franchise because I wanted to be independent. I wanted to work for myself – but I didn’t want to work by myself."
"We offer three levels: owner-operator for hands-on involvement, management franchises where you build a team, and full-scale operations covering domestic and commercial clients. You can pick what suits your ambition and experience."
Are cleaning franchises profitable?
Absolutely – especially if you focus on customer service and build a loyal client base. Cleaning franchises benefit from:
- Recurring income through repeat bookings
- Low overheads (no storefront needed)
- Scalable growth
Aaron Watson from Molly Maid says: "The business model is designed for profitability, with increasing returns year after year." Chris Wootton from Poppies agrees: “Follow the system, and success follows. We’ve proved it time and time again."
How much does a cleaning franchise cost?
Start-up costs vary depending on the brand and support level. Entry-level cleaning franchises can begin at around £5,000, while more comprehensive packages range between £10,000 and £25,000. Some brands offer financing options starting from as little as £1,500.
What to consider when starting a cleaning franchise
When it comes to choosing the right cleaning franchise for you, attending franchise discovery days is a must. Also think about setting a realistic budget, speaking to current franchisees and reviewing any franchise agreement with a solicitor.
Look for brands that offer intensive onboarding, business coaching and ongoing marketing support.
With a booming market, strong brand backing and recurring demand, a cleaning franchise could be your best move yet. If you feel like you're ready to take the plunge, browse our wide range of franchise opportunities. You can also browse commercial cleaning franchises, pest control franchises and property management franchises.
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