Starting a cleaning business takes more than a little elbow grease. Getting the right tools and supplies helps you deliver that high-quality clean clients expect from a professional.
Whether you’re cleaning homes, offices, or providing specialty services like carpet or window care, this quick guide covers the cleaning business supplies you need most, plus a free checklist to plan your first supply run and stay on budget.
The All-In-One: Cleaning Supplies to Buy Before Your First Job
To start a cleaning business, buy supplies and equipment that match your services and budget. You’ll need:
- Everyday supplies: Basic cleaners, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, and a caddy/cart
- Floor tools: Vacuum with attachments, broom, mop, and bucket
- Specialty equipment: Carpet, window, or janitorial tools, based on your services
- Restocks and safety gear: Product refills, trash bags, and gloves
Stock up on the essentials with a cleaning supply checklist, then help safeguard your budget from unexpected costs with cleaning business insurance.
What Supplies Do I Need to Start a Cleaning Business?
The supplies you need to start a cleaning business include basic cleaning solutions and tools, but any additional items are based on your specific services. Before we break down the essentials, use this FREE cleaning business supplies checklist to get the right tools for your first few jobs.
What to Buy First: Your Basic Cleaning Supplies
Focus on the supplies that help you handle the most fundamental cleaning jobs first. Whether you’re wiping down counters or vacuuming dusty carpets, start with this basic cleaning business supply list:
- Various cleaning solutions (e.g., glass cleaner, surface cleaner, disinfectant, etc.)
- Vacuum with attachments and filters
- Duster
- Gloves (reusable and disposable options)
- Refillable spray bottles
- Trash bags (small and large)
- Broom with dustpan
- Mop and dual-bucket wringer
- Microfiber cloths
- Cleaning caddy
Expert Tip #1: Start Lean & Clean Safely
“For new cleaners, they're going to want to keep initial costs low to maximize profit. Said profit will give them the flexibility to invest in different supplies…There’s a lot of trial and error throughout the journey. The most important thing to learn about cleaning is how easy it is to cross-contaminate.”
💸 Know Your Startup Costs
Cleaning businesses rely on their supplies to get the job done, but there’s more to successful service than what’s in your cleaning caddy. Find out what else you need and how to budget with our guide to cleaning business startup costs.
What Cleaning Supplies to Add Based On Your Services
Adding specialized supplies to your list helps you deliver a professional clean and meet your client’s demands, like high cleaning frequency, sanitization, or polishing delicate surfaces.
Choose the rest of your cleaning business supplies based on the following lists for house, carpet, window, and janitorial cleaning services:
House Cleaning Business Supplies
House cleaning supplies should cover everyday messes, common surfaces, and the tools you need to move from room to room. Use this list to stock up on basic cleaners, floor tools, protective gear, and small extras that ensure you’re prepared and professional.
| The Basics | House Cleaning Supplies |
|---|---|
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Carpet Cleaning Supplies
Carpet cleaners need specialized tools that can lift deep dirt, treat stains, and refresh carpet fibers without damaging carpet or rugs. Here are the basic carpet cleaning supplies you’ll need for most jobs.
| The Basics | Carpet Cleaning Supplies |
|---|---|
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Window Cleaning Business Supplies
A simple glass cleaner won’t always do the trick for a streak-free shine. Window cleaning businesses also need supplies that help remove build-up and clean surfaces safely, especially since broken windows account for 25% of cleaning business insurance claims.
| The Basics | Window Cleaning Supplies |
|---|---|
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Janitorial Cleaning Supplies
Providing recurring cleaning services for local businesses requires more supplies than most other cleaning businesses. Use this janitorial cleaning supplies list to help you stay organized, handle quick cleanups, maintain a variety of rooms, and plan ahead when pricing your commercial services:
| The Basics | Janitorial Supplies |
|---|---|
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Choose Cleaning Products for Your Budget & Client Needs
The best cleaning supplies for your business depends on your services, budget, and client preferences. Expert-recommended products are reliable, but they often cost more than mixing your own solutions. Clients might also request specific products in their contract, like non-toxic cleaners.
Use this table to browse and compare cleaning products and brands that might work best for your business:
| Supply Category | Examples | Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Trusted Brands |
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Clorox, Bona, OxiClean |
Stocking reliable products for everyday cleaning, disinfecting, hardwood floors, stains, and odors |
|
Budget-Friendly Supplies |
White vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, microfiber cloths, DIY cleaners with essential oils |
Saving money on everyday cleaning tasks and reducing single-use supplies |
|
Eco-Friendly Products |
Seventh Generation, Ecover, The Honest Company, Method, Biokleen |
Meeting client preferences for plant-based, biodegradable, or lower-impact cleaning products |
7 Ways to Save Money on Cleaning Business Supplies
With a solid cleaning business supply list, you can get all the essentials before your next job and avoid overspending. Before you finalize your list and start shopping, here are some tips to help you stay on budget and protect your investment.
Expert Tip #2: Put Your Budget Where It Counts
“Don't blow your budget on a steam cleaner or other heavy duty machinery like a floor-scrubbing machine or a pressure washer. You might not have any jobs that need them. Rent or sub those out at first. The money's better spent on microfiber cloths, a good vacuum, and getting insured.”
1. Protect Your Gear from Costly Replacements
You rely on your tools and supplies for every job. If something happens, like your vacuum gets stolen or dropped down a staircase, adding tools and equipment coverage to your cleaning business insurance helps save you from costly surprises.
Also called inland marine insurance, tools and equipment coverage is designed to protect your valuable cleaning equipment from theft or sudden damage. With help covering the cost to repair or replace your gear, your business stays running with fewer disruptions and less out-of-pocket stress.
2. Shop Wholesale Cleaning Products
Running a cleaning business means you’ll need a lot of supplies, and buying from retail outlets gets expensive quickly. Instead, buy in bulk from wholesale suppliers to get a lower per-unit cost.
Common bulk cleaning business supplies include:
- Surface cleaners
- Trash can liners
- Microfiber towels
- Mops and mop pads
- Personal protective equipment (PPE), like gloves and masks
- Kitchen and bathroom restock supplies
Janitorial supply stores typically offer a range of products and complete kits with fast shipping and expert customer service. Many suppliers offer regular shipments, too, so you won’t have to worry about running out of products when you need them most.
3. Prioritize Multi-Purpose Products
Instead of having a different cleaning solution for each area, pick products that work on multiple surfaces.
For example, an all-purpose cleaner can handle everything from kitchen counters to bathroom sinks. Microfiber cloths can be washed and reused for dusting, wiping, and polishing without the need for extra chemicals.
4. Start Small, Expand Gradually
Your first supply run should include only the products you’ll use most often. On your cleaning supply checklist, these are your basic essentials, from glass cleaner to gloves and microfiber cloths.
Save the specialty items for your next trip. This gives you time to figure out what you really need and helps you avoid going over budget when you still need business cards or uniforms.
5. Use Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Don’t rely on your client to provide supplies unless it’s in your contract. You know your products well and can use them to get the best results. Plus, by using your own supplies, you can include the cost in your service price, making your offer more complete.
Using your own products helps you deliver a consistent, high-quality clean and shows your clients that you’re committed to providing top-notch service.
6. Invest in Quality Tools
Don’t cut corners when it comes to your cleaning tools. Investing in high-quality equipment might feel like a big expense upfront, but it’s worth it.
High-quality tools last longer, work better, and make your job easier. Whether it’s a durable mop or a strong vacuum, quality tools help you tackle tough messes and keep your clients satisfied.
7. Properly Maintain Your Equipment
Taking care of your equipment helps it last longer and continue working efficiently. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your gear in the best shape and know when it’s time to replace worn-out tools:
- Clean tools after use: Rinse mop heads with hot water, shake out brooms, rinse sponges, and wash microfiber cloths without fabric softener
- Maintain equipment: Empty your vacuum’s dustbin with every job and clean or replace filters based on the manufacturer’s instructions
- Store supplies properly: Keep liquids tightly sealed and your tools dry, organized, and spaced out to prevent mold, mildew, and damage during storage or traveling
- Replace worn tools: Swap out frayed brushes, worn mop heads, or tools that no longer work well, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how often to replace certain items
Protect the Cleaning Supplies You Rely On
From a cleaning caddy to a fully stocked cart, the right supplies help you keep business spotless. Use our free checklist to map out the supplies you need to start a cleaning business, and get a free quote to see how Insurance Canopy helps keep your tools and your business secure.
FAQs About Cleaning Business Supplies
How Much Do Cleaning Business Supplies Cost?
Cleaning business supplies start at around $300-$600. This includes basic cleaning equipment, tools, and cleaning solutions. The final cost depends on factors like the services you offer, how many clients you have, and whether you plan to use equipment you already own.
Do I Need Insurance for My Cleaning Supplies & Equipment?
If you rely on expensive tools or equipment, cleaning business insurance with tools and equipment coverage can help protect them from theft or sudden damage. Having insurance for your supplies helps reduce out-of-pocket costs if important gear needs to be repaired or replaced.
What Other Business Supplies Do I Need Besides Cleaning Supplies?
Along with cleaning supplies and tools for the job, you may need a few business basics to stay organized and look professional, such as:
- Business email account
- Scheduling app
- Invoicing software
- Business cards
- Branded uniform(s)
- A business bank account
- Proof of cleaning business insurance
These tools help you book jobs, manage payments, and meet client or contract requirements, like having liability insurance.
How Often Should I Restock My Cleaning Business Supplies?
How often you’ll need to restock depends on how many cleaning jobs you have and how much space you have to store supplies. Check your inventory at least once a month and set a minimum threshold for when an item will be restocked.
