Interested folks will often ask me what’s needed to start a carpet cleaning business? This was the question that burned through my mind all those years ago when I wanted to get started.
While there is much that is required initially, I am happy to share a few of the absolute essential things to have or understand before you launch your business. These are:
An Understanding of Your Potential Market
One of the first things you need to start your carpet and floor cleaning business is a good understanding of the current market. Conduct a Google search for the term “carpet cleaning _____ (your city).” This should show how many major franchises and local companies operate in your area. If the franchises show up on page 1, then there is likely a good market. The three primary franchises are Stanley Steemer, Zerorez, and Chem-Dry. These companies will only sell franchises in profitable markets.
Also, you want to see if any local carpet cleaning companies exist. If they do then that’s another sign of a positive market. Don’t let the number of companies discourage you. There is plenty of work for everyone. You will be seeking your part of the market pie. Nothing more, nothing less.
If, on the other hand, you don’t see a lot of carpet cleaning companies then the market may be questionable. BUT that does not mean that you can’t go in to business. Typically a small market indicates that you will need to offer more services.
If you only offer carpet and upholstery cleaning you may not get much business in a certain market. However, if you offer those services along with hardwood cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, window cleaning, pressure washing, and car detailing; then you will likely have much more business. Smaller markets typically require more services.
This is why it’s important to know your area and potential market.
What’s Needed to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business: The Right Equipment
Assuming you have a good feel for your market you now need to determine what equipment you need. Some people think that equipment is the most important factor when considering what’s needed to start a carpet cleaning business.
I always recommend starting small until you see how your business develops. Going all-in is a mistake too many carpet cleaners have made. There are countless stories of guys who bought a $30,000 van mounted with a $30,000 truck-mount on it only to be out of business within a few months. The assumption they make is, — if they buy it, the customers will come. That’s simply poor thinking.
Avoid the hype that says a truck-mount is the only way to go!
It is best to start with a portable extractor with strong extraction capabilities, at least 250 psi of pressure, and good heat. This can usually be obtained for about $3500 (or less). If you are not familiar with the options in extractors it can be very confusing. There are scads to choose from and each company claims that their model is “the best!”
Some people start out using what is referred to as VLM (very low moisture). You can get started with VLM for under $1000. But VLM is primarily for commercial work rather than residential but it can do an efficient job on residential carpets. However, many residential carpets will require deep hot water extraction (AKA: steam cleaning) in order to get them thoroughly clean.
A Cargo Van or Trailer
Obviously you will need a way to transport your equipment. As your business grows you will acquire more and more equipment, tools, and cleaning products. This means that cargo space is vitally important.
Most carpet cleaners use a cargo van to transport equipment. Vans are user-friendly when it comes to carpet cleaning equipment and how it can be set-up. My van is a Ford Transit Connect. It is small but I have set it up to carry all of my equipment quite easily. However, it took a lot of creativity and trial to get it set up just right. I am always thinking about getting a larger van.
At the time of this writing I have a large generator, a Jaguar 8.4 ETM (electric truck mount), 125 feet of vacuum hose, 150 feet of pressure hose, all my cleaning products, my wands, a hydro-force sprayer, 2 dri-eaz fans and lots of other tools.
Some guys use a cargo trailer because they already own a pick-up truck and the cost of a trailer is much less than a van. The drawback to a trailer is that they are difficult to maneuver in some residential driveways. I am not good at backing trailers into tight spots so I don’t want to go that route. But some people have a knack for maneuvering trailers around and it is a good option for them.
When it comes to transporting your equipment you want to consider to safest and most practical option for you.
A Desire and a Why
When I coach new carpet cleaners one of the first things we talk about is WHY they want to get into the business. What will keep you in this business is knowing what motivated you to start it in the first place. There are lots of challenges in starting this business but each is easily overcome-able provided you have a burning desire and reason why that drives you each day.
If you just want what you consider to be an easy way to make some money, then forget this business. You will not last in it. You MUST KNOW what drives you to success. Here are a few possibilities:
- I want the freedom to control my schedule (this was one of mine – I hate being told by someone else when I have to be somewhere and when I can leave)
- I want to break away from the corporate structure
- I want to be the one that determines my income, not some manager in my office (this was another one of mine)
- I want to build something that grows me and helps me realize my full potential
- I want to build a business with several vans so that I can get off the van and live life on my terms.
- I want to build something I can pass on to my kids so that they will not face the struggles I faced
Those are just a few possibilities. Yours may be totally different. But you MUST have a burning desire and a passionate reason why you want to do this.
What’s Needed to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business: Persistence
This is what I call the do or die approach. You have to stick with it because there will be days when it seems too hard. But there is nothing, and I MEAN NOTHING, that is more satisfying than going out in the morning with 4 jobs and coming home having made $750 (or more) … IN ONE DAY!
I have done that countless times. But to get there and have those days means you have to remain persistent.
The late Jim Rohn taught a principle called: The Day That Turns Your Life Around.
That’s the day when you say … “I have had it! I am NOT going to live like this any more! Today I will begin to build my business and only God Himself can prevent me! This attitude will drive your persistence and desire to stay focused, motivated, and successful.
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Thanks for reading this post related to what’s needed to start a carpet cleaning business.
Tony Guthrie, Kleaneasy Carpet and Floor Cleaning
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