Running a commercial cleaning business? Yeah—it’s a lot. Between juggling clients, schedules, and the never-ending hunt for reliable staff, it’s easy to feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone. And honestly, sometimes just hearing what others are doing (or not doing) can give you the push—or the pause—you need.
Stop, Breathe, and Rethink Your Marketing
Let’s be real. Most cleaning business owners aren’t marketing pros. You didn’t start this gig to write email campaigns or post on LinkedIn. You wanted to build something solid, something that pays the bills (and then some). But here’s where a lot of folks get stuck: no one knows you exist.
Do you really need to run ads on every social media platform? Probably not. But a simple, friendly email to your past clients? That can work wonders. Think of it like dropping by their office for a quick hello—except digital. And if writing’s not your thing? There are tools (or people) who can help you keep in touch without sounding like a robot.
Money’s Tight? Focus on What Actually Brings in Business
I get it.
Spending money when things feel tight? It’s nerve-wracking.
When you’re watching every dollar, even the idea of signing up for another tool or service can feel like too much. Maybe you’ve been burned before by shiny marketing promises that didn’t deliver, or maybe you’re just trying to stay afloat until the next big job comes through.
But here’s the real talk:
Sometimes, it’s not the money you’re spending that’s the problem—it’s the money you’re not spending that’s holding you back.
Let me explain.
Say you’re getting leads—through your website, word of mouth, maybe even referrals—but you’re not following up consistently. No emails. No calls. No reminders.
That’s like someone walking into your store, asking for a price… and you just nod and watch them leave. You’re not losing money—you’re just never giving yourself the chance to make it.
Or maybe you’re already booking jobs, which is great. But you’re not tracking them. No notes on what was done, when to follow up, or what the client asked for next time. Things slip through the cracks, you forget to send invoices, and repeat business fades away.
Again—that’s cash left sitting on the table.
The solution doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
You don’t need a ten-thousand-dollar software suite. Heck, you don’t even need a paid tool right away.
Start small:
- Zoho CRM has a free tier.
- HubSpot gives you basics like contact tracking and reminders.
- Even Google Sheets or Excel can be a game-changer if you use it consistently.
It’s not about being fancy.
It’s about being organized enough to stop letting opportunity slip through your fingers.
Think of it this way:
You already work hard. Why not make that work go further?
Just having a system—even a basic one—to track leads, send quick follow-ups, and stay on top of your schedule can mean the difference between scraping by and actually growing.
So yeah, spending a little can feel scary.
But not spending at all? That can cost you way more in the long run.
And if setting this stuff up feels overwhelming?
You don’t have to go it alone. That’s where tools like BookAQuote.ca come in—we help you focus on what matters, without the tech headaches or marketing fluff.
Let’s make your hustle actually work for you.
The Staff Struggle: It’s Real (And It’s Okay to Admit It)
Hiring and keeping good cleaners? Yeah… that’s probably the #1 headache I hear from every cleaning business owner. It’s the one thing that keeps people up at night—finding someone who shows up, does the job right, and doesn’t vanish after two weeks.
And no, there’s no secret sauce or perfect Indeed ad that guarantees a steady stream of superstar cleaners (if you find one, call me!). But there are ways to make your business a place that people want to stay in—and tell their friends about.
Start with clear expectations.
Most problems on the job aren’t because someone’s lazy—it’s because they didn’t know what was expected. If you assume they “should just know,” you’ll end up frustrated (and so will they). Write down your standards. Show examples. Be kind but direct. It saves everyone from guessing games.
Then comes the magic ingredient: appreciation.
No, you don’t need to hand out bonuses like Oprah. But the little things? They matter.
Some owners I know keep a “good vibes” board in their supply room or staff area. Anytime a client sends a compliment, it gets pinned up. You’d be amazed how far a “Great job today—client loved the floors!” can go.
Others handwrite thank-you notes at the end of a busy week or drop off coffees during morning rounds. One even started a “Cleaner of the Month” where the winner picks their shift for the next week (and gets bragging rights).
How to Keep Cleaners Happy & Showing Up
- 🎯 Set Clear Expectations: Don’t assume—they’re not mind readers. Spell it out.
- 💬 Give Positive Feedback Fast: Shout it out the same day if you can.
- ☕ Show Appreciation (Even in Small Ways): Coffee, kind words, a simple thank-you—it all adds up.
- 📌 Highlight Client Praise: Post it on a board, share it in your group chat, or read it aloud.
- 🕵️♀️ Ask for Their Input: Got supply issues or route problems? Ask the ones on the ground.
- 🏆 Offer Mini Perks: Pick-your-shift rewards, small gift cards, or “Cleaner of the Month.”
- 📣 Make Referrals Worth It: Incentivize staff who bring in friends that stick around.
It’s small stuff—but it sticks.
People remember how you made them feel. And guess what? When your team feels seen and valued, they don’t just stick around—they talk. One happy cleaner tells a friend who needs a job. That friend applies. And just like that, you’ve got a warm lead without spending a dollar on hiring ads.
Retention becomes recruitment.
At the end of the day, cleaners aren’t robots—they’re people. Treat them with respect, give them structure, and show a little heart now and then. It won’t solve everything, but it’ll put you miles ahead of the companies who just bark orders and wonder why no one stays.
🎁 Bonus: Need help putting these tips into action? Get the free cheat sheet to Creating a Cleaner-Friendly Culture in your commercial cleaning business to help you retain your cleaning staff.
Simply fill in your details and get access:
The “Too Busy to Grow” Trap
You ever feel so busy working in your business that you forget to work on it?
Yep—happens to the best of us.
You’re putting out fires, answering client texts at all hours, filling in when someone calls in sick, running errands, checking supplies, and maybe—maybe—squeezing in dinner at the end of the day. It’s easy to stay stuck in the daily grind because it feels productive. But here’s the hard truth: staying busy isn’t the same as moving forward.
So here’s your gentle nudge: carve out one hour this week. Just one. Put your phone on silent. Close your email. Hide if you have to.
And look at your numbers.
Not in a spreadsheet-guru kind of way—just enough to spot patterns.
- Which clients actually make you money?
Some jobs feel like wins, but after travel, time, supplies, and stress—they’re not. - Which ones drain your time or energy?
The chronic late payers. The ones with endless little requests. The ones who ghost you until they’re in a bind. - Which services are your bread and butter?
Maybe you assumed deep cleans were your moneymaker, but recurring office contracts bring in steadier cash with fewer headaches. - Where are the gaps?
Are you missing out on upsells like floor care or window cleaning because you never mention them?
Write it all down. Seriously—grab a notebook or open a blank doc. Even if you do nothing else, this tiny audit can shift how you see your business. It’s like turning on the light in a messy room. Suddenly, you know what to tackle next—and what to leave behind.
Quick Wins You Can Try (Like, Today)
- Send a “Hey, we’re still here” email to past clients.
- Ask your best client for a referral.
- Set up a free CRM to track quotes and jobs.
- Post a quick “Did you know we do this?” tip on LinkedIn.
- Say thank you—out loud—to your team.
Running a cleaning business isn’t glamorous.
There’s no red carpet, no viral TikToks, no fancy office perks. It’s early mornings, late nights, missed lunches, and a whole lot of elbow grease. It’s dealing with broken vacuums, no-show staff, and clients who swear they “just need a quick clean” (but somehow left behind a post-reno mess).
It’s hard work.
And it doesn’t always get the respect it deserves.
But here’s the thing—that doesn’t mean it has to stay hard forever.
Sometimes, it’s not about making a massive change. It’s about a few small shifts that make a big impact:
- Following up with leads instead of forgetting them.
- Sending a quick check-in to an old client.
- Saying thank you to the team more often.
- Taking 15 minutes to plan your week instead of winging it.
Clearer communication, better systems, and a little gratitude go a long way.
They don’t just make your life easier—they build a business that lasts. One that runs smoother, grows stronger, and gives you a little more breathing room at the end of the day.
And no, you don’t need to chase every shiny new trend.
You don’t have to be on 7 social platforms. You don’t have to automate your entire life. You don’t have to pretend you’re some marketing guru or tech wizard.
Just do what works.
Simple, real stuff. The kind that brings in jobs and keeps good people around.
And hey—if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of doing it all yourself?
That’s what BookAQuote.ca is here for.
Whether it’s help with your outreach, follow-up systems, or just getting more eyeballs on your business—we’ve got your back. No pressure. No jargon. Just real support for real business owners.
You’ve already built something worth being proud of. Now let’s take it to the next level.
Talk soon.