You have registered your cleaning company and ready to get started. Now you need to purchase the equipment to start offering your cleaning services to your clients. Making sure you have the right equipment is critical for success of your business. Buying quality products and providing great service will ensure your customer satisfaction and repeat business. To help you get started and stay organized, we have put together the list of equipment you will need.
As you will be handling chemicals, your health and safety is very important. So, let’s start with those items first-
Disposable gloves will protect your hands from harsh cleaners and any germs that you can pick up while cleaning. While there are gloves that you can reuse, we truly recommend using new gloves every time to avoid any germs transmission from one customer to another.
Masks - With 2020 being a year we have to live through pandemic, it is very important for you to wear a mask to protect you and your client. Mask also helps you to avoid breathing in the chemicals.
Eye covering - You may want to use this to protect your eyes from harsh chemical sprays.
Cleaning apron not only protects your clothes to avoid stains, it also provides lot of pockets for you to keep the items you need during cleaning and saves you time going back and forth. You can buy Hudson Durable Goods - Heavy Duty Waxed Canvas Work Apron or NoCry Professional Canvas Work Apron because of all the pockets it comes with.
Shoe covers can help you to protect your footwear when you are performing a really dirty or construction cleaning. You may not need this for every job.
Knee pads - There could be many jobs that will require you to get on your knee to clean the surface. As you will be doing this for hours, knee pads can help protect your knees.
Comfortable shoes - You will be on your feet for long hours, you need to make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
Cleaning caddy can be very helpful to hold all your cleaning supplies. Make sure the caddy you get is big enough to hold all the needed items. It should have dividers for different products, garbage bags and spray bottles.
Windows
Microfiber cloths - These cloths will be used to clean any glass services. You can get a pack of 36 from Costco at a great price.
Glass cleaner - We personally recommend using Windex for cleaning glass as it comes streak free. You can get this from Costco which comes with a refill.
Floors
Vacuum cleaner - Investing in a good vacuum will go a long way. There should be no compromise on this. Some vacuums can take care of hardwood floor too.
Mop and pads - You will need to consider mop for cleaning tiles, hardwood floors etc. Some clients prefer using dusting mob then vacuum for hardwood floors. Also consider the mops that can be easy to rinse as it builds up dirt. A bucket to rinse will also be needed.
Broom with dustpan – Consider a broom that has the dustpan snaped onto it. This comes in handy when you are carrying all your supplies.
Floor cleaning solution - You can use all purpose cleaner for the tiles and will need a separate hardwood cleaner for the hardwood floors. This will give the hardwood floors a shine that your clients will love.
Carpet odor eliminator may be needed for rooms that doesn’t have pleasant smell or for the clients that have pets at home.
Living room and Bedroom
Duster to clean the furniture and a long duster for fans and walls.
Wood furniture cleaner using the microfiber cloths. Pledge is a great one that adds shine and has fresh lemon scent.
Leather cleaner - Depending on your client’s furniture you will need a leather cleaner too.
Kitchen and Bathroom
All-purpose cleaner – This product is really going to come handy and can be used for cleaning counters and cupboards. This could act as a substitute to any bathroom cleaner. Lysol All Purpose cleaner is a great product and you can get it from Costco with a refill.
Stainless cleaner for the appliances
Granite cleaner – The shinning granite countertops will make the kitchen look very welcoming for your clients. Don’t use the multi-purpose cleaner for this as it can leave streaks behind and doesn’t look clean.
Oven cleaner - Oven cleaning is difficult and you need right product like Easy-Off Profession Fume Free Max Oven Cleaner that does a great job. The fume-free version makes cleaning a lot more breathable.
White Distilled Vinegar can be used to clean glass by mixing with water and as all-purpose cleaner by mixing with baking soda. This low-cost product can become very useful.
Disinfectant cleaner - is really needed to clean the tough spots in the bathroom. Product that comes with bleach is needed for this job. Clorox with bleach is great for this work.
Scrub pads to clean the sink
Grout brush for tiled showers
Toilet bowl brush - Disposable ones will be best as you can toss after each client use.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable Scrubber and Cleaning Sponges are best to get the tough stains off from walls, cupboards, appliances etc.
You can also offer eco-friendly cleaning products to your clients who are health or environmental conscious or who have small kids or pets at home. But make sure you do your research to ensure those products are non-toxic and can get the job done.
Office and Management
Business Phone line
Business cards
Laptop/PC and Printer
Cleaning business software - Software isn’t always considered the first priority on list but it can help you save time, stay organized, look very professional and ensures you get paid on time. A software like DoTimely helps you manage everything from scheduling to invoicing all in one place. You can manage your staff and create their paystubs. DoTimely app provide your staff all the information they need to perform their cleaning service. You can send pictures of the clean house to your clients and leave them notes.
With the software and the clean house provides a very personal service to your customers. Happy customers mean repeat business and profit for you.
Learn more about DoTimely features, click here.