8 of the Best Low-Cost Cleaning Franchises

The global cleaning services market is worth over $375 billion, and it continues to grow. Expected to reach $633 billion by 2030, it’s clear the market is on a steady growth trajectory and offers plenty of potential for new entrepreneurs. Many prospective franchisees are attracted to the industry due to the ongoing need for cleaning services and the potential to secure repeat revenue from trusted customers. Another major benefit is the cost profile of some cleaning businesses.

Because the cleaning industry is friendly to regional development agreements and allows franchisees to follow a more mobile or flexible model, both the initial investment and ongoing overhead costs tend to be lower than standard brick-and-mortar concepts. Here are eight of the hottest low-cost cleaning franchise opportunities to consider this year.

Stratus Building Solutions

Stratus Building Solutions is a commercial cleaning franchise that offers ongoing janitorial services on a weekly or monthly basis and other individual services like floor polishing, pressure washing and post-construction clean-up. The franchise currently has over 70 regional offices and over 3,600 unit-level franchisees across the country. With a customer base of over 36,000 accounts, Stratus Building Solutions is growing in a high-demand market and offers a strong opportunity for business-minded entrepreneurs looking to scale a cleaning business in their communities.

Growth Club Profile

• Units: 3,641
• Total Initial Investment: $100,000 - $249,999
• Franchise Fee: $75,000
• Royalty Fee: 5%
• Marketing Fee: 1%
• Liquidity Required: $100,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 12 years

ecomaids

ecomaids is a green cleaning franchise that offers non-toxic cleaning services to residential clients. In the $40 billion residential cleaning industry, ecomaids offers a unique value proposition, allowing it to capture the business of health-conscious clients who do not want to sacrifice efficiency. Because over 70% of ecomaids’ revenue comes from recurring clients, the brand is a great choice for entrepreneurs seeking sustainable, reliable business.

1851 Newsroom

• Units: 100+
• Total Initial Investment: $110,990 - $136,379
• Franchise Fee: $40,000
• Royalty Fee: 8%
• Marketing Fee: 10%
• Liquidity Required: $60,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Image One Facility Solutions

Image One Facility Solutions is a janitorial concept that began offering franchise opportunities in 2011. However, the brand has been in the industry for over 30 years. Having long perfected its practices, Image One now offers the model and support entrepreneurs need to grow a successful janitorial business that is catered to their specific lifestyle and goals.

• Units: 20
• Total Initial Investment: $43,625 - $61,225
• Franchise Fee: $29,750
• Royalty Fee: 10%
• Marketing Fee: 5% - 10%
• Liquidity Required: Not disclosed
• Franchise Agreement Length: 15 years

Molly Maid

Molly Maid is a cleaning franchise under the Neighborly franchising umbrella. With over 35 years of industry experience, Molly Maid has built a proven model that satisfies both owners and customers. Molly Maid owners report a recurring customer base of 98%, proving the reliability of the business and the potential for long-term stability.

• Units: 500+
• Total Initial Investment: $133,700 - $191,700
• Franchise Fee: $14,900
• Royalty Fee: 3% - 6.5%
• Marketing Fee: 2%
• Liquidity Required: $65,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Fish Window Cleaning

Fish Window Cleaning is a window cleaning franchise that allows franchisees an opportunity to be business owners rather than window cleaners. With a proven business model, driven entrepreneurs have an opportunity to scale a window cleaning business with high customer retention, low overhead costs and strong growth potential.

• Units: 275+
• Total Initial Investment: $102,800 - $167,500
• Franchise Fee: $49,900 - $74,900
• Royalty Fee: 6% - 8%
• Marketing Fee: 1%
• Liquidity Required: $75,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

JAN-PRO Franchise Development

JAN-PRO Franchise Development offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to scale a cleaning business while creating opportunities for others in their area to grow as business owners. There are currently over 125 regional developers in the system, and more than 10,000 unit-level franchises have been opened. The regional development model is a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in running a professional business with a consistently top-ranked franchisor.

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• Units: 10,654
• Total Initial Investment: $127,500 - $769,000
• Franchise Fee: $50,000 - $600,000
• Royalty Fee: 4%
• Marketing Fee: Not disclosed
• Liquidity Required: Not disclosed
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

MaidPro

MaidPro is a home cleaning franchise under the Threshold Brands umbrella. The brand positions itself as a “franchisee-friendly” option, noting flexibility in royalty payment schedules and product sourcing. MaidPro owners can also enjoy flexibility in their schedules, maintaining time off for what matters during evenings, weekends and holidays while servicing a reliable, repeat customer base.

• Units: 267
• Total Initial Investment: $105,560 - $130,800
• Franchise Fee: $45,000
• Royalty Fee: 6%
• Marketing Fee: 2%
• Liquidity Required: $50,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 5 years

Anago Cleaning Systems

Anago Cleaning Systems is a janitorial franchise with a range of investment models for entrepreneurs with various levels of experience, financials and business goals. Unit-level franchises are low-cost but high-support, allowing franchisees access to over 30 years of industry experience and proven systems. Unit Franchisees with Anago Cleaning Systems secure contracts from Master Franchisees, who handle the majority of the paperwork associated with business ownership so the Unit Franchisees can focus on the projects and service in their specific unit.

• Units: 1,835
• Total Initial Investment: $11,265 - $68,250
• Franchise Fee: $5,015 - $31,000
• Royalty Fee: 10%
• Marketing Fee: 2%
• Liquidity Required: $1,000 - $23,500
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

The cleaning industry offers a range of franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs looking to break into a steady, low-cost business. Whether you’re looking to own a single unit and oversee a small team of employees who conduct cleanings in your community or would rather serve as a regional franchisee, supporting other entrepreneurs in pursuing their dreams, these eight low-cost cleaning franchises are great launching points.

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.