The Cleaning Authority

For millions of busy families, finding time to clean the house isn’t just difficult, it’s nearly impossible. Between work, school, kids, errands and everything else, most homeowners are simply looking for help they can trust. That’s where&nbsp;<a href="https://cleaningauthorityfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-2730069" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Cleaning Authority</a> comes in, offering a polished, professional alternative to the unpredictable solo cleaner or the DIY approach.“People don’t want to clean their own homes. They don’t have enough hours in the day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-montanez-66015a19/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-2730069" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">David Montanez</a>, vice president of franchise development at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-2730069" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Authority Brands</a>. “So, they turn to The Cleaning Authority and what they get is consistency, reliability and professionalism.”With more than 45 years in business and over 225 locations across the country, The Cleaning Authority is one of the most mature and respected names in the residential cleaning space. Backed by the infrastructure and support of Authority Brands, the model is built to help franchisees scale sustainably while delivering a service customers genuinely value.<h3>Filling a Real Need, the Right Way</h3>Cleaning isn’t optional and most homeowners don’t want strangers coming into their homes without confidence in their training, professionalism and consistency. The Cleaning Authority addresses those concerns head-on.“We hear it from homeowners constantly,” Montanez said. “They’ve had the same cleaner for years. Someone who knows their home inside and out and treats them like family. Some clients get so attached they don’t want to let them retire.”Beyond the human touch, The Cleaning Authority integrates technology to optimize operations. Franchisees can track employee locations, manage schedules and flag recurring cleaning needs through the brand’s custom software.“It helps us provide excellent service to homeowners and operate efficiently as a business,” Montanez said.<h3>Built to Scale, Backed by Support</h3>Unlike gig-based services or single-operator startups, The Cleaning Authority is designed with structure, systems and scalability in mind. From initial training to ongoing support, the brand equips owners with everything they need to succeed, even if they’ve never worked in residential cleaning.“We’re looking for business acumen, not cleaning experience,” Montanez said. “Sixty percent of our owners have master’s degrees. They get it,&nbsp; it’s a business.”Franchisees benefit from robust marketing support, a proprietary&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecleaningauthority.com/why-hire-us-/detail-clean-rotation-system-/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-2730069" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Detail-Clean Rotation System</a>, and tools to build strong, loyal teams. Montanez says team-building is at the core of franchisee success.“If you focus on building the right culture, one where employees feel valued, respected, and fairly compensated, you create a team that stays,” said David Montanez. “When people enjoy coming to work and feel connected to the mission and each other, that camaraderie drives performance, loyalty, and long-term success. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of this business.”<h3>A Clear Financial Picture</h3>Many brands shy away from publishing detailed financial performance, but The Cleaning Authority takes a different approach.“We disclose full financials in our Franchise Disclosure Document,” Montanez said. “The numbers are very straightforward and strong.”With startup costs ranging from $76,000 to $147,100 and a clear growth path, The Cleaning Authority offers franchisees a service-first model that works in virtually every market regardless of season or economic conditions.“There’s always demand for cleaning,” Montanez said. “It’s a need, not a want.”<h3>Designed for Long-Term Growth</h3>While most franchisees start out as hands-on owner-operators, The Cleaning Authority is built to support long-term growth. As owners establish strong teams and streamline operations, many go on to expand into additional territories and take on a more strategic leadership role.“We support growth that’s earned through operational excellence,” said David Montanez. “Most franchisees begin with one to three territories, and from there, they have the opportunity to scale. It starts by learning the business, developing your team, and building a solid foundation.”With 16 new franchises targeted for 2025 and prime territories still available, The Cleaning Authority continues to grow and is driven by consistent demand, established systems and franchisees who care about building strong local businesses.For entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities while building a scalable business with real staying power, The Cleaning Authority delivers a clear, clean path forward.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://cleaningauthorityfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-2730069" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://cleaningauthorityfranchise.com/</a>.

The Cleaning Authority Franchise - A Trusted Service Opportunity

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VP of Franchise Development David Montanez explains how The Cleaning Authority combines consistent demand, professional service and strong unit economics to create a reliable franchise opportunity.

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Why The Cleaning Authority Is a Proven Path to Franchise Success

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COLUMBIA, Md.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://cleaningauthorityfranchise.com/">The Cleaning Authority</a> closed out 2025 with steady franchise development and is entering 2026 focused on growth and long-term franchisee support.The brand signed 17 franchisee agreements in 2025, awarding 17 territories across a mix of new market entry and additional development in existing regions.New and expanded territories during the year included Melbourne, North Jacksonville, and Pensacola, Florida; Long Beach, California; Middlesex County, Massachusetts; Middletown, New York; Lawrenceville and Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey; and Central Texas, Rockwall, and the San Antonio Missions, Texas.“Our focus in 2025 was being intentional about where and how we grow,” said Jordan Wilson, chief development officer at Authority Brands. “We’re looking for franchise owners who understand the business and want to build strong operations in their local markets.”Looking ahead to 2026, The Cleaning Authority plans to continue adding territories in markets where demand for residential cleaning has remained strong. These include parts of Florida and California, as well as areas across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and South.“Growth for us isn’t about speed,” Wilson said. “It’s about expanding responsibly while setting franchisees up to perform.”In Q1 2026,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-cleaning-authority/info">The Cleaning Authority</a> ranked No. 173 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500</a>, up from No. 226 in 2025. Last year, the brand placed No. 16 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisedirect.com/top100globalfranchises/rankings">Franchise Direct’s Top 100</a>. The franchise was also included in&nbsp;<a href="https://franserve.com/fran-tastic-brands/">FranServe’s 2025 FRAN-TASTIC Brands</a> and ranked No. 191 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/top-400-2025/">Franchise Times Top 400</a>.&nbsp;With more than 45 years in business and over 225 locations in North America, The Cleaning Authority enters th eyear focused on supporting existing owners while expanding in markets where the model continues to perform.“Residential cleaning is a year-round need,”&nbsp;Wilson&nbsp;said. “That consistency continues to make this a solid business for our franchise owners.”About The Cleaning AuthorityFounded in 1977, The Cleaning Authority franchise specializes in residential house cleaning services across the United States and Canada, with over 250 franchise locations. Committed to delivering exceptional quality and customer service, The Cleaning Authority follows a structured approach using the Detail-Clean Rotation System in conjunction with a Professional House Cleaning Checklist. This method divides the home into zones, ensuring a rotating deep-cleaning schedule so that every area receives thorough attention at the right frequency. All cleaning crews undergo professional training, and customer satisfaction is a top priority. To learn more about this franchise and becoming a franchise owner, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://thecleaningauthority.com">thecleaningauthority.com</a>.&nbsp;

The Cleaning Authority Signs 17 Franchise Deals in 2025 and Sets Its Focus for 2026

After adding 17 territories last year, The Cleaning Authority plans to continue growing at a measured pace in select markets. 

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The Cleaning Authority Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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After years spent raising her children and building a corporate career,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-oakley-archer-2a15635?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name">Shannon Oakley</a> didn’t initially set out to become a franchise owner. But today, as the owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://cleaningauthorityfranchise.com/">The Cleaning Authority</a> locations in Spokane and Bellevue, Washington, she’s proof that thoughtful preparation, strong relationships and an established system can pave the way to sustainable entrepreneurship.Oakley’s journey began in a very different chapter of life.“I was a stay-at-home mom for a long time while my husband worked,” she said. “When my kids were school-age, I chose to start working as a barista at Starbucks.”What began as a part-time role quickly turned into a corporate career. Oakley moved up through the ranks, working across multiple stores and gaining experience in financial management. “It was a great company to work for,” she said. “I worked across different stores, financial management — it gave me great exposure.”That operational foundation would prove invaluable when she transitioned into a management role at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-cleaning-authority/info">The Cleaning Authority</a> in Spokane in 2016.&nbsp;“I transitioned into a job at The Cleaning Authority, managing the location first with the intention to purchase,” she said. “But I wanted to make sure it was a place I wanted to be long term. That was a great opportunity.”<h2>Understanding the Business Beyond the Surface</h2>From the outside, residential cleaning may appear straightforward. Oakley quickly learned otherwise. “I really tried to understand the industry because it is actually a lot more complex than people realize,” she said. “House cleaning can’t be automated. It is a human workforce, and with that comes a lot of aspects.”For Oakley, that wasn’t intimidating; it was motivating.“We are a people company, and that is really what drew me in,” she said. “In our office, we have a wonderful opportunity of working with local employees and supporting them while we continue to support customers through cleaning. The relationships I was able to build were the driving force.”<h2>Taking the Leap Into Ownership</h2>In 2020, that opportunity for ownership came sooner than expected. “The owner at the time approached me and asked if I wanted to purchase the business,” Oakley said. “Entrepreneurship was definitely something that I knew I would get into eventually.”While ownership can often feel isolating, Oakley says&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-cleaning-authority/cleaning-authority-franchise-opportunity-2730072">The Cleaning Authority’s established franchise system made the decision easier</a>.“With The Cleaning Authority, the support system they offer is really different than any other franchise,” she said. “They not only offer the playbook, but also the support along with it from people who have done the work and found success. You have other owners who have come before you, who have already been in your shoes and can walk alongside you.”For Oakley, that community element was critical. “It doesn’t have to be lonely at the top, if you create relationships with other owners,” she said.<h2>Stability in an Essential Industry</h2>Oakley stepped into ownership during one of the most challenging periods for small businesses: the COVID-19 pandemic. But she says&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-cleaning-authority/cleaning-authority-franchise-journal-feature-2730681#featured">the resilience of the residential cleaning industry</a> quickly became clear.“Coming back from COVID was not easy, but it happened because our industry is always needed,” she said. “It’s not going away. People are always going to live in houses, and they will always need help keeping them clean.”Oakley’s success in Spokane opened the door to further growth. In 2023, she expanded her footprint. “I had the opportunity to purchase an additional location of The Cleaning Authority over in Bellevue,” she said. “Now we are looking at what the future looks like over there.”That move into multi-unit ownership reflects her confidence in the brand. “The system that we have in place works — it’s just a matter of how closely you are dedicated to aligning with it,” Oakley said. “If you want to reinvent the wheel, this brand is not for you.”From stay-at-home mom to corporate leader, from manager to multi-unit franchisee, Oakley’s path shows how franchise ownership can offer both stability and long-term opportunity.To learn more about The Cleaning Authority franchise opportunity, visit<a href="https://cleaningauthorityfranchise.com/">&nbsp;https://cleaningauthorityfranchise.com/</a>.

Leveraging her corporate experience, Shannon Oakley successfully transitioned from managing a single The Cleaning Authority location to becoming a multi-unit franchisee.

From Manager to Multi-Unit Owner: How This Franchisee Built Stability and Success With The Cleaning Authority in Spokane, Washington

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Why The Cleaning Authority Is a Proven Path to Franchise Success

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