LAST UPDATED: February 2026
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://cleaningauthorityfranchise.com/
1851 NEWSROOM: https://1851franchise.com/the-cleaning-authority
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 225+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $92,850 - $147,100
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,457,906 (average gross revenue for FY 2024)
The Cleaning Authority is a professional residential cleaning brand that delivers detail‑oriented services through a network of bonded and insured cleaning teams. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility, the brand operates dozens of local offices across North America, all franchised under a system that ensures consistency through rigorous training, quality inspections, and the Detail-Clean Rotation System®.
Founded in 1977 in the Baltimore–Washington metro area as one of the region’s first whole‑house cleaning services, The Cleaning Authority experienced its first major transition in 1989 when Steve Robinson and Tim Evankovich acquired the company. Under their leadership, the business expanded its reach and, in 1995, began offering franchise opportunities — an initiative that ultimately resulted in more than 225 locations across North America. Leadership continued evolving: in 2014, PNC Riverarch Capital took a majority stake, and by 2017, The Cleaning Authority became the flagship brand of Authority Brands, a leading home‑services franchisor.
Mission: The Cleaning Authority’s mission is to deliver consistently exceptional, eco-conscious cleaning that frees customers to spend their time on the people and activities that matter most.
Vision: The brand’s vision is to lead the residential cleaning industry by offering sustainable, locally‑owned service providers backed by a proven, high‑quality franchise model that prioritizes environmental stewardship and customer trust.
The Cleaning Authority is currently offering franchise opportunities across the U.S. in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia.
To find out more about available territories, visit The Cleaning Authority franchise website.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a franchised business in an Enterprise Market (30,000 - 60,000 households) ranges from $92,850 to $147,100. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Territory Fee | $22,500 | $45,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Computer | $1,750 | $2,750 |
| Washer, Dryer & Furniture | $1,850 | $3,350 |
| Cleaning Equipment & Supplies | $2,500 | $3,500 |
| Training Expenses | $3,250 | $4,250 |
| Insurance & Insurance Deposits | $5,500 | $7,500 |
| Opening Inventory | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| Office Rent & Security Deposit | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Vehicle Lease or Purchase | $0 | $2,000 |
| Full Time Manager | $0 | $13,750 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $27,000 | $30,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee is $20,000 for an Enterprise Market. For Hometown Markets (with fewer than 30,000 households), the initial franchise fee is $15,000. In addition, The Cleaning Authority charges a territory fee of $0.75 per household in each market. For a typical Enterprise Market, this fee will range from $22,500 to $45,000.
The Cleaning Authority offers a 30% discount on franchise and territory fees for existing franchisees and affiliates, as well as veterans and active-duty military personnel. The brand also offers a fee reduction of $5,000 for local heroes, first responders and all minority-, women- and LGBTQ-owned businesses.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, The Cleaning Authority franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due |
| Royalty Fee | Enterprise Market 5% of gross revenue from $600,000 - $1,300,000 4% of gross revenue above $1,300,000 6% of first $300,000 gross revenue during calendar year 5% of gross revenue from $300,000 - $550,000 4% of gross revenue above $550,000 | Weekly |
| Brand Fund Contribution | 1% of gross revenue or $200 | Weekly |
| Local Marketing Fee | $0.374 multiplied by a percentage of households in territory (9% to 13%, depending on number of customers) | Weekly |
| Technology Fees | $40.24 | Weekly |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 206 Enterprise Market territories operating for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross revenue:
| Territories | Total Gross Revenue | Average Gross Revenue |
| Top Third (69 Territories) | $168,743,478 | $2,445,558 |
| Middle Third (68 Territories) | $87,558,225 | $1,287,621 |
| Lower Third (69 Territories) | $44,026,914 | $638,071 |
| TOTAL (206 Territories) | $300,328,617 | $1,457,906 |
The Cleaning Authority provides comprehensive training to help franchisees confidently launch and grow their businesses. New owners attend an intensive two-week training program at the brand’s corporate headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, where they learn everything from daily operations and employee management to sales strategies and customer retention. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on field experience. In addition to the initial training, franchisees receive ongoing education through webinars, conferences and regional meetings designed to keep them up to date on best practices and evolving industry standards.
Franchisees with The Cleaning Authority benefit from a strong network of ongoing operational support. The brand offers access to a dedicated performance coach who provides personalized guidance on staffing, scheduling, quality control and financial performance. Franchisees also receive assistance with hiring and training their teams, ensuring consistency across all locations. In addition, the national call center helps streamline customer communications, fielding inquiries and booking appointments on behalf of franchisees to improve efficiency and customer service.
The Cleaning Authority equips franchisees with a robust suite of proprietary technology tools to help manage and scale their businesses. This includes a comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) system, scheduling software, and financial performance dashboards. These tools allow owners to monitor employee productivity, track customer preferences and measure key performance indicators in real time. Combined with the brand’s systems, these resources enable franchisees to make data-driven decisions and operate more efficiently.
While prior experience in the cleaning industry is not required, The Cleaning Authority looks for candidates with strong leadership skills, a customer-first mindset, and a desire to follow an established system. Ideal franchisees are hands-on operators who are comfortable managing teams, overseeing daily operations and driving local business growth.
Franchisees with The Cleaning Authority are expected to oversee operations, manage staff and maintain service quality during standard business hours, Monday through Friday. While owners do not clean homes themselves, they must stay engaged with performance metrics and brand standards. A semi-absentee model is available, allowing franchisees to hire a manager to handle day-to-day tasks, though ongoing involvement in strategic oversight and training is still required.
The Cleaning Authority provides assistance and guidance to help prospective owners navigate financing options, including partnerships with banks and institutions.
“The Cleaning Authority stood out because they were upfront and honest about what they could and couldn’t share early in the process. They didn’t try to hide anything. When there were details they couldn’t disclose, they directed me to franchise owners who could answer my questions. That level of transparency meant a lot. They also offered strong support and real opportunities for growth.”
- Daniel Schultz, Franchisee — East Omaha, Nebraska. Read his story here.
“The Cleaning Authority has the right balance of support for franchisees. They are aware that it’s their responsibility to shift and move with the times. As things change, they’ve consistently been able to move with it,” Lewis said. “One of the first things they did back when I got in was they went green. They switched all their logos, their marketing and their branding toward eco-conscious products. That was a great shift. Likewise, they’ve always been able to move towards software and tech upgrades.”
- Kent Lewis, Franchisee — Fremont, California. Read his story here.
The global cleaning services market continues to exhibit strong momentum, with a valuation of approximately $424 billion in 2024, projected to reach around $452 billion in 2025 and expand to $734 billion by 2032, growing at a solid 7.2% CAGR. In the U.S., the combined residential and commercial sector is anticipated to increase by $37.8 billion from 2025 to 2029, reflecting a 5.9% CAGR, while the broader domestic market, worth $97.6 billion in 2022, is expected to surpass $147.6 billion by 2030 at a 5.3-5.6% CAGR . Additionally, the contract cleaning services segment is forecasted to grow from $204 billion in 2024 to $286 billion by 2030, rising at about 5.8% annually.
The Cleaning Authority stands out in the residential cleaning space with its proprietary Detail-Clean Rotation System, consistent Monday-Friday scheduling, eco-conscious products and an established scalable business model supported by national marketing and operational tools. Its blend of recurring revenue, customer trust, and strong franchisee support makes it a competitive choice in a growing industry.
Primary competitors include Molly Maid, Merry Maids, MaidPro, The Maids and Homeaglow.
7. What Is the Application Process for The Cleaning Authority Franchisees?
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
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.
Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
| The Cleaning Authority Experts Investment Range | $76,000 to $147,100 |
| No. of Units Currently Open | 241+ |
| No. of Units Expected to Open this Year | 12 |
| Royalty | 4-6% |
| Franchise Fee | $11,250 - $45,000 |
The Cleaning Authority
SPONSORED
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: The Cleaning Authority delivers high-quality residential cleaning backed by a proven system and strong franchisee support.
LAST UPDATED: February 2026
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://cleaningauthorityfranchise.com/
1851 NEWSROOM: https://1851franchise.com/the-cleaning-authority
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 225+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $92,850 - $147,100
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,457,906 (average gross revenue for FY 2024)
The Cleaning Authority is a professional residential cleaning brand that delivers detail‑oriented services through a network of bonded and insured cleaning teams. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility, the brand operates dozens of local offices across North America, all franchised under a system that ensures consistency through rigorous training, quality inspections, and the Detail-Clean Rotation System®.
Founded in 1977 in the Baltimore–Washington metro area as one of the region’s first whole‑house cleaning services, The Cleaning Authority experienced its first major transition in 1989 when Steve Robinson and Tim Evankovich acquired the company. Under their leadership, the business expanded its reach and, in 1995, began offering franchise opportunities — an initiative that ultimately resulted in more than 225 locations across North America. Leadership continued evolving: in 2014, PNC Riverarch Capital took a majority stake, and by 2017, The Cleaning Authority became the flagship brand of Authority Brands, a leading home‑services franchisor.
Mission: The Cleaning Authority’s mission is to deliver consistently exceptional, eco-conscious cleaning that frees customers to spend their time on the people and activities that matter most.
Vision: The brand’s vision is to lead the residential cleaning industry by offering sustainable, locally‑owned service providers backed by a proven, high‑quality franchise model that prioritizes environmental stewardship and customer trust.
The Cleaning Authority is currently offering franchise opportunities across the U.S. in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia.
To find out more about available territories, visit The Cleaning Authority franchise website.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a franchised business in an Enterprise Market (30,000 - 60,000 households) ranges from $92,850 to $147,100. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Territory Fee | $22,500 | $45,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Computer | $1,750 | $2,750 |
| Washer, Dryer & Furniture | $1,850 | $3,350 |
| Cleaning Equipment & Supplies | $2,500 | $3,500 |
| Training Expenses | $3,250 | $4,250 |
| Insurance & Insurance Deposits | $5,500 | $7,500 |
| Opening Inventory | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| Office Rent & Security Deposit | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Vehicle Lease or Purchase | $0 | $2,000 |
| Full Time Manager | $0 | $13,750 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $27,000 | $30,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee is $20,000 for an Enterprise Market. For Hometown Markets (with fewer than 30,000 households), the initial franchise fee is $15,000. In addition, The Cleaning Authority charges a territory fee of $0.75 per household in each market. For a typical Enterprise Market, this fee will range from $22,500 to $45,000.
The Cleaning Authority offers a 30% discount on franchise and territory fees for existing franchisees and affiliates, as well as veterans and active-duty military personnel. The brand also offers a fee reduction of $5,000 for local heroes, first responders and all minority-, women- and LGBTQ-owned businesses.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, The Cleaning Authority franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due |
| Royalty Fee | Enterprise Market 5% of gross revenue from $600,000 - $1,300,000 4% of gross revenue above $1,300,000 6% of first $300,000 gross revenue during calendar year 5% of gross revenue from $300,000 - $550,000 4% of gross revenue above $550,000 | Weekly |
| Brand Fund Contribution | 1% of gross revenue or $200 | Weekly |
| Local Marketing Fee | $0.374 multiplied by a percentage of households in territory (9% to 13%, depending on number of customers) | Weekly |
| Technology Fees | $40.24 | Weekly |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 206 Enterprise Market territories operating for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross revenue:
| Territories | Total Gross Revenue | Average Gross Revenue |
| Top Third (69 Territories) | $168,743,478 | $2,445,558 |
| Middle Third (68 Territories) | $87,558,225 | $1,287,621 |
| Lower Third (69 Territories) | $44,026,914 | $638,071 |
| TOTAL (206 Territories) | $300,328,617 | $1,457,906 |
The Cleaning Authority provides comprehensive training to help franchisees confidently launch and grow their businesses. New owners attend an intensive two-week training program at the brand’s corporate headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, where they learn everything from daily operations and employee management to sales strategies and customer retention. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on field experience. In addition to the initial training, franchisees receive ongoing education through webinars, conferences and regional meetings designed to keep them up to date on best practices and evolving industry standards.
Franchisees with The Cleaning Authority benefit from a strong network of ongoing operational support. The brand offers access to a dedicated performance coach who provides personalized guidance on staffing, scheduling, quality control and financial performance. Franchisees also receive assistance with hiring and training their teams, ensuring consistency across all locations. In addition, the national call center helps streamline customer communications, fielding inquiries and booking appointments on behalf of franchisees to improve efficiency and customer service.
The Cleaning Authority equips franchisees with a robust suite of proprietary technology tools to help manage and scale their businesses. This includes a comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) system, scheduling software, and financial performance dashboards. These tools allow owners to monitor employee productivity, track customer preferences and measure key performance indicators in real time. Combined with the brand’s systems, these resources enable franchisees to make data-driven decisions and operate more efficiently.
While prior experience in the cleaning industry is not required, The Cleaning Authority looks for candidates with strong leadership skills, a customer-first mindset, and a desire to follow an established system. Ideal franchisees are hands-on operators who are comfortable managing teams, overseeing daily operations and driving local business growth.
Franchisees with The Cleaning Authority are expected to oversee operations, manage staff and maintain service quality during standard business hours, Monday through Friday. While owners do not clean homes themselves, they must stay engaged with performance metrics and brand standards. A semi-absentee model is available, allowing franchisees to hire a manager to handle day-to-day tasks, though ongoing involvement in strategic oversight and training is still required.
The Cleaning Authority provides assistance and guidance to help prospective owners navigate financing options, including partnerships with banks and institutions.
“The Cleaning Authority stood out because they were upfront and honest about what they could and couldn’t share early in the process. They didn’t try to hide anything. When there were details they couldn’t disclose, they directed me to franchise owners who could answer my questions. That level of transparency meant a lot. They also offered strong support and real opportunities for growth.”
- Daniel Schultz, Franchisee — East Omaha, Nebraska. Read his story here.
“The Cleaning Authority has the right balance of support for franchisees. They are aware that it’s their responsibility to shift and move with the times. As things change, they’ve consistently been able to move with it,” Lewis said. “One of the first things they did back when I got in was they went green. They switched all their logos, their marketing and their branding toward eco-conscious products. That was a great shift. Likewise, they’ve always been able to move towards software and tech upgrades.”
- Kent Lewis, Franchisee — Fremont, California. Read his story here.
The global cleaning services market continues to exhibit strong momentum, with a valuation of approximately $424 billion in 2024, projected to reach around $452 billion in 2025 and expand to $734 billion by 2032, growing at a solid 7.2% CAGR. In the U.S., the combined residential and commercial sector is anticipated to increase by $37.8 billion from 2025 to 2029, reflecting a 5.9% CAGR, while the broader domestic market, worth $97.6 billion in 2022, is expected to surpass $147.6 billion by 2030 at a 5.3-5.6% CAGR . Additionally, the contract cleaning services segment is forecasted to grow from $204 billion in 2024 to $286 billion by 2030, rising at about 5.8% annually.
The Cleaning Authority stands out in the residential cleaning space with its proprietary Detail-Clean Rotation System, consistent Monday-Friday scheduling, eco-conscious products and an established scalable business model supported by national marketing and operational tools. Its blend of recurring revenue, customer trust, and strong franchisee support makes it a competitive choice in a growing industry.
Primary competitors include Molly Maid, Merry Maids, MaidPro, The Maids and Homeaglow.
7. What Is the Application Process for The Cleaning Authority Franchisees?
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
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.
Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
| The Cleaning Authority Experts Investment Range | $76,000 to $147,100 |
| No. of Units Currently Open | 241+ |
| No. of Units Expected to Open this Year | 12 |
| Royalty | 4-6% |
| Franchise Fee | $11,250 - $45,000 |
| The Cleaning Authority Experts Investment Range | $76,000 to $147,100 |
| No. of Units Currently Open | 241+ |
| No. of Units Expected to Open this Year | 12 |
| Royalty | 4-6% |
| Franchise Fee | $11,250 - $45,000 |
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