Carpet cleaning business

[love__goofy]

My husband is thinking of starting a carpet cleaning business. Has anyone ever done this? Can you offer some tips, or pros/cons?

We really need the extra income and were thinking of starting part-time...hopefully eventually making it a full time position.

Thanks so much!

 

[usnuzuloose]

Me and my DH have one, you need to set up for taxes every 3 months. Depending on the area you live in. The rates can run differently. Has your DH done carpet cleaning? Are you going with a truck mount? The machine makes all the difference. Are you steam cleaning? If you are using hot water , you need to make sure your water is very hot. What kinds of things do you have already? There is alot to do with the business. You can pm me and we can go back and forth. Suction has a great deal to with it also. The chemicals you use. I can let you know more , if I know what you have or don't have. You will need a business license as well. Where we live we need two.

 

[bettymae1121]

Do you know if there is a demand for carpet cleaners? In my area everyone is pulling out their carperts and putting in hard surface flooring, no one needs carpet cleaners (but floor refinishers/installers are doing great!).

 

[usnuzuloose]

You can clean more than carpets. You can clean furniture, drapes, all kinds of flooring.

 

[LJSquishy]

I can only offer my suggestions as a consumer based on what I look for in a carpet cleaning business.

-Natural ingredients only. No chemicals, and nothing that will leave a residue.
-Steam/low water cleaning, not something that will take 2 days to dry with fans.

I would think there would be a demand for it, especially if most carpet cleaners in your area use chemicals or lots of water and you decide to go with a "natural" business.

It may be challenging to start out, but since your husband is only looking for part time work right now, it would probably work out perfect! Overhead costs would be minimal as long as he gets a good quality van/truck (whatever they use!) and equipment. He could maybe offer referral bonuses such as have 2 people book appointments at the same time and get a free rug cleaning (or sofa, or extra room), or a free extra room cleaning or furniture cleaning for referring 1 person, or offer a 3 room bundle for $XX., etc.

I think it is a great idea! I don't know how much decent equipment would cost, but I would say it is a pretty low-risk business to start.