Getting started in carpet cleaning

Steps to go from zero to your first paying carpet-cleaning client.

1. 1

   Buy a portable hot-water extraction unit

   A quality portable extractor runs $1,500-5,000 and works out of any personal vehicle — you don't need a $15,000+ truck-mounted rig to start taking paying jobs solo.

2. 2

   Get general liability insurance

   Budget roughly $360-600/yr (commonly around $30-50/mo) — this covers accidental property damage and reassures clients before you're working on their floors and around their furniture.

3. 3

   Set a per-room or per-square-foot price and a minimum job fee

   Price per room ($25-75) or per square foot ($0.20-0.50), and set a minimum job fee ($100-150+) so a single small room still covers your travel and setup time.

4. 4

   Create a simple service agreement

   Cover scope, pre-existing condition disclosure, drying time, and furniture-moving policy before your first job.

5. 5

   Check local licensing requirements

   Some cities/counties require a general business license for a home-based service business — requirements and fees vary by location.

6. 6

   List yourself locally and ask for reviews

   A Google Business Profile, Nextdoor, and local Facebook community groups drive most early bookings; asking satisfied clients for a review (and offering a seasonal recurring appointment) builds a repeat-client base fast.