The Cleaning Journey

How to Start a Cleaning Business Even If You Don't Feel Ready Starting a cleaning business feels overwhelming when you don't feel ready, no plan, no experience, and a lot of fear. In this episode of the Cleaning Journey Podcast, Misa sits down with Swaara Heli, the owner of Made for Condos, whose story proves you can begin long before you feel confident. Whether you're launching a cleaning business start up, stepping into your first house cleaning business, or wondering how to start a cleaning business with limited resources, this interview shows the real behind-the-scenes journey most people never talk about. We dive into what it actually looks like to say yes before you're ready, finding your first clients, learning systems from scratch, hiring before you feel prepared, and navigating the emotional ups and downs of starting a cleaning business alone. You'll hear how Swaara went from knowing only a few English words to running a full cleaning service business, and what a cleaning business mentor wishes every beginner understood. If you've been searching how to start cleaning business, how to start your own cleaning business, or even how to start a commercial cleaning business, this conversation shares the mindset shifts and early steps needed to grow my cleaning business the right way. We also break down the difference between residential and commercial cleaning business, the realities of building a professional brand, and how a cleaning business mentor supports new owners during the messy early stages. If you want a real, honest look at how to start a cleaning business step by step, or you need encouragement to start a cleaning business even when you don't feel ready, this episode is for you.   Check out Swaara's company, Made for Condos: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maid4condos Website: https://www.maid4condos.com   If this helped you, subscribe for more weekly business breakdowns and book a free call with Misa for personalized cleaning business support. For YouTube and Spotify: 🎥Subscribe: @misaavalos For more cleaning tips videos! 📲 Instagram: @cleaningjourney 📲 Instagram: @misa.avalos   🎙️Spotify: The Cleaning Journey Podcast On Spotify 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 https://scheduler.zoom.us/misael-avalos/free-discovery-call    Want to be in the podcast? Please fill out this form, and we will contact you. Your journey matters! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10RsS2J2CzQjW8ttbljx2LfebK9sMtmSz9AG0ipMAlx8/edit 

Running a cleaning business is more than systems and schedules — it's leadership, instincts, boundaries, and learning from the painful moments no one talks about. In today's episode, I'm joined by Donna Dougherty, founder of Go Green Cleaning Experts, an eco-friendly residential and commercial cleaning business based in Pennsylvania. Donna opens up about the season when cleaning business mistakes, wrong hires, and lack of boundaries nearly pushed her into a breaking point, and how rebuilding her leadership and switching to solo cleaners completely transformed her company.   If you're in a cleaning business start-up phase, starting cleaning business operations, or learning how to start a cleaning business without repeating costly patterns, this conversation gives you real insight. Donna shares what she looks for when hiring cleaners, the red flags she ignored, the shift from teams to solos, and the systems for cleaning companies that finally brought stability. Whether you're growing a cleaning service business, building an automated cleaning business, or searching for a cleaning mentor or cleaning coach to guide you through leadership challenges, this episode offers real, human lessons beyond typical tips for starting a cleaning business.   We also talk about the emotional cost of starting a cleaning business, surviving setbacks, protecting your business legally, trusting your instincts, and rebuilding confidence when people tried to take advantage of her company. If you're navigating cleaning business sales, growing a commercial cleaning business or ommercial cleaning business division, or leading a team while maintaining your values, you won't want to miss this episode.   Meet Donna Dougherty — Go Green Cleaning Experts Website: www.gogreencleaningexperts.com   Eco-friendly product line: https://ecoglowrefresh.com   Instagram: @gogreencleaning Facebook: Go Green Cleaning Experts YouTube: Go Green Cleaning Experts TikTok: @ecoglowgogreencleaning   ⏳ Timestamps 00:00 – Rapid Fire: Hiring, Systems & Leadership 00:58 – Donna's Story: How She Got Into the Cleaning Industry 10:08 – From Chaos to Systems: Software That Changed Her Business 12:08 – Switching From Team Cleaning to Solo Cleaning (And Why It Works) 19:01 – Mentorship, Growth & Scaling With Intention 20:26 – How Donna Hires: What She Looks For & Red Flags 27:27 – Onboarding & Training New Cleaners the Right Way 31:58 – Performance Reviews, Accountability & Quality Control 34:10 – Retaining Top Cleaners & Building a Healthy Culture 38:00 – Almost Burning Out: Leadership Mistakes & Rebuilding 48:03 – Using Virtual Assistants (VAs) & The $600/Month Contract Lesson 56:48 – Biggest Leadership & Faith-Based Lessons for Cleaning Owners 1:02:09 – Green Cleaning, Health & Donna's Cleaning Books 1:10:10 – Final Advice for Cleaning Business Owners + CTA   For YouTube and Spotify: 🎥Subscribe: @misaavalos For more cleaning tips videos! 📲 Instagram: @cleaningjourney 📲 Instagram: @misa.avalos   🎙️Spotify: The Cleaning Journey Podcast On Spotify 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 https://scheduler.zoom.us/misael-avalos/free-discovery-call   Want to be in the podcast? Please fill out this form, and we will contact you. Your journey matters! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10RsS2J2CzQjW8ttbljx2LfebK9sMtmSz9AG0ipMAlx8/edit

How to Start a Cleaning Business Without These Cleaning Business Mistakes Starting a cleaning business is exciting, until the mistakes you don't even know you're making start holding you back. In this episode, we break down how to start a cleaning business the right way, so you can avoid the setbacks most new owners struggle with. Whether you're launching a cleaning business start-up, a commercial cleaning business, or starting a cleaning business from scratch, this conversation will help you build a strong foundation before burnout hits. You'll hear real-world insights from a successful owner who went from cleaner to CEO, sharing the mindset shifts and cleaning business tips that lead to true cleaning business success. We touch on what every cleaning service business must understand before hiring, delegating, or scaling. If you've ever wondered how to start a cleaning company, how to grow my cleaning company, or how professional systems create an automated cleaning business, this episode lays out the essentials without giving everything away. We also explore the rise of remote cleaning business models and what a cleaning coach or the professional cleaner would recommend to avoid the most common cleaning business mistakes. Whether you dream of building a local team or learning how to start a remote cleaning business, you'll walk away with clarity, confidence, and strategies you can use today.   👉 Subscribe for more cleaning business podcast episodes designed to help you scale with systems, leadership, and smart decisions.   For YouTube and Spotify: 🎥Subscribe: @misaavalos For more cleaning tips videos! 📲 Instagram: @cleaningjourney 📲 Instagram: @misa.avalos   🎙️Spotify: The Cleaning Journey Podcast On Spotify 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 https://scheduler.zoom.us/misael-avalos/free-discovery-call   Want to be in the podcast? Please fill out this form, and we will contact you. Your journey matters! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10RsS2J2CzQjW8ttbljx2LfebK9sMtmSz9AG0ipMAlx8/edit

In this episode of The Cleaning Journey Podcast, Yvette Peguero, founder of Evie's Cleaners, shares her story of turning a layoff into a thriving cleaning business. She opens up about her journey from residential to commercial cleaning, her approach to hiring and onboarding, and the importance of leadership and team culture. Yvette explains how she uses Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to keep her team consistent, motivated, and accountable — and how strong communication and recognition have helped her build a loyal, high-performing staff. If you're a cleaning business owner looking to grow your team, improve systems, or strengthen company culture, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world experience. Social Links: IG, FB, YT @eviescleaners Bio: Yvette Peguero is the Owner and Founder of Evie's Cleaners, a growing New York–based company now specializing in temporary and temp-to-hire domestic staffing. After a corporate career in sales and HR, a company-wide layoff in July 2022 inspired Yvette to take a leap of faith—turning uncertainty into opportunity. What began as a residential cleaning company has since grown into a trusted staffing brand connecting households and businesses with skilled domestic professionals.A proud first-generation Latina and oldest of four, Yvette leads with resilience, purpose, and heart—all while balancing her favorite roles as wife and mom to her two favorite guys. Website: www.eviescleaners.com   👉 Subscribe for more episodes with successful cleaning entrepreneurs who share how they started, scaled, and automated their businesses.  🎥 Subscribe: ‪@misaavalos‬ For more helpful videos! 📲 Instagram: / @misa.avalos / @cleaningjourney Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2to9T3ANKgqHRuh4w7aeiB?si=f0ad145dcad9452f 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 https://scheduler.zoom.us/misael-avalos/free-discovery-call 

In this episode, Misa sits down to uncover The #1 Mindset Shift That Took Her Cleaning Business to the Next Level. Whether you're just starting a cleaning business or ready to expand your commercial cleaning business, this conversation will show you how the right mindset can completely transform your results. If you've ever struggled with pricing, burnout, or self-doubt, you'll learn how to think like a true cleaning mentor and start seeing yourself as the CEO of your company. We'll also cover practical strategies for cleaning business pricing, how to price cleaning services with confidence, and how to start your own cleaning business from scratch. This is your sign to stop overthinking and start taking action. Whether you're learning how to start a cleaning business, run a commercial cleaning business, or grow your cleaning company with systems — this episode gives you the tools and inspiration you need to move forward. 🎧 Tune in now and learn what it really takes to build a successful cleaning business. 👉 Subscribe for more episodes with successful cleaning entrepreneurs who share how they started, scaled, and automated their businesses. 🎥 Subscribe: ‪@misaavalos‬ For more helpful videos! 📲 Instagram: / @misa.avalos / @cleaningjourney Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2to9T3ANKgqHRuh4w7aeiB?si=f0ad145dcad9452f 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 https://scheduler.zoom.us/misael-avalos/free-discovery-call

She Quit Her 14-Year Government Job to Lead 11 Cleaning Teams! 💼 In this episode of The Cleaning Journey Podcast, Misa Avalos sits down with Poiette Noel, founder of No More Dust Maid Services, to uncover how she built a thriving cleaning business just one month before COVID hit, and turned it into a 7-figure success story. After 14 years in a secure federal career, Poiette made the bold leap into entrepreneurship, launching her own cleaning business start up with nothing but determination and a dream. She shares how she grew her residential and commercial cleaning business from two cleaners to 11 teams, using automation, leadership, and premium pricing to create an automated cleaning business that runs smoothly and profitably. You'll learn powerful insights on how to start a cleaning business, structure your cleaning business pricing, and build consistent cleaning business profit—even when starting from scratch. Poiette also opens up about mindset, client relationships, and how she became a trusted cleaning mentor helping others grow my cleaning business through proven systems. About Poiette - Born and raised in New York, Poiette has called the Washington, D.C. metro area home for the past 16 years. After a 14-year successful career in government and public service, she transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship as the founder and owner of No More Dust Maid Services, a residential and commercial cleaning company serving the D.C. and Baltimore metro areas. In just 5.5 years, NMD grossed over $2 million, growing into a trusted name and industry expert in the cleaning industry. When she's not scaling the business, she's traveling the world and hosting curated cultural experiences. She now dedicates part of her time to coaching and consulting other entrepreneurs and cleaning business owners on how to start, grow, and scale their own companies.   Website: https://www.nmdmaidservices.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmdmaidservices LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nmdmaidservices YouTube: No More Dust Maid Services - YouTube Whether you're figuring out how to start a commercial cleaning business from scratch, looking to make money cleaning, or ready to scale your company with systems that work, this conversation is packed with real-world cleaning business tips and inspiration to help you take action. ✨ Listen now and learn how to start a cleaning company that gives you freedom, purpose, and profit.   👉 Subscribe for more episodes with successful cleaning entrepreneurs who share how they started, scaled, and automated their businesses.   🎥 Subscribe: ‪@misaavalos‬ For more helpful videos! 📲 Instagram: / @misa.avalos / @cleaningjourney Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2to9T3ANKgqHRuh4w7aeiB?si=f0ad145dcad9452f 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 https://scheduler.zoom.us/misael-avalos/free-discovery-call  

This episode features Misa Avalos interviewing Marie, a cleaning business owner from Westchester, Pennsylvania who scaled her company to approach the million‑dollar mark. Marie shares how she started the business after losing her hotel job during the pandemic and leveraged her housekeeping background to build a professional service rather than a solo cleaning gig. Key topics include: Starting & scaling a cleaning company: She describes bootstrapping the business during COVID‑19, hiring and training cleaners, building teams, and eventually stepping back from cleaning to focus on management and growth. Marketing & sales: Marie runs her own Facebook Ads instead of paying agencies and continually monitors supply‑demand to adjust ad spend. She also implemented a CRM (GoHighLevel) to track leads, automate follow‑ups and convert one‑time clients into recurring customers. Pricing & overcoming objections: She researched competitors' prices, increased rates as she added staff, and uses value‑based pricing during sales calls—removing tasks when customers' budgets are lower. Mindset & discipline: Consistency, tracking numbers, staying disciplined and investing in self‑development help her stay motivated during challenging phases. These themes align with common 2025 trends for cleaning businesses: using AI‑driven marketing automation and local SEO/voice search optimization. The transcript also emphasizes lead generation via Facebook/Google Ads, nurturing reviews to rank high on Google Maps, and adopting CRM software to systematize operations. 👉 Tune in for powerful insights on building a cleaning business with purpose, culture, and heart. If you're serious about starting, growing, or scaling your cleaning business in 2025, hit subscribe and tap the bell for weekly insights from industry experts. Want personalized help? Book a free discovery call with Misa to get coaching tailored to your cleaning business. Spotify: The Cleaning Journey Podcast On Spotify YouTube: Add podcast episodes to a playlist. @misaavalos/PodcastPlaylists For YouTube 🎥Subscribe: ‪@misaavalos‬‬ For more cleaning tips videos! 📲 Instagram: @cleaningjourney 📲 Instagram: @misa.avalos 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business

In this episode of The Cleaning Journey Podcast, we sit down with Stephanie Pipkin, founder of Serene Clean, a highly rated cleaning service based in rural Wisconsin. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey from starting with a passion for cleaning to building a thriving, purpose-driven business built on family values, integrity, and continuous learning. 🌿 She opens up about the real challenges of hiring, employee management, and high turnover in the cleaning industry — and how she's built a strong workplace culture that fosters loyalty, transparency, and trust. Stephanie also discusses how her company's core values — family first, integrity, and positivity — guide every decision they make. The conversation dives deep into: ✅ The evolution of the hiring process and group interviews ✅ The power of quality control and hands-on training ✅ Building a purpose-driven team and managing employee availability ✅ Using automation and systems to boost productivity ✅ The importance of emotional intelligence and continuous improvement Stephanie's story is a masterclass in leadership, perseverance, and staying true to your values — proving that success in business comes from more than just growth, but from who you become in the process. 👉 Tune in for powerful insights on building a cleaning business with purpose, culture, and heart. If you're serious about starting, growing, or scaling your cleaning business in 2025, hit subscribe and tap the bell for weekly insights from industry experts. Want personalized help? Book a free discovery call with Misa to get coaching tailored to your cleaning business. Spotify: The Cleaning Journey Podcast On Spotify YouTube: Add podcast episodes to a playlist. @misaavalos/PodcastPlaylists For YouTube 🎥Subscribe: ‪@misaavalos‬‬ For more cleaning tips videos! 📲 Instagram: @cleaningjourney 📲 Instagram: @misa.avalos 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business

In this episode of The Cleaning Journey Podcast, we sit down with Haileigh and Megan, co-owners of Sparkling Homes, to talk about how their cleaning business grew from humble beginnings to a thriving company built on faith, family, and integrity. 🙏✨ The sisters share how their foundational faith in Jesus Christ has guided every decision — from how they treat their clients to how they lead their team. They open up about navigating pricing challenges, going through different business seasons, and learning to communicate with honesty and heart through it all. Haileigh and Megan also discuss the importance of: ✅ Client relationships and in-person estimates that build trust ✅ Team culture rooted in honesty and accountability ✅ Balancing family and business with boundaries and grace ✅ Value-based pricing that supports growth ✅ Mentorship, marketing, and simplifying systems for scalability Their story is a powerful reminder that success in business isn't just about money — it's about mission, faith, and the people you serve. 👉 Tune in to hear how these two women are leading with heart, purpose, and perseverance. Guest Info: Company: Sparkling Homes Email: Contact@sparklinghomes.ca Instagram: @spar.klinghomesmb If you're serious about starting, growing, or scaling your cleaning business in 2025, hit subscribe and tap the bell for weekly insights from industry experts. Want personalized help? Book a free discovery call with Misa to get coaching tailored to your cleaning business. Spotify: The Cleaning Journey Podcast On Spotify YouTube: Add podcast episodes to a playlist. @misaavalos/PodcastPlaylists For YouTube 🎥Subscribe: ‪@misaavalos‬‬ For more cleaning tips videos! 📲 Instagram: @cleaningjourney 📲 Instagram: @misa.avalos 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business

In this episode, Misa sits down with Ashley Sternemann, owner of Perfection Cleaning, who has spent the last 18 years building a thriving cleaning business. Ashley shares her inspiring journey from a career in finance to becoming an entrepreneur, the challenges she faced in the early days, and how perseverance shaped her success. She highlights the importance of hiring the right people, building a strong workplace culture, and leading with empathy. Ashley also discusses why professionalism and communication are essential in the cleaning industry, how to create effective training systems, and the role of leadership in supporting your team. You'll also hear how community service and giving back have been central to her company's growth and purpose. Whether you're just starting your cleaning business or looking to take it to the next level, Ashley's insights will inspire and equip you for success. 👉 Tune in for lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, hiring, training, culture, business growth, and community involvement. 🔗 Connect & Subscribe 📲 Follow Misa Instagram & Facebook: @misa.avalos | @Misatalks3 YouTube: @misaavalos/PodcastPlaylists Subscribe: @misaavalos 🎙️ The Podcast Instagram: @cleaningjourney Spotify: The Cleaning Journey Podcast 📞 Free 1-on-1 Call (45 Minutes) Let's talk about your business! CRAZYY, I know. 👉 Schedule Here 📋 Want to be on the podcast? Your journey matters! Fill out this form and we'll contact you: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10RsS2J2CzQjW8ttbljx2LfebK9sMtmSz9AG0ipMAlx8/viewform?edit_requested=true 

Want to work less and grow your cleaning business faster? In this episode, Misa sits down with Amy Sardone (Speed Cleaning) to unpack the simple systems that take you from owner‑operator to CEO—without sacrificing quality. We cover the 5‑day training system, how to "clone yourself" with measurable SOPs, and why non‑toxic, pro‑grade products help you protect your team, delight clients, and scale profitably.   How Her Mom Built a Mop-Free Millionaire Cleaning Business.   You'll learn practical cleaning business tips: building a training pipeline, setting clear expectations, leading your team, prioritizing the right bottlenecks, structuring your week for growth (meetings in one day, inbox zero), and keeping clients for life. We also talk commercial cleaning strategies, eco-friendly concentrates (hello, lower costs + fewer plastic bottles), and how to model the best to hit mop‑free millionaire levels.   If you're serious about cleaning company growth, pricing cleaning services for profit, landing better clients, and installing systems that scale, this conversation is your roadmap.   Misa's Instagram & Facebook: @misa.avalos @Misatalks3 YouTube: Add podcast episodes to a playlist. @misaavalos/PodcastPlaylists For YouTube and Spotify: 🎥Subscribe: ‪@misaavalos‬ For more cleaning tips videos! 📲Podcast Instagram: @cleaningjourney 📲Misas Instagram: @misa.avalos 🎙️Spotify: The Cleaning Journey Podcast On Spotify @cleaningjourney 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know):👇 https://scheduler.zoom.us/misael-aval...   Want to be in the podcast? Please fill out this form, and we will contact you. Your journey matters! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10RsS...

Ever dreamt of running your cleaning business from the beach while your team and clients rave about your service? Are you curious about how to Run Your Cleaning Business Remotely? Jessica Agate, owner of The Cleaning Diva LLC, reveals how she went from chaotic paper schedules and "doing it all" to leading a thriving cleaning company remotely. She shares why establishing core values (practice positivity, value relationships, have fun, be productive, and make money) transformed her hiring process, improved client retention, and helped her trust her team of "divas" to deliver excellence in New Jersey while she works from Florida. In this interview, you'll learn how to let go of control, overcome the belief that "nobody cleans like me," and build a team culture that loves coming to work. Jessica talks about finding clients on Craigslist, using Jobber and other apps to streamline operations, setting up systems for recruiting and training, running weekly Zoom meetings, handling times when multiple employees quit, and shifting her mindset to stay positive and solution‑oriented. Whether you're just starting or ready to scale, her story proves that remote management and sustainable growth are possible with the right systems and coaching. If you're serious about starting, growing, or scaling your cleaning business in 2025, hit subscribe and tap the bell for weekly insights from industry experts. Want personalized help? Book a free discovery call with Misa to get coaching tailored to your cleaning business. Spotify: The Cleaning Journey Podcast On Spotify YouTube: Add podcast episodes to a playlist. @misaavalos/PodcastPlaylists For YouTube 🎥Subscribe: ‪@misaavalos‬‬ For more cleaning tips videos! 📲 Instagram: @cleaningjourney 📲 Instagram: @misa.avalos 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business What I Learned About Letting Go In My Cleaning Business: Jessica Agate: info@njcleaningdiva.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/njcleaningdiva/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCleaningDivaNJ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecleaningdiva  

In this first episode of The Cleaning Journey Podcast, I sit down with Nicole, owner of Lavender Lush Cleaning, to talk about what really makes a cleaning business thrive. Nicole shares how focusing on the employee journey helps attract and retain great team members, how the customer journey creates loyal clients, and the sales strategies that keep her business growing. We also dive into the importance of building a strong onboarding process that sets both employees and customers up for success. If you're a cleaning business owner looking for actionable ideas on hiring, sales, and creating better systems, this episode is full of insights you can put to work right away. 👉 Hit subscribe, share this with another cleaning business owner, and join me on The Cleaning Journey! Spotify: The Cleaning Journey Podcast On Spotify YouTube: Add podcast episodes to a playlist. @misaavalos/PodcastPlaylists For YouTube 🎥Subscribe: ‪@misaavalos‬‬ For more cleaning tips videos! 📲 Instagram: @cleaningjourney 📲 Instagram: @misa.avalos 📞1-on-1 Call (45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business, CRAZYY, I know): 👇 45-FREE Minutes to talk about your business