Cleaning businesses have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. With people leading busier lives, many do not have the time or energy to clean their homes or offices themselves. This is where commercial and residential cleaning businesses come in. 

These businesses specialize in providing professional cleaning services for homes and offices, and are typically hired by individuals, businesses, or property management companies.

There are several benefits to using a commercial or residential cleaning business. First and foremost, these businesses provide a clean and healthy environment for your home or office. 

Professional cleaning services are able to remove dirt, dust, and allergens from your space, which can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of illness.

Another benefit of using a cleaning business is that it saves you time and energy. Cleaning can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task, and hiring a professional to do it for you allows you to focus on other important tasks or activities. Additionally, cleaning businesses have access to specialized equipment and cleaning products that can achieve a deeper level of cleanliness than what most individuals have at home.

There are several types of cleaning businesses, each of which serves a different purpose.

Residential Cleaning Business: Residential cleaning businesses specialize in cleaning homes, apartments, and other types of residential properties. These businesses typically offer a variety of services, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.

Commercial Cleaning Business: Commercial cleaning businesses provide cleaning services for offices, retail spaces, and other commercial properties. These businesses typically offer a more comprehensive set of services, including cleaning carpets, windows, and other specialized surfaces.

Janitorial Services: Janitorial services are typically hired by businesses or property management companies to maintain the cleanliness of a building on a regular basis. These services may include daily or weekly cleaning, as well as more specialized services like floor waxing and buffing.

Specialized Cleaning Services: Some cleaning businesses specialize in specific types of cleaning services, such as carpet cleaning, window cleaning, or deep cleaning. These businesses may be hired on an as-needed basis, or may provide ongoing services for specific types of properties.

Starting a commercial and residential cleaning business in Nigeria can be a lucrative and rewarding venture. The cleaning industry in Nigeria is growing, as more and more people are becoming conscious of the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. 

However, starting a cleaning business in Nigeria requires a lot of planning, research, and hard work. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to start a commercial and residential cleaning business in Nigeria.

Step 1: Conduct market research

Before starting a cleaning business, it's important to conduct market research to understand the demand for cleaning services in Nigeria. You need to research the competition, target market, pricing, and other factors that can impact the success of your business.

You can use online resources like Google, social media, and forums to gather information about the cleaning industry in Nigeria. You can also speak to potential customers to understand their needs and preferences.

Step 2: Develop a business plan

Once you have conducted market research, the next step is to develop a business plan. Your business plan should include your mission statement, goals, target market, services, pricing, marketing strategy, and financial projections.  

A business plan will help you to identify potential challenges and opportunities and create a roadmap for your business. You can use online templates or hire a professional to help you create a comprehensive business plan.

Step 3: Register your business

Registering your business is a crucial step in starting a cleaning business in Nigeria. You need to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and obtain a business name and registration certificate. You also need to register for taxes, including Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT), and obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate your business legally.

Step 4: Develop your services

Your cleaning business should offer a range of services, including residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and window cleaning. You need to determine the services you will offer and develop a pricing strategy that is competitive and profitable. You also need to develop a cleaning checklist and training manual for your staff to ensure consistent quality service delivery.

Step 5: Hire staff

Hiring staff is a critical step in starting a cleaning business. You need to hire reliable, trustworthy, and experienced staff who are trained in cleaning techniques and safety procedures. 

You can use job boards, social media, and referrals to find potential candidates. You also need to provide ongoing training and support to your staff to ensure they are equipped to handle any cleaning job.

Step 6: Purchase equipment and supplies

To start a cleaning business in Nigeria, you need to purchase equipment and supplies such as cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, mops, buckets, and gloves. You can source these items from local suppliers or import them from overseas. You also need to invest in safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, and masks to protect your staff from harmful chemicals and bacteria.

Step 7: Develop a marketing strategy

To attract customers and grow your cleaning business, you need to develop a marketing strategy. You can use online marketing channels such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach potential customers. 

You can also use offline marketing strategies such as flyers, brochures, and word-of-mouth referrals. You need to develop a strong brand identity that reflects your business values and services and sets you apart from competitors.

Step 8: Launch your business

Once you have completed all the steps above, you are ready to launch your cleaning business. You need to promote your business through your website, social media channels, and other marketing channels. 

You also need to establish relationships with potential customers and build a reputation for quality service delivery. You can offer special discounts and promotions to attract new customers and build brand loyalty.

The global cleaning services market attained a value of USD 69.8 billion in 2022 and it is expected to witness a further growth in the forecast period of 2023-2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of six point four percent (6.4%) to reach around USD 101.28 billion by 2028.

Starting a commercial and residential cleaning business in Nigeria is a very viable business and would generate a lot of revenue for the investors.