How to Choose the Right Cleaning Products Without Breaking the Bank
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When you’re just starting a cleaning business, it’s tempting to buy everything. Rows of shiny bottles, specialist sprays for every surface, bulk boxes you’re not sure you’ll ever use…
Buying smart with your products is one of the quickest ways to keep your business profitable.
Here’s how:
1. Stick to the basics first
You don’t need 20 different cleaners. Start with a good multi surface cleaner, a disinfectant, glass cleaner, floor cleaner, degreaser, and microfibre cloths. These will cover 90% of the jobs you’ll get at the beginning.
2. Buy concentrates where possible
Professional concentrates save space, money, and reduce waste. A single bottle can last months once diluted properly. It’s also easier to transport than carrying crates of ready to use bottles.
3. Don’t overbuy in bulk too early
Yes, bulk is cheaper per unit, but cash flow is king for small businesses. Only stock up once you know a product really works for your clients and that you’ll get through it.
4. Test before committing
Suppliers often give free samples. Try different brands on your jobs and ask yourself: Does it clean well? Is it safe on multiple surfaces? Do clients like the smell/finish?
5. Keep your products consistent
Using the same products means your staff can be trained quickly, mistakes are less likely, and your results stay consistent, which clients notice.
No matter which products you choose, remember: as a cleaning business, you must stay compliant with health and safety law.
You’ll need a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment record for each product you use. (If you don’t have one, we offer a simple ready to use template.)
You must also keep a copy of the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for every product on file. These explain the risks, storage requirements, and first aid measures, and some businesses will require copies of these. You can usually download an SDS sheet for each product directly from the manufacturer’s website.
Having these documents not only keeps you legally covered but also shows professionalism to clients.