Cleaning Franchise Due Diligence

February 27, 2025

by a lender from University of California, Berkeley in San Diego, CA, USA

I’m evaluating a residential cleaning franchise. I met with the seller today and am looking to connect with those in the industry as I prepare my offer.

Specifically, I’m evaluating my fit as an operator for this particular business and am seeking some guidance. I don’t speak Spanish and most of the employees are Spanish speaking only. It would be great to connect with someone who’s acquired an existing cleaning franchise, particularly if they also faced a language barrier.

Additionally, I want to better understand how paying a higher wage could impact overall financials and operations. I’m curious if higher wages in this industry lead to lower turnover and improved service quality or cut too much into margins.

Any recommendations of who I should speak with?

Reply by a searcher
from Lee University in Chattanooga, TN, USA

Hi Keira. I now own two units of a cleaning franchise. One I started from scratch (the territory where I currently live) and the other I run remotely (acquired as a resale). I do speak Spanish but know plenty of other franchisees in our system who do not. One way I have seen some owners deal with a language barrier is to have a remote contractor (VA, etc.) who works in ops and does a lot of the communication with the cleaners. In our system we try to keep cleaner at a certain % of the overall price because no matter how good the cleaner is you will not be profitable if you exceed that ratio. Happy to discuss any other questions you have.

Reply by a searcher
from The University of Michigan in New York, NY, USA

Cleaning companies (of which I own a few) are essentially staffing firms for Spanish speaking labor.

and why franchise something you can start on your own with $20k and some YouTube videos.

moreover, residential cleaning biz is not where I would recommend going. Just my opinion.

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