Offer Cleaning Services to Homes or Offices Using the Client’s Own Supplies.
Starting a business doesn’t always need money. In fact, one of the most practical, low-barrier service businesses you can launch in Africa is a house or office cleaning service—even with no capital. This business doesn’t require fancy tools or a rented space, and the demand is growing, especially in urban centers where busy professionals and businesses need help keeping their spaces clean.
If you’re wondering how to start a house cleaning business with zero capital, this blog post will walk you through every step—from strategy to execution—plus give you practical ideas, pricing tips, and marketing hacks that work in Africa.
Why Cleaning Services?
Africa’s urban population is rapidly increasing, and with that comes a growing middle class. More people live in apartments, gated communities, and work in office buildings. Many are too busy to clean their homes or offices and are willing to pay someone reliable to do it. Yet, they prefer cleaners who are affordable, trustworthy, and easy to reach. This is where you come in.
Step 1: Start with What You Have
Since the goal is to start with no money, here are a few ways to make use of your existing resources:
- Use your hands and time: No investment beats your personal effort. In this business, your hands are your best tools.
- Leverage your phone: You can market your services using WhatsApp, Facebook, or even SMS. You don’t need a website to begin.
- Borrow or use client’s supplies: Many clients already have cleaning materials. Offer to use what they already have to save on costs. This is very acceptable, especially for home cleaning jobs.
Step 2: Choose Your Niche.
The cleaning industry has many angles. Pick a specific area to specialize in as you start:
Residential Cleaning: Homes, apartments, or rented houses.
Office Cleaning: Small business offices, salons, clinics, or shops.
Post-Construction Cleaning: New buildings or homes just completed.
Move-in/Move-out Cleaning: For tenants or landlords preparing properties.
Event Cleanup: Before or after parties, weddings, or church services.
Focusing on one area helps you brand yourself better and become an expert faster.
Step 3: Set a Simple Pricing Structure
Since you’re just starting, your prices should be affordable yet sustainable. You can price your services in two common ways:
- Hourly Rate: For example, charge MWK 3,000–5,000 (or $3–$5) per hour depending on location.
- Per Job: Charge fixed prices based on the type or size of the job. For instance:
- One-bedroom apartment: MWK 10,000
- Two-bedroom house: MWK 15,000
- Office space (small): MWK 20,000
Tip: Always evaluate how long the job will take and how demanding it is before giving your price.
Step 4: Find Your First Clients
The goal is to build trust and testimonials quickly. Here are practical ways to get clients without spending a coin:
- Word of Mouth: Tell friends, family, and neighbors you are offering cleaning services.
- WhatsApp Status Marketing: Post before-and-after pictures (even if it’s your own house).
- Facebook Groups: Join community groups like “Buy & Sell [Your City]” and offer your services there.
- Business Cards or Flyers (Printed Later): Once you earn your first few payments, reinvest a small portion to print simple flyers and distribute them door-to-door.
- Partner with Local Realtors or Agents: Offer to clean houses before tenants move in or after they move out.
Step 5: Use the Client’s Supplies—Smartly.
One clever way to operate without startup money is to ask the client to provide the cleaning materials. This is common in Africa and doesn’t raise suspicion if handled professionally.
Say something like:
“I normally use the cleaning supplies that clients already have in their homes, such as brooms, mops, buckets, and detergents. It helps keep costs down and ensures you’re comfortable with what’s used.”
Just make sure you:
- Use the supplies efficiently.
- Leave the space spotless.
- Always thank the client for providing the tools.
Step 6: Do an Excellent Job—Always.
Your reputation is your best marketing tool. Once you get a client, give your absolute best:
Clean corners people ignore.
Ask before moving items.
Be punctual and polite.
Don’t rush; be thorough.
Leave a “thank you” note or message after the job.
If your cleaning stands out, people will recommend you, and this is how your business grows organically.
Step 7: Scale Smartly.
Once you start making some money, don’t rush to spend it. Instead, reinvest:
- Buy basic cleaning gear: Gloves, sponge, mop, spray bottles.
- Get a branded t-shirt: This builds trust when visiting clients’ homes.
- Train a helper: Get a trustworthy friend or relative and show them how to clean professionally.
- Expand your niche: Add office or event cleaning once you’ve mastered homes.
With just a few good clients each week, you can earn more than many formal jobs pay—without having a boss.
Sample Daily Income Breakdown (for One Person)
| Job Type | Clients per Day | Charge per Job | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom home | 2 | MWK 10,000 | MWK 20,000 |
| Small Office | 1 | MWK 15,000 | MWK 15,000 |
| Total | 3 Clients | MWK 35,000 |
Do this 5 days a week, and you’re earning MWK 700,000+ per month—without any initial investment.
Real Life Example: Chikondi in Blantyre.
Chikondi, a young woman in Blantyre, Malawi, started cleaning apartments in her neighborhood with zero startup capital. She used her phone to promote herself via WhatsApp and offered to clean using her client’s own supplies. Within a month, she had five weekly clients and two referrals. She saved her earnings, bought gloves, her own mop and cleaning solutions, and now manages a team of two cleaners doing homes and small offices.
Her secret?
“I just started. People want someone honest and hardworking. You don’t need money. You need consistency.”
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lack of trust from clients | Dress neatly, be polite, and show references/testimonials if possible. |
| Transportation | Start with nearby jobs you can walk to. |
| Uncertain income | Build recurring clients (weekly or bi-weekly cleaning). |
| Clients with no supplies | Once you make money, invest in your own backup supplies. |
| Competition from established cleaners | Focus on quality, not quantity. Most clients want someone reliable. |
Final Advice: Don’t Wait to Be Ready—Start Now.
You don’t need money, a company registration, or cleaning machines to begin. You just need commitment, a phone, and your own energy. Once you build trust, clients will come, and the money will follow. Start small, clean well, earn daily.
You can learn how to clean professionally from this video we found on youtube.
If you’re in Africa, this is one of the simplest, most practical ways to step into entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or someone looking for extra income—a house cleaning service could be your breakthrough. Ready to start? Dust off your dreams and go make them shine.
You May also Love To see How to Make Soap at Home: A Simple Skill for MALAWI Learners to Earn and Grow.
