Small Business Loans for Cleaning Companies

Running a cleaning business takes more than hard work — it takes consistent cash flow, the right equipment, and a dependable team.
Whether you manage commercial contracts, residential services, or specialty cleaning, access to financing can help you scale, hire, or invest in better tools without straining your budget.

This guide breaks down the best small business loans for cleaning companies, how to qualify, and which financing options make the most sense for your specific goals.

Why Cleaning Companies Need Business Financing

The cleaning industry is competitive and often operates on thin margins. A few late payments from clients or an unexpected equipment breakdown can quickly disrupt operations.

Small business loans help cleaning companies:
✅ Buy or replace cleaning equipment and vehicles
✅ Cover payroll during slow months
✅ Expand into new territories or take larger contracts
✅ Purchase bulk cleaning supplies at better rates
✅ Invest in marketing and new client acquisition

Whether you’re just starting out or managing multiple crews, the right financing ensures your business keeps running smoothly.

1. SBA 7(a) Loans – Best for Established Cleaning Businesses

The SBA 7(a) Loan Program is one of the most flexible and affordable financing options available to cleaning company owners.

Highlights:

• Loan amounts up to $5 million

• Terms up to 10 years for equipment or working capital

• Interest rates typically 8%–11% (Prime + lender spread)

• Down payments as low as 10%

Use funds for:

• Purchasing new vans or cleaning equipment

• Hiring and training staff

• Refinancing higher-interest debt

Because SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, lenders can offer longer repayment terms and lower rates than traditional bank loans.

Best for: Cleaning companies with at least two years in business and stable revenue.

2. SBA Microloans – Ideal for New or Small Cleaning Companies

If your business is smaller or just getting started, an SBA Microloan can be a perfect fit.

Program details:

• Loan amounts up to $50,000

• Average loan around $14,000

• Interest rates between 8%–13%

• Terms up to 6 years

Use funds for:

• Buying vacuums, floor buffers, or power washers

• Purchasing uniforms and supplies

• Launching marketing campaigns

Microloans are distributed through nonprofit intermediaries, which often provide business coaching — great for first-time entrepreneurs in the cleaning industry.

3. Equipment Financing – Keep Cash Flow Healthy

Equipment financing lets you buy or lease new cleaning machines without paying the full cost upfront.

Examples of equipment you can finance:

• Commercial carpet cleaners and vacuums

• Industrial floor scrubbers

• Company vehicles

• Pressure washers and janitorial carts

Advantages:
✅ Fast approvals (often in 1–3 days)
✅ Equipment serves as collateral (no large down payment)
✅ Fixed monthly payments
✅ Section 179 tax deductions available

Best for: Businesses looking to replace or upgrade equipment without draining cash reserves.

4. Business Line of Credit – Flexible Cash for Everyday Needs

A business line of credit is perfect for cleaning companies with seasonal fluctuations or unpredictable client payments.

How it works:

• Get approved for a set amount (e.g., $50,000)

• Withdraw only what you need

• Pay interest only on what you use

Use funds for:

• Payroll during slow periods

• Supply purchases

• Emergency repairs

Pro Tip: Keep the line open even when you don’t need it — it’s a safety net for unexpected expenses.

5. Short-Term Loans – Fast Cash for Growth or Emergencies

If you need cash quickly for a new contract or repair, short-term business loans can fund within 24–72 hours.

Typical features:

• Loan amounts: $5,000–$500,000

• Terms: 3–18 months

• Fast online applications

• Daily or weekly repayments

While interest rates are higher than SBA loans, they’re great for fast-moving opportunities — like purchasing equipment for a new commercial account.

Best for: Cleaning companies with steady revenue but urgent short-term needs.

6. Invoice Financing – Solve Cash Flow Gaps

Many commercial cleaning companies wait 30–90 days for client payments. With invoice financing, you can get paid upfront for outstanding invoices.

How it works:

• You sell unpaid invoices to a lender

• The lender advances 80%–90% of the total value

• You get the rest (minus a small fee) once your client pays

This option keeps operations moving while you wait for large clients to pay.

How to Qualify for a Cleaning Business Loan

Lenders usually review your business’s creditworthiness and financial stability.

✅ Credit score: Aim for 650+ (personal or business)
✅ Time in business: At least 6–24 months for most programs
✅ Annual revenue: $50K+ preferred
✅ Documentation: Tax returns, bank statements, equipment quotes, business plan

If you’re a newer business, SBA Microloans or equipment financing are often the easiest to qualify for.

Featured Snippet: Best Small Business Loans for Cleaning Companies

1. SBA 7(a) Loans – For long-term growth and expansion

2. SBA Microloans – For startups and small cleaning teams

3. Equipment Financing – For new tools and vehicles

4. Business Line of Credit – For cash flow management

5. Invoice Financing – For covering unpaid invoices

Example: Cleaning Company Expands Into Commercial Contracts

Business: SparkPro Cleaning – Tampa, FL
Loan Type: SBA 7(a) Loan
Amount: $250,000

SparkPro Cleaning built a strong local residential client base but wanted to expand into commercial janitorial contracts.

They used an SBA 7(a) loan to:

• Buy two new vans

• Hire 10 additional cleaners

• Purchase bulk supplies and uniforms

Within a year, the company doubled its monthly revenue and signed long-term contracts with three local office parks.

Owner’s Quote:

“Without the SBA loan, we couldn’t have scaled this fast. It gave us the breathing room to hire and grow strategically.”

Tips for Choosing the Right Loan

✅ Match the loan to your goal — equipment, expansion, or cash flow.
✅ Compare rates and repayment terms across multiple lenders.
✅ Check eligibility before applying to avoid credit hits.
✅ Use SBA-preferred lenders for faster approvals.
✅ Consider leasing for tools that need frequent replacement.

Final Thoughts: Cleaning Businesses Deserve Clean Financing

From buying industrial-grade machines to hiring more staff, financing can take your cleaning company from a small operation to a scalable enterprise.

With options like SBA loans, microloans, and equipment financing, you can grow your business while maintaining healthy cash flow.

To explore available SBA programs and find local lenders, visit
👉 sba.gov/funding-programs/loans