Whether it’s sprucing up office nooks or giving retail spaces a squeaky-clean shine, cleaning franchises are the unsung heroes behind the scenes. These franchises cater to diverse needs, from basic janitorial services to specialized cleaning solutions tailored for industries like healthcare and hospitality.
The franchises in this article — the top 15 cleaning franchises according to the 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking — have established themselves as industry leaders through efficient operations, innovative technologies and customer-centric approaches.
Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.
1. Stratus Building Solutions
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 23Founded: 2004Franchising since: 2006Number of units: 3,641Change in units: +50.6% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $4K-$80KLeadership: Rob Lancit, VP of Franchise DevelopmentParent company: N/A
As a popular, inexpensive franchise to open, Stratus Building Solutions specializes in commercial cleaning and disinfection services. As a franchisee, you will offer commercial, carpet, post-construction and even medical-grade cleaning services, all while using healthy and environmentally friendly products. At Stratus, you can open a small business franchise, but for those who are executive types, you can even open your own mini-franchise system as a master franchisee.
2. The Maids
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 30Founded: 1979Franchising since: 1981Number of units: 1,606Change in units: +9.0% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $78K-$156KLeadership: Dan Kirwan, CEOParent company: The Maids Int’l. Inc.
Established in 1979, The Maids is a leading residential house cleaning service. With more than 1,600 units across the United States and Canada, it is recognized as one of North America’s top residential home cleaning services. Franchisees benefit from thorough training, ongoing support and exclusive marketing territories, enabling them to create a flexible lifestyle that balances personal and financial goals while providing quality service to clients, including weekends, nights and holidays.
3. Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 36Founded: 1991Franchising since: 1992Number of units: 10,654Change in units: +5.3% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $5K-$58KLeadership: Gary Bauer, Brand PresidentParent company: Empower Brands
Owning a Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting franchise allows you to operate your own cleaning and maintenance enterprise renowned for its exceptional brand reputation. As a franchisee, you will benefit from a proven business model and a loyal customer base.
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4. Anago Cleaning Solutions
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 51Founded: 1989Franchising since: 1991Number of units: 1,835Change in units: +7.2% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $11K-$68KLeadership: Adam Povlitz, CEO & PresidentParent company: Anago Cleaning SystemsAnago Cleaning Systems, headquartered in Pompano Beach and led by CEO Adam Povlitz, offers franchise opportunities in the lucrative commercial cleaning industry. With over 30 years of experience, Anago provides franchisees with established business operation systems for immediate success in this competitive market. It is an ideal choice for entrepreneurs looking to enter the industry without developing a unique brand or business concept.
5. Merry Maids
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 102Founded: 1979Franchising since: 1980Number of units: 1,640Change in units: -4.0% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $94K-$144KLeadership: Jean Grossman, PresidentParent company: ServiceMaster Brands
Merry Maids, founded by Dallen Peterson in 1979, prioritizes customer satisfaction by providing thorough and healthy home cleaning services. With over 1,600 franchises in the U.S. and numerous international locations, Merry Maids has grown into a recognized brand in the industry. Offering a worry-free guarantee and aiming to enhance customers’ lives by allowing them to relax in a clean sanctuary, starting a Merry Maids franchise could be an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs in the cleaning services sector.
6. Molly Maid
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 103Founded: 1979Franchising since: 1979Number of units: 454Change in units: -7.0% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $134K-$192KLeadership: Marla Mock, Brand PresidentParent company: Neighborly
Molly Maid, founded by David McKinnon in 1979 and operating under the Neighborly umbrella, offers high-end residential cleaning services through its franchise network spanning over 450 locations in the U.S. With headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Molly Maid presents a repeat business opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the cleaning industry. Leveraging national brand recognition and Neighborly’s business system, franchisees have the potential to achieve personal, financial and professional goals.
7. Corvus Janitorial Systems
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 124Founded: 2004Franchising since: 2004Number of units: 1,959Change in units: +55.2% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $10K-$35KLeadership: Brennen Randquist, Co-CEOParent company: Corvus Holdings LLC
Corvus Janitorial Services provides a full range of commercial cleaning services to its customers to provide healthier and safer environments. As a franchisor, Corvus helps its franchisees with technical support, training and even customer acquisitions as you grow.
Related: Find Out Which Brands Have Ranked on the Franchise 500 for Longest, Earning a Spot In our New ‘Hall of Fame
8. Stanley Steemer
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 130Founded: 1947Franchising since: 1972Number of units: 270Change in units: +0.4% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $139K-$410KLeadership: Justin Bates, PresidentParent company: Stanley Steemer Int’l. Inc.Stanley Steemer, founded in 1947 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, offers comprehensive home and commercial cleaning services across various surfaces, including carpets, tiles, upholstery and more. With more than 200 U.S. franchises and 50+ company-owned locations, Stanley Steemer is a well-known name in the cleaning industry. Services also include water damage restoration, disinfection, air duct cleaning, natural stone cleaning and the sale of cleaning products. Whether for homes, businesses, RVs, boats or cars, Stanley Steemer provides solutions to tackle tough dirt effectively.
9. City Wide Facility Solutions
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 139Founded: 1961Franchising since: 2001Number of units: 99Change in units: +43.5% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $178K-$379KLeadership: Jeffrey Oddo, CEO & OwnerParent company: City Wide Franchise Company Inc.
Founded in 1961 by entrepreneur Frank Oddo, City Wide Facility Solutions initially offered janitorial services but evolved into a sales and management company due to growing demands, transitioning from direct maintenance services to managing facility requests. With more than two decades of franchising, City Wide has become a significant player in the building maintenance industry by focusing on effectively managing services requested by clients or facilities.
10. Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 186Founded: 1977Franchising since: 1978Number of units: 2,027Change in units: -43% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $71K-$235KLeadership: Ed Quinlan, PresidentParent company: Belfor Franchise Group
Founded by Robert Harris in 1977, Chem-Dry emerged from his dissatisfaction with traditional carpet cleaning methods. Inspired by a flight attendant’s use of club soda to remove a stain from his tie, Harris developed a carbonation-based cleaning process that uses less water and eliminates harsh chemicals.
This innovation led to shorter drying times and an eco-friendly approach and propelled Chem-Dry to become the world’s leading low-cost carpet, rug and upholstery cleaning brand, boasting more than 2,000 franchises worldwide.
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11. MaidPro
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 216Founded: 1991Franchising since: 1997Number of units: 267Change in units: -2% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $106K-$131KLeadership: Emily Estes, Brand PresidentParent company: Threshold Brands
MaidPro, with over 30 years of operation and originating from Boston, Massachusetts, has grown to nearly 270 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Known for its loyal customer base and effective home cleaning services, MaidPro offers a promising franchise opportunity in the cleaning service industry. The company’s innovative approach, flexible yet robust systems and personalized support for franchisees set it apart, providing accessibility to revolutionary tools and simplifying business operations. If you’re seeking a franchise with proven systems and ongoing support, MaidPro could be the ideal choice to start your entrepreneurial journey in the cleaning service sector.
12. Window Gang
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 221Founded: 1986Franchising since: 1996Number of units: 228Change in units: +2.2% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $108K-$149KLeadership: Paul Flick, CEOParent company: Premium Service Brands
Founded in 1986 by Tim McCullen to meet the growing demand for window cleaning services, Window Gang began as a summer job but evolved into a full-time venture by 1996. Offering a range of cleaning services for residential, commercial and high-rise buildings, including window cleaning, pressure washing and gutter cleaning, Window Gang expanded its offerings and opened to franchising in 1996. With over 220 locations across the U.S., owning a Window Gang franchise provides an opportunity to help people maintain clean spaces and benefit from a proven business model.
13. ServiceMaster Clean
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 239Founded: 1959Franchising since: 1959Number of units: 671Change in units: -8.0% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $88K-$125KLeadership: Joshua Ussiri, PresidentParent company: ServiceMaster Brands
ServiceMaster Clean, a leader in corporate and residential cleaning and maintenance services, began franchising in 1959. With nearly 700 franchises in the United States, ServiceMaster Clean is trusted by both customers and franchisees for its expertise. ServiceMaster Clean offers specialized resources and support to help franchisees compete effectively in the competitive cleaning industry. Benefits include specialized coaching for cleaning health facilities, access to a top training center, comprehensive business, technical and marketing support, and in-house experts sourcing professional cleaning supplies and products.
14. Two Maids
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 241Founded: 2003Franchising since: 2013Number of units: 136Change in units: +72.2% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $93K-$150KLeadership: Paul Ebert, PresidentParent company: Home Franchise Concepts
Two Maids, established in 2003, specializes in providing affordable and efficient residential cleaning services nationwide. As a franchisee, you’ll collaborate with a professional cleaning crew and franchise business experts to deliver top-notch cleaning services in your area. Ideal candidates for a Two Maids franchise are passionate about business and community service. Operating a Two Maids franchise allows you to contribute essential cleaning services to your community, helping residents maintain clean, sanitized and beautiful homes, reducing stress and preserving property value.
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15. Fish Window Cleaning
Overall Franchise 500 Rank: 242Founded: 1978Franchising since: 1998Number of units: 266Change in units: -5.0% over 3 yearsInitial investment: $105K-$170KLeadership: Randy Cross, PresidentParent company: N/A
Fish Window Cleaning, founded in 1978, emerged to fulfill the need for window cleaning services, leveraging its founder’s extensive experience in the field. With over 250 franchises across the U.S., Fish Window Cleaning offers franchisees access to proprietary software, comprehensive training, marketing tools and online resources. Franchisees can benefit from operating in protected territories and participating in the national accounts program, establishing themselves as reliable and professional window cleaners within their communities.
