Breaking Into the Contract Cleaning Market, a Step by Step Guide to Entry Costs and Growth Opportunities 

If you’re considering starting a contract cleaning business, you’re likely exploring pressure washing, soft washing, or both. While these markets are closely related, they serve different cleaning needs and surface types. Pressure washing uses high PSI (pounds per square inch) and is ideal for hard surfaces like concrete and brick. Soft washing, on the other hand, uses low pressure combined with chemical solutions, like sodium hypochlorite, to safely clean more delicate surfaces such as roofs, siding, and stucco. 

What’s exciting? With the right system, you can start serving both markets at an entry level and grow into specialized services. Let’s walk through the realistic, incremental cost steps to help you decide how to enter and scale your contract cleaning business, from side hustle to full time operation. 

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Step 1: Budget Entry – Home System Cleaning (Start Simple, Start Smart) 

Cost Range: ~$300–$500 

For aspiring contract cleaners looking to test the waters or start part time, the AR Blue Clean BM3000 is a reliable entry-level electric pressure washer. It’s ideal for lighter residential jobs such as: 

• Cleaning trash bins 

• Washing fences and patios 

• Soft washing boats and siding (with appropriate chemicals) 

This system offers up to 3000 PSI and 1.3 GPM which is enough to tackle basic cleaning jobs with care and safety. It’s compact, quiet, and perfect for HOA compliant or apartment-based startups. Use it to build a client base and gain hands-on experience without a major financial commitment. 

Step 2: Professional Upgrade – Starter Pack Expansion 

Cost Range: ~$1,500–$3,000 

Once you’re ready to scale and target more frequent residential customers or tackle more substantial work, the Weekend Warrior Kit is your logical next step. This package provides a more robust, gas-powered system with essential accessories like: 

• Hose reels and high pressure hoses 

• Wand and gun assembly 

• Surface cleaner 

• Downstream injector for soap application 

This level of equipment increases your PSI and GPM capabilities, allowing you to address more surfaces (driveways, garages, decks) and charge accordingly. At this point, you’re running a true professional-grade service, even if it’s still part-time. 

Step 3: Contract Cleaner Essentials – Skid Mounted Rig for Trucks or Trailers 

Cost Range: ~$4,000–$8,000+ 

Ready to serve commercial clients and expand your footprint? The Delux Mustang Base Skid is your launchpad into full-blown contract cleaning. This is a skid system designed to mount onto an existing pickup truck or trailer. You’ll benefit from: 

• Industrial-grade performance (GPM & PSI tuned for volume and effectiveness) 

• Skid setup for mobility and organization 

• Expandable with surface cleaners, hose reels, and water tanks 

At this level, your addressable market includes storefronts, small office buildings, gas stations, and large concrete spaces. Many part-timers make this transition and start landing repeat commercial contracts. 

Step 4: Premium Services – Hot Water System for Specialized Cleaning 

Cost Range: ~$6,000–$12,000+ 

Hot water changes everything. With the Pressure Pro 4012 Hot Water System, you unlock opportunities for: 

• Fleet vehicle washing 

• Grease and oil removal 

• Kitchen exhaust cleaning 

• Heavy duty industrial cleaning 

This 4200 PSI, 4 GPM hot water machine gives you a distinct competitive advantage, especially when bidding on restaurant, transportation, or warehouse contracts that require sanitation and high efficiency cleaning. The consistent income from these verticals makes this investment worthwhile. 

Final Thoughts: A Flexible Path to Full-Time Business 

Whether you’re aiming to launch a side hustle or build a six figure contract cleaning operation, there’s an entry point that fits your budget and goals. Each step up opens new markets and services, and with PowerWash.com as your partner, you’re never navigating alone. 

Our team of professionals is ready to help you map out your path, whether it’s your first trash can or your first fleet contract. From home units to professional rigs, safety training to custom trailers, we provide the gear, guidance, and growth strategies to help your business thrive. 

🔗 Need help figuring out which system is right for you? Contact us or call 1-800-433-2113 and speak with a PowerWash.com sales expert today.