Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner

Is it too late to fix 2025?

In this episode, the hosts explore why the middle of the year is such an important time for business owners to pause and reflect. They discuss how taking stock of your progress, setting realistic goals, and monitoring your business numbers can shape the months ahead.
The conversation covers the value of seeking feedback to maintain quality and keep clients happy, as well as the benefits of letting go of perfectionism in favour of taking action. You’ll hear practical approaches to planning, including breaking big goals into smaller, manageable steps, and tackling the challenges of marketing with a strategic mindset.
Drawing on their own experiences, the hosts talk openly about learning from mistakes, celebrating small wins, and making sure that business planning fits around real life and personal responsibilities. This episode offers relatable insights and practical tips to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Key Takeaways:
Mid-year is a pivotal moment for reflection and planning
Setting realistic goals supports sustainable business growth
Tracking your numbers helps you make informed decisions
Feedback is essential for improving quality and keeping clients
Overcoming perfectionism allows you to take meaningful action
Effective planning means breaking tasks into manageable steps
Marketing challenges can be met with strategy and persistence
Mistakes are part of the learning and growth process
Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated
Planning should work with your life, not against it
Listen in for honest perspectives and practical advice to help you make the most of the months ahead.

Trained insured and safe

Unlock the secrets to running a safer, smarter, and more successful cleaning business! In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, we dive deep into the world of the cleaning industry—exploring why training, insurance, and professional standards are non-negotiable for growth and sustainability.
Join the hosts as they reveal how the Domestic Cleaning Business Network (DCBN) bridges crucial knowledge gaps, delivers essential training, and champions best practices for health and safety, risk assessment, and COSHH compliance. Discover why insurance is more than just a box to tick, how practical training prevents injuries, and what it takes to truly professionalize cleaning services.
Whether you’re a solo cleaner or leading a team, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on building a respected, sustainable business. Learn why recognizing your professional value—and charging accordingly—matters, and how DCBN supports you every step of the way.
Key Topics Covered:
The mission behind DCBN and industry professionalization
Bridging training and knowledge gaps in cleaning
The real-world importance of insurance and risk assessment
Health and safety obligations for every cleaner
Preventing injuries through practical training and COSHH awareness
Building sustainable business practices for long-term success

Burnout - The hidden struggle of cleaning business owners

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a reality for so many cleaning business owners. In this candid episode, Louise Trehearn and Diane Greenwood get real about the relentless demands of running a cleaning business. From juggling pricing and time management to battling hustle culture and emotional distractions, they dive deep into the mental and physical pressures that come with entrepreneurship.
 
Louise and Diane share honest insights on how business owners can set boundaries, communicate effectively, and spot the warning signs of burnout before it spirals. They unpack the financial realities and business fundamentals every owner needs to know, plus practical strategies for overcoming procrastination (hello, panic monster!) and staying motivated when challenges pile up.
You’ll hear about the unique physical demands of the cleaning industry, why taking breaks and holidays is non-negotiable, and how community support can make all the difference when things get tough. Whether you’re struggling with growth, feeling overwhelmed by the hustle, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone—this episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable tips, and plenty of encouragement.
Tune in if you want to:
Understand the root causes of burnout in the cleaning business
Learn how pricing and boundaries protect your mental health
Discover why communication and delegation are your secret weapons
Hear real strategies for overcoming procrastination and emotional distractions
Get practical advice for balancing business growth with personal well-being
If you’re a cleaning business owner (or aspiring entrepreneur) ready to break free from burnout and build a sustainable business, this one’s for you.

Nobody wants to work - it is not them, its you

Recruitment is the backbone of any thriving cleaning business, yet most owners dedicate less than an hour a week to it. In this episode, we uncover why investing time and effort into hiring is essential for business growth. From building efficient recruitment systems to leveraging technology that reduces no-shows, we break down the strategies that make hiring smoother and more effective.
Our conversation explores the fine balance between automation and human connection, the impact of client quality on recruitment, and how recognizing red flags in candidates can save business owners from costly mistakes. With industry insights and actionable advice, this episode is packed with must-know hiring tactics for anyone looking to scale their business.
As we always say: "If you can't recruit, you can't grow." So grab your notes and get ready to transform your recruitment approach

The Hidden Truth About Customer Payments

Are you a cleaning business owner tired of chasing payments? In this episode, we tackle the all-too-common issue of customers withholding payment in the cleaning industry. Our hosts break down why payment problems happen, how to spot red flags early, and the critical role of managing customer expectations. You’ll learn practical strategies for setting financial buffers, handling non-payment, and using legal contracts to protect your business. Plus, we share tips for responding to bad reviews and maintaining excellent customer service, even in tough situations. Tune in for actionable advice to keep your cleaning business financially secure and your reputation strong.
Keywords: cleaning business, customer payment, expectations management, red flags, financial buffer, non-payment, legal contracts, customer service, bad reviews, cleaning industry

Are Supermarket cleaning products putting your health at risk?

Are your supermarket cleaning products putting your health at risk? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of cleaning products, exposing the hidden dangers of over-processed chemicals and debunking the myth that a fresh scent means true cleanliness. Our hosts break down the differences between supermarket and commercial cleaning products, explore the benefits of eco-friendly and probiotic solutions, and reveal how marketing tactics can mislead even the savviest consumers.
We discuss the latest cleaning technology, chemical safety tips, and the real science behind what makes a space genuinely clean. Plus, we tackle common cleaning misconceptions—like why most jobs can be done with just a few basic products (hello, Fairy Liquid!) and why hard work still matters more than any miracle spray.
Join the conversation! We encourage our listeners to share their experiences and questions as we work together to clear up the confusion and make smarter, safer choices for a healthier home and workplace.

Is it too easy to start a cleaning business?

Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner with Louise and Diane
Starting a cleaning business might seem simple, but beneath its accessibility lie unexpected challenges. In this episode, Louise and Diane dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship in the cleaning industry—balancing full-time jobs, navigating market saturation, and overcoming the pitfalls of low barriers to entry. They explore the rise of side hustles, the critical role of planning, and the often-overlooked impact of workplace culture on business success. Whether you're considering launching a cleaning business or looking to refine your approach, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights and practical advice for long-term sustainability.
Key Takeaways:
The ease of starting a cleaning business comes with hidden obstacles.
Side hustles are reshaping the industry landscape.
Balancing a full-time job with business ownership demands strategy.
Thoughtful planning can prevent common missteps.
Workplace culture influences retention and service quality.
Market saturation leads to pricing struggles and undervaluation of services.
Professionalism is often lacking due to low barriers to entry.
Anticipating challenges can save time, money, and effort.
Strong customer service is crucial, even with delays.
Misconceptions about cleaning as an “easy job” harm the industry.

I'm not good enough

Imagine this: Sarah has been running her cleaning business for three years. She started with nothing but a mop, a bucket, and a dream. Now, she has a growing client list and a small team—but every time she sends out an invoice, she wonders, "Am I really good enough? What if they think I'm a fraud?"
Sound familiar? Many business owners, especially in service industries, struggle with impostor syndrome. That creeping doubt that whispers, “You're not qualified” or “You just got lucky.” This podcast dives deep into these fears, showing cleaning business owners that they’re not alone. It highlights the importance of self-talk—how the words we say to ourselves shape our confidence—and why finding a supportive community can make all the difference.
Sarah’s turning point came when she joined a local business group and realized that even seasoned entrepreneurs shared the same doubts. She began celebrating her wins, recognizing that her expertise and hard work built her success. The podcast offers similar insights, reminding listeners that self-improvement is an ongoing journey, and seeking help isn't a sign of weakness—it’s how we grow.
For anyone doubting their abilities, this podcast is a much-needed reminder: You’re more capable than you think. And sometimes, the biggest success comes from simply believing in yourself.

Balancing work and family guilt

In this episode, Louise and Diane discuss the delicate balance of running a business while raising a family. They share personal experiences of how they navigated the challenges of parenting and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries, having support systems, and recognizing strengths and weaknesses in both family and business partnerships. The conversation highlights the sacrifices made by business owners and the emotional toll of juggling responsibilities, while also celebrating the rewards of maintaining family connections and achieving work-life balance. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the complexities of balancing family life with running a business. They explore the dynamics of working with a partner, the importance of teaching children about business and money, and the impact of parental entrepreneurship on children's understanding of work and resilience. The speakers also address the challenges of guilt in parenting and the necessity of embracing failure as a part of growth in both business and family life.

Imposter syndrome

Feeling like a fraud in your own business? You’re not alone. In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Diane and Louise take on imposter syndrome—those nagging doubts that creep in as your business grows. They explore the power of support systems, the importance of community validation, and why recognising your own achievements is essential for confidence. From managing stress to navigating friendships in business, this conversation is packed with insights that will help you push through self-doubt and own your success. Tune in and start embracing your role as a business owner