Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner

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

Working Harder not smarter

In this episode, we take a real look at hustle culture in the business world—where working hard is praised, but working smart is what truly moves the needle. The hosts reflect on their own journeys, from long hours in hands-on roles to leading teams and managing businesses. They explore the identity shifts that come with growth, the power of consistency, and the importance of planning. You'll hear candid thoughts on health, burnout, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining work-life balance. If you're building a business and trying to enjoy the ride while hitting your goals, this conversation is for you.

How to train your cleaning team

🎙️ Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner 🎙️ How can you ensure your cleaning team is trained to deliver outstanding results?
In this episode, we tackle the challenges cleaning business owners face when training their teams—especially self-employed contractors. From avoiding common pitfalls to creating a positive training environment, we explore innovative strategies like gamification to make learning engaging and effective.
We wrap things up with exciting details about our Train the Trainer Course, designed to give business owners the tools to elevate their training processes and team performance.
📢 Don’t miss out—take the next step toward growing your business! Check out the course here

Who is your perfect customer?

In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Louise and Diane discuss the importance of identifying your ideal client, understanding their pain points, and the significance of flexibility in client relationships. They share insights on handling difficult clients, effective marketing strategies, and leveraging past inquiries for new business. The conversation also highlights the role of technology in client management and the necessity of being found on Google for client acquisition. Finally, they emphasize the value of customer service and handling objections to build rapport with potential clients.
Useful Links
DCBN
Docflight

Instagram for business

In this episode, Louise and Diane discuss the effective use of Instagram for cleaning businesses, exploring various strategies for content creation, audience engagement, and the importance of a well-optimised profile. They debate the merits of social media marketing versus other strategies, share insights on posting frequency and timing, and emphasise the need for high-quality content. The conversation also touched on handling criticism on social media and the value of community engagement. Additionally, they highlight the benefits of DCBN membership and available resources for cleaning business owners.

Contracts in domestic cleaning

Confessions of a Cleaning Business Ownerwith Diane Greenwood & Louise Trehearn
Running a cleaning business comes with its challenges - contracts, cancellation policies, and making sure everything runs smoothly. In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Diane Greenwood and Louise Trehearn dive deep into the importance of contracts, terms and conditions, and how tools like DocFlite can streamline document management.
Join us as we discuss how to protect your business, enforce policies, and use automation to set your cleaning business up for growth. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, this episode is packed with practical insights for cleaning business owners.
🎙 Key Topics:✅ Do you really need contracts as a domestic cleaner?✅ How terms and conditions protect you and your clients✅ The best contract options for cleaning businesses✅ Enforcing cancellation policies fairly and effectively✅ How AI and automation can simplify contract management✅ Why document management is crucial for business growth
🔗 Brought to you by the Domestic Cleaning Business Network (DCBN) & DocFlite.
Tune in now to take your cleaning business to the next level! 🚀