Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner
Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner is the straight-talking podcast for domestic cleaning business owners who want real-world advice, not fluff.
Hosted by Louise Trehearn and Diane Greenwood, each episode dives into the wins, mistakes, awkward moments, and behind-the-scenes realities of running a cleaning business—especially the parts no one warns you about when you start. If you’ve ever felt like you’re figuring it out as you go (while juggling customers, staff, cash flow, and a never-ending to-do list), you’re in the right place.
This show is built for owners at every stage: from solo cleaners who want more stability and better clients, to growing teams who need stronger systems, clearer leadership, and a business that doesn’t rely on the owner doing everything. Louise and Diane bring a practical, no-nonsense perspective shaped by years in the industry—so you’ll hear what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to make smarter decisions faster.
Expect honest conversations about the topics that matter most: pricing and profitability, customer boundaries, hiring and managing staff, training and quality control, scheduling and operations, handling complaints, and building a reputation that keeps your diary full. You’ll also hear about the mindset side of business ownership—confidence, imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, burnout, and the pressure of trying to be the “nice” boss while still running a business that makes money.
What makes Confessions different is the tone: it’s not polished perfection. It’s the kind of conversation you’d have with someone who gets it—someone who understands that cleaning is a professional industry, that standards matter, and that your time and expertise deserve respect.
Whether you’re trying to stop undercharging, tighten up your systems, improve team performance, or feel less alone in the day-to-day chaos, you’ll leave each episode with practical takeaways you can apply immediately.
If you’re ready to build a cleaning business that’s profitable, professional, and sustainable—without losing your sanity—press play and join the conversation.
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
A significant number of individuals find themselves unexpectedly thrust into the role of business ownership, often without any prior intention of acquiring the necessary skills to effectively manage a business. Regrettably, this situation can eventually lead to a growth bottleneck for your business or take a personal toll on you. In this podcast, we explore the aspects of business ownership that are within your control, as well as those that aren't. We delve into proactive strategies, time management challenges, the importance of cultivating a supportive network, and how to embrace constructive feedback.
Research has highlighted that one of the most significant predictors of future success is one's resilience. Therefore, we also examine ways to nurture resilience in yourself and those around you.
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Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Are you someone who is struggling to work out what to charge, is it reasonable and fair to the customer and keeps you competitive? Every business will charge different amounts and set their own prices but Louise and Diane investigate why so many cleaners are failing to walk away with minimum wage. They look at practical tips on how to ensure you are fairly paid for your time and effort,
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Unmasking Hidden Costs: The Reality of Pricing in Cleaning Businesses. Are you stuck in the £16 versus £12 hourly rate dilemma? Join Louise and Diane as they dissect the misconception that working alongside a cleaner will guarantee £20 per hour, only to reveal the potential pitfalls that may lead business owners to burnout and financial loss. Tune in for valuable insights into what you should reconsider and the often-overlooked expenses in your cleaning business.
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Join Louise and special guest Claire Dore as they delve into the world of women in the cleaning industry. From tackling issues of gender equality and the physical challenges that cleaners encounter to addressing the stigma surrounding their profession, Claire shares her insights with a touch of humour.Be advised this podcast candidly explores topics such as prolapses, menopause, and dating and includes occasional swearing.
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
In a world inundated with an endless stream of tips and tricks across various social media platforms, it's only natural to wonder which ones actually work and which ones might inadvertently lead to chaos and confusion. Indeed, some of these well-intentioned titbits of advice can even cause damage rather than improvement. That's where the dynamic duo of Louise and Diane come into play, armed with a scientific curiosity and a passion for cleaning. Together, they've embarked on a mission to put these tips to the test, separating fact from fiction and debunking myths. Their relentless pursuit of knowledge has led them to scrutinize and experiment with numerous cleaning hacks to bring clarity to the world of professional cleaning services. Join us as Louise and Diane reveal the secrets behind what truly benefits your cleaning business and what might make things worse.
Friday Sep 15, 2023
Friday Sep 15, 2023
Have you considered offering Biohazard cleaning? Diane Greenwoods talks to Ultima about working in the Biohazard industry and how companies succeed. Ultima are recognised experts in the industry and offer a range of accredited courses for anyone looking to get qualified in biohazard cleaning.
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
In this episode we look at business owners and why they struggle to turn off their phones or ever stop being the number 1 point of contact at all hours for their business. Diane and Louise draw from their own experiences and also look at the potential consequences of being a constant parent to the business baby.
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
What happens when things go wrong for cleaning company owners?? This episode looks at some of the problems raised in the groups this week that are going wrong for actual cleaners and business owners. Louise and Diane discuss practical answers, bring their own experience and laugh the way.
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Diane talks with a special guest from the Clean and Tidy home show about what you can expect from the event and how it is making a difference in the cleaning industry.
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Cleaners leave early or change the timings of a clean. This is one of the biggest niggles for business owners and customers. In this podcast, we get to the real problem and look at solutions to this age-old issue, from reducing leaving early to charging an all-inclusive rate that does not depend on timing.