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
Thursday Oct 06, 2022
Thursday Oct 06, 2022
On this week's episode Diane and Louise continue their Beat the Cost of Living Series by deep-diving into the costs included in employing workers in your cleaning business.
Thursday Sep 29, 2022
Thursday Sep 29, 2022
On this week's episode Diane and Louise tell us all about the Domestic Cleaning Industry Awards - a spectacular event set up by the DCBN to recognise and celebrate the best of our industry. If you wish to nominate yourself, visit: https://dcbn.org.uk/awards/
Friday Sep 23, 2022
Friday Sep 23, 2022
On this week's episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner Podcast Diane and Louise take us through some cost-effective options for marketing your cleaning business.
Thursday Sep 15, 2022
Thursday Sep 15, 2022
The return of the 'Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner' Podcast brings the start of a new series, titled: Beat the Cost of Living Crisis. This episode particularly takes you through a few helpful tips to reduce some of your costs in your cleaning business.
Friday Aug 12, 2022
Friday Aug 12, 2022
On this weeks podcast episode, DCBN Director Louise Trehearn speaks to Jessica Thomas from Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Company about how starting her cleaning business turned her life around in a multitude of ways.
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The DCBN is here to support domestic cleaning companies reach the next level in their industry. Our mission is to ensure all cleaning companies are Insured, Trained and Safe.
The DCBN provide support to all levels of domestic cleaners with membership options for solo cleaners and business owners.
The DCBN have developed industry leading cleaning training, campaigned for more better conditions and support at government level, negotiated with suppliers to get great deals for smaller businesses, run the Domestic Cleaning Industry awards and provide training and templates to run a wide variety of cleaning business types.
For more information about our Membership and how to join, visit: https://dcbn.org.uk/membership/
Friday Aug 05, 2022
Friday Aug 05, 2022
On this week's podcast, Louise and Diane go through the emotions of a cleaning business owner throughout each of the different growth stages of a business.
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The DCBN is here to support domestic cleaning companies reach the next level in their industry. Our mission is to ensure all cleaning companies are Insured, Trained and Safe.
The DCBN provide support to all levels of domestic cleaners with membership options for solo cleaners and business owners.
The DCBN have developed industry leading cleaning training, campaigned for more better conditions and support at government level, negotiated with suppliers to get great deals for smaller businesses, run the Domestic Cleaning Industry awards and provide training and templates to run a wide variety of cleaning business types.
For more information about our Membership and how to join, visit: https://dcbn.org.uk/membership
Thursday Jul 28, 2022
Thursday Jul 28, 2022
In this week's episode, Louise and Diane talk us through the past week in their lives as Cleaning Business Owners.
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The DCBN is here to support domestic cleaning companies reach the next level in their industry. Our mission is to ensure all cleaning companies are Insured, Trained and Safe.
The DCBN provide support to all levels of domestic cleaners with membership options for solo cleaners and business owners.
The DCBN have developed industry leading cleaning training, campaigned for more better conditions and support at government level, negotiated with suppliers to get great deals for smaller businesses, run the Domestic Cleaning Industry awards and provide training and templates to run a wide variety of cleaning business types.
For more information about our Membership and how to join, visit: https://dcbn.org.uk/membership/
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
In this week's episode, Louise and Diane spill some fabulous knowledge concerning the five numbers you need to consider in order to increase your profits!
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The DCBN is here to support domestic cleaning companies reach the next level in their industry. Our mission is to ensure all cleaning companies are Insured, Trained and Safe.
The DCBN provide support to all levels of domestic cleaners with membership options for solo cleaners and business owners.
The DCBN have developed industry leading cleaning training, campaigned for more better conditions and support at government level, negotiated with suppliers to get great deals for smaller businesses, run the Domestic Cleaning Industry awards and provide training and templates to run a wide variety of cleaning business types.
For more information about our Membership and how to join, visit: https://dcbn.org.uk/membership/
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
We all know that any job can come with difficult customers; however, when you're your own boss, it's entirely up to you as to how to deal with it! Lucky for you lot, Louise & Diane are here on this week's podcast with some fabulous advice to make the process as easy as possible.
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The DCBN is here to support domestic cleaning companies reach the next level in their industry. Our mission is to ensure all cleaning companies are Insured, Trained and Safe. The DCBN provide support to all levels of domestic cleaners with membership options for solo cleaners and business owners. The DCBN have developed industry leading cleaning training, campaigned for better conditions and support at government level, negotiated with suppliers to get great deals for smaller businesses, run the Domestic Cleaning Industry awards and provide training and templates to run a wide variety of cleaning business types. For more information about our Membership and how to join, visit: https://dcbn.org.uk/membership/
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
On this week's podcast, Louise speaks to Faye Mac from Clean As A Whistle Cleaning Company about her recent success on social media and how this has positively impacted the success of their businesses.
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The DCBN is here to support domestic cleaning companies reach the next level in their industry. Our mission is to ensure all cleaning companies are Insured, Trained and Safe. The DCBN provide support to all levels of domestic cleaners with membership options for solo cleaners and business owners. The DCBN have developed industry leading cleaning training, campaigned for more better conditions and support at government level, negotiated with suppliers to get great deals for smaller businesses, run the Domestic Cleaning Industry awards and provide training and templates to run a wide variety of cleaning business types.