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 Jun 15, 2022
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
On this week's podcast, Louise and Diane have a hilarious chat about their experiences of things going dreadfully wrong in their cleaning businesses. They also offer helpful insight into how these disasters can impact future policies and risk assessments.
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
For this week's podcast, Louise welcomes a guest: Heidi Pattison, the owner of HP Cleaning and Support Services, to talk about staff retention and additional support services within her cleaning business. This podcast offers some helpful insight into how a cleaning business can in fact change people's lives. - 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.
Thursday May 26, 2022
Thursday May 26, 2022
On this weeks podcast, Louise and Diane brush up on their acting skills and telephone sales knowledge by sharing some useful roleplaying scenarios on how to deliver a quote to a potential client. - 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. We 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/
Thursday May 26, 2022
Thursday May 26, 2022
On this weeks Podcast Louise & Diane talk about the ins-and-outs of social media for Domestic Cleaning Businesses and how it can benefit your reach and presence within the industry. - 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 May 11, 2022
Wednesday May 11, 2022
On this weeks podcast, Louise and Diane talk about the importance of having an online presence as a domestic cleaner, and the positives and negatives that come with marketing within the domestic cleaning industry.
Monday May 02, 2022
Monday May 02, 2022
On this weeks podcast, Louise and Diane talk us through the DCBN (Domestic Cleaning Business Network) from its early beginnings to current day achievements, future plans, & what the DCBN does for their members and the wider industry.
To watch via Youtube, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTJBtMosBQs
Monday Apr 04, 2022
Monday Apr 04, 2022
Louise and Diane discuss the different options for software in a cleaning business.
Monday Mar 28, 2022
Monday Mar 28, 2022
Louise & Diane discuss how cleaning business owners improve and adapt to the different challenges they face from a growing business
Monday Mar 14, 2022
Monday Mar 14, 2022
Louise and Diane examine why demand in the cleaning industry is at an all time high.
Monday Mar 07, 2022
Monday Mar 07, 2022
How to start a cleaning business. Louise and Diane discuss all the steps to starting a cleaning business, sharing their own experiences, but also now sharing the correct answers that they wish they had known at the time.
From the very first idea or dream that the cleaning business owner has, through to planning and getting their first customer. This episode includes registering with HMRC and whether self employed cleaners can still employ other cleaners?