If you want carpet cleaning training for beginners, you have to know that starting your own carpet cleaning business can be an exciting and rewarding journey, even if you’re starting from scratch with no prior experience.

At The Carpet Cleaning College, we specialize in helping beginners in the carpet cleaning industry like you turn their dreams into reality, and, you know, carpet cleaning is a high demand, high profit business to be in!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started in carpet cleaning, including tips on equipment, training, and getting your first jobs.

Step 1: Get the Right Equipment

Your carpet cleaning machine is the backbone of your business, but as a beginner, you might wonder: should you rent, buy new, or buy second-hand?

Let’s break it down:

Option 1: Renting a Machine

Downsides: Depending on what you rent, rental machines are often less powerful than professional-grade equipment, which could limit the quality of your work which could stop your business even getting off the ground. Plus, rental costs can add up quickly if you’re cleaning regularly.

Upsides: Renting is a low-cost way to test the waters without a big upfront investment. It’s perfect if you’re unsure whether carpet cleaning is the right business for you, plus it’s also tax-deductible too.

Option 2: Buying a New Machine

• Upsides: A new machine gives you access to the latest technology, reliability, and comes with a warranty. It’s a great choice if you’re committed to building a long-term business and you know it’s what you want to do for the foreseeable future.
• Downsides: The upfront cost can be significant, especially for high-quality, professional-grade machines.

Option 3: Buying Second-Hand

• Upsides: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay can offer great deals on used equipment. This is a budget-friendly way to get started with professional-grade tools.
• Downsides: Second-hand machines may have hidden issues, lack warranties, or require repairs. Always inspect the machine in person and ask about its history. See it working. Check the vacuum motors are working and the pump gives out a good spray. They do come up quite often on these sites, and also ask suppliers like Prochem, Alltec and others to keep an eye out for you too.

Step 2: Get Trained

Even the best equipment won’t guarantee success without proper training. Carpet cleaning is a skill, and learning the right techniques will set you apart from the competition.

Training Options:

Online Tutorials: Free or low-cost videos can teach you the basics, but they often lack depth and hands-on experience – unlike ours! See everything you get in the deepest carpet cleaning training for beginners. (It’s HUGE!)

Local Workshops: Some communities offer in-person training sessions, which can be helpful for hands-on learning.

Hands-On Training

If you have the time you could go on a training course from Prochem or Altec. I have been on courses provided by both these companies are they really are pretty good. I still have my manuals!

Step 3: Marketing – Start Small and Build

Once you have your equipment and training, it’s time to start cleaning! Here are some tips to get your first clients:

• Get our Marketing Course: In our (totally unbiased) opinion our marketing course is the best marketing for carpet cleaners course available. it contains everything you need to know to write ads that sell and will walk you through how to build your empire!
• Friends and Family: Offer discounted or free services to people you know. This helps you practice and build a portfolio.
• Social Media: Post before-and-after photos of your work on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Join local community groups to advertise your services.
• Flyers and Business Cards: Old-school marketing still works! Distribute flyers in your neighbourhood or leave business cards at local businesses.
• Don’t Get Distracted By New and Shiny Tech: In the early days don’t spend a ton of time (like I did) working on a fancy website which won’t be on the front page of Google for many months, if not years, and complex CRM systems you don’t even need yet. Just have an information site with your basic details on it and some before and after photo’s. You can work on it more later.
• Networking: Join business networking clubs to get your name out there. Join with other businesses and let them recommend you to all their friends, family and their business contacts and customers too!
• Tell EVERYONE What You Do: Tell everyone you know and meet what you do … you’ll be surprised at how many will say “I need my carpets cleaning!” In the early days, Use social media to get your name out there and include photos of the jobs you’ve done, but don’t just advertise. Offer helpful tips and tricks on carpet maintenance.
• Give Away Some FREE Stain Remover: Buy some empty bottles and get some labels printed out with your details on it. Fill the bottles with a micro-splitter and give them away to every customer you serve. They’ll be so grateful and your number will hang around for many months if not years to come.
• Start a Little Cheaper: At The Carpet Cleaning College we would never normally recommend you to be cheap – no-one wants a cheap job doing, no matter what you tell yourself. Cheap = nasty. I would suggest working on the cheaper side, say 25% OFF, just to get some business in, gain experience and start getting those vital referrals and testimonials, However, 3 or 4 months should do it, no more than that, and start raising your prices gradually until you get to the price point you want to be at.

Final Thoughts

Starting a carpet cleaning business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing the right equipment, investing in quality training (like our beginner’s course which covers everything from cleaning techniques to business strategies.), and starting small, you can build a successful business from the ground up.

Remember, every expert was once a beginner—so take that first step today!