Starting a Cleaning Business in Australia: Your Supplies Checklist

Starting a new cleaning business is exciting, but a stumbling block that many budding new operators hit is simply not knowing what to buy. Buy too much, and you'll drain your startup capital; buy too little, and you risk turning up to a job underprepared. This blog will provide a practical, no-nonsense checklist of everything you need to set yourself up for success.

The Essential Chemicals Every New Cleaning Business Needs

As a minimum, any new cleaning business should stock at least one pH-neutral general-purpose cleaner (for everyday surfaces) and one alkaline degreaser (for kitchens and food preparation areas). These two products alone will tackle around 80% of daily surface and cleaning tasks between them.

But what else should a commercial cleaning kit include? Here's a list of the core chemicals you'll need to do every job well:

• TGA-registered disinfectant – for high-touch surfaces and bathrooms
• A specially formulated bathroom cleaner – for soap scum and limescale
• Glass cleaner – for windows and mirrors
• A toilet bowl cleaner
• A floor cleaner that matches all surface types in your client's premises

When you're first starting, prioritise concentrates over ready-to-use sprays; they're formulated with higher levels of active ingredients designed for dilution, so offer a large reduction in per-use cost.

It's also important to note that, under the WHS Regulation 2017, businesses must keep current safety data sheets (SDS) for every hazardous chemical that's stored onsite. These must be easily accessible to all workers who may encounter those chemicals.

Must-Have Equipment Before Taking Your First Job

So, we've covered the cleaning chemicals you'll need in your toolkit. What about the equipment? Here are the hand tools and basics we recommend you have in your arsenal:

• A commercial-grade vacuum cleaner – essential for carpets, hard floors and upholstery
• Microfibre cloths and mop systems – using different cloths for different rooms will avoid cross-contamination
• A mop bucket with a wringer
• A commercial broom and dustpan
• A set of spray bottles for holding diluted concentrates

For commercial operators with larger surface areas, a floor scrubber is worth considering. Not only do they allow you to clean more quickly, but they also reach into textures where mops can't and deliver consistent streak-free results.

PPE and Safety Gear You Shouldn't Overlook

Under Australian WHS regulations, workers must be provided with the appropriate PPE and receive training in using, cleaning and storing it properly. This applies even if you're a sole trader.

For cleaning operators, basic PPE must include chemical-resistant gloves matched to the chemicals being used; safety goggles or splash-proof glasses, P2 masks or respirators, and non-slip, closed-toe footwear. These are not optional, but a necessity. PPE protects cleaners from chemicals, slippery floors and airborne irritants.

You should also stock a basic spill kit alongside your PPE. This should include absorbent material, gloves, and bags for dealing with chemical spills, and will demonstrate your professionalism to commercial clients.

Organising and Transporting Your Supplies

A well-stocked and organised supply caddy is an essential organisational tool. With an easy grab-and-go format, they're convenient for any cleaning job, and will signal professionalism to your clients when you arrive onsite.

If you're servicing multiple clients each day, consider one caddy per job type so you're not wasting time searching through mixed supplies onsite. You'll also remove the risk of cross-contamination between jobs.

Invest in a purpose-fitted van or dedicated cargo space as early as budget allows; shelving units keep your supplies visible, secure, and prevent them from shifting or leaking during transit.

Where to Source Wholesale Cleaning Supplies in Australia

Buying wholesale, rather than from supermarket shelves, is one of the single best decisions you can make as a new cleaning business. The cost difference on concentrates, consumables and equipment can add up quickly, even if your client base is small.

So, getting your supplies right at the start doesn't need to be expensive or complicated; it just needs to be thoughtful. If you're just starting and want a supplier who has everything in one place, Big Clean are here to help. We stock a comprehensive range of commercial cleaning products suited to both new and established operators (and everyone in between).