Home service franchises are excellent options for a low-investment. But are they that great of an investment?

We’ll give you an answer now…

You’ll need approximately $120K to invest, and by year three, 80% of you will be making an average profit of around $160K+. (this is based on averages and our research)

Let’s explore the top 5 home cleaning franchise options and compare cost versus opportunity.

The structure of this article –

1. Summary
2. Details with Financials
3. Conclusion

The top 5 home cleaning franchises are –

1. Merry Maid
2. Molly Maid
3. The Maids
4. Maid Brigade
5. Ecomaids

A lot of maids, eh?

Why are these the top 5?

Don’t ask Chat GPT. They’re off. 

The criteria was based on the number of units, failure rate, profitability, and other factors such as customer retention and satisfaction. These franchises stand out due to their commitment to quality service, customer satisfaction, and innovative cleaning techniques.

1. Merry Maids has a strong presence with 1,640 locations. They offer a wide range of services, including green cleaning, and have their line of green cleaning products, Merry Maids Essentials​.
2. The Maids offers a comprehensive 22-step cleaning process and partners exclusively with Mr. Clean, signifying a high standard of cleaning. They have seen steady growth, with 1,606 locations​.
3. Molly Maid emphasizes customer satisfaction with a 98% recurring customer base and offers a wide range of services, including commercial cleaning. They currently operate 454 locations​.
4. Maid Brigade focuses on green cleaning with its Green Clean Certified system and PUREcleaning service, operating 406 locations. They are committed to using environmentally friendly products and processes​.
5. Ecomaids is the fastest growing cleaning concept in the US, provides residential and light commercial cleaning services using only green cleaning science based methods.

Details with Financials

Molly Maid

Molly Maid was founded in 1984 and has since grown into the premier residential cleaning service franchise with nearly 500 locations across the US and 1.7M+ cleaning services performed in 2021. Their residential cleaning services afford their customers valuable time to focus on what they want to do instead of what they must do.

Their model empowers franchise owners to feel pride in what they do and create the entrepreneurial lifestyle they deserve. It’s an executive model where the owner runs the show but never lifts a mop. Many franchise owners hold their business well into retirement, as it’s a business built for longevity. Molly Maid is a simple model that gives owners a family-friendly schedule.

Services –

• Recurring cleaning
• Occasional cleaning
• Move out and move in cleaning
• Apartment cleaning
• Special event cleaning
• Housekeeping services
• Refrigerator cleaning
• Oven cleaning

Financials –

• $65,000 in available liquid capital
• $250,000 minimum net worth
• $133,700 – $191,700 estimated initial investment range (including franchise fee)
• 20% off the initial territory fee for qualified Veterans via VetFran
• Franchise Fee: $14,900
• Royalty Fee Structure: 6.5% – 3% of Gross Sales
• Average # of Employees: 12

Franchise Sales (AUV) and Earnings

• Avg Gross Sales – $500K
• Earnings – $120K ($105K sem-absentee)
• 3-year Failure rate 8%
• Resale rate 11%
• Franchise payback estimate – 3 yrs.

Key stat: On average, 81% of franchisees will be profitable via Molly Maid by year 3, making an average of $120K. 

The Maids

The Maids is not just another cleaning company. Instead, The Maids is a leading brand, ranked No. 1 by Entrepreneur Magazine for residential cleaning services, and represents a fantastic opportunity to build an asset with a predictable recurring revenue stream. With a unique team cleaning approach, the business model will leverage your skills and talents to grow a scalable executive-style business, affording the average franchisee to reach over $1MM in annual revenue with their top producer grossing $6.3MM. The Maids leverage their exclusive 22-step Team Cleaning process, strategic alliances with major brands such as Mr. Clean and Amazon Home Services, and over 40 years of experience leading the industry while supporting business owners like you.

The Maids was birthed in 1979 out of innovative thinking at a time when the residential cleaning industry didn’t exist, and the brand continues to drive change through innovation to this day and is leading in a now mature space. The Maids company store incubators test new ideas for tomorrow, massive investments into industry leading technology keep the brand ahead of the pack, and strategic alliances with companies like Amazon and Proctor & Gamble ensure the brand is uniquely positioned for market success. The Maids is driving change in the industry by forging a new path forward, and you have an unprecedented opportunity to be a part of the next chapter in their story!

Key Points

• In-house financing available on territory fee
• #1 Residential Cleaning Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine three years in a row
• Veterans Discount
• Top 10 Most Profitable Franchise by NerdWallet
• Recurring revenue business model
• Multi-Unit availability

Financials –

• $65,000 in available liquid capital
• $77,700 – $155,700 estimated initial investment range (including franchise fee)
• Franchise Fee: $16,900
• Royalty Fee Structure: 6.9% – 3.9% of Gross Sales
• Average # of Employees: 16

Franchise Sales (AUV) and Earnings

• Avg Gross Sales – $750K
• Earnings – $180K ($150K sem-absentee)
• 3-year Failure rate 10%
• Resale rate 10%
• Franchise payback estimate – 3.2 yrs.

Key stat: On average, 80% of franchisees will be profitable via The Maids by year 3.2, making an average of $180K. 

Merry Maid

When considering opening a cleaning business franchise, there are many things that will most likely factor into your decision. In the home cleaning industry alone, you have several franchise options to choose from. It’s a big decision to make and one that requires diligent research and thorough consideration. Everyone has their own specific expectations and preferences, so it’s important that the franchise you choose is the perfect fit for you and in line with your goals.

At Merry Maids^®, we are convinced that our house cleaning franchise is the best choice for both new entrepreneurs as well as seasoned business owners. Our maid franchise owners have the backing of a company with decades of experience, name recognition, and so much more.

Key Points

• High brand awareness
• Exclusive territories
• Proprietary cleaning systems
• Training by full-time instructors
• Expert business, marketing, and technical support
• Business operations software
• Dedicated marketing support
• Business Development Consultants

Financials –

• $120,000 estimated initial investment range (including franchise fee)
• Franchise Fee: $44,500
• Royalty Fee Structure: Unkown

Franchise Sales (AUV) and Earnings

• Avg Gross Sales – $360K
• Earnings – $85K ($76K semi-absentee)
• 3-year Failure rate 7%
• Resale rate 5%
• Franchise payback estimate – 3 yrs.

Key stat: On average, 88% of franchisees will be profitable via Merry Maid by year 2, making an average of $85K. 

Maid Brigade

Maid Brigade Cleaning Franchise has been ranked a Top 100 Franchise by Entrepreneur. Top 50 Franchise for minorities and vets by USA TODAY and a Top 25 Franchise for Hispanics by the World Franchising Network.

For over three decades, Maid Brigade has helped ambitious people just like you become the successful entrepreneur they always wanted to be. This opportunity affords you the quality of life you have been seeking while making an immediate difference in the lives of those around you.

We are a flagship brand with an exceptional reputation in more than 380 house cleaning franchise territories throughout the US and Canada.

Financials –

• $65,000 in available liquid capital
• $85,700 – $113,700 estimated initial investment range (including franchise fee)
• Franchise Fee: $32,000

Franchise Sales (AUV) and Earnings

• Avg Gross Sales – $880K
• Earnings – $210K ($180K sem-absentee)
• 3-year Failure rate 9%
• Resale rate 20%
• Franchise payback estimate – 2 yrs.

Key stat: On average, 71% of franchisees will be profitable via Maid Brigade by year 2, making an average of $210K. 

Ecomaids

ecomaids, the fastest growing cleaning concept in the US, provides residential and light commercial cleaning services using only green cleaning science based methods. Their non-toxic, allergen-free Green Seal Certified products are safe for people, pets and the plane. Their professional cleaning staff utilizes a 64-point cleaning checklist to ensure customer satisfaction as they strive to achieve their mission of saving the planet one spotless home at a time. Happinest Brands, who has been behind both Lawn Doctor and Mosquito Hunters, acquired ecomaids in May of 2019. The company has since exploded and added nearly 100 locations to the system. The company is focused on bringing a green, eco-friendly option to the market by leveraging its many years of experience in home services. Candidates find the recurring revenue, high retention, mobile, non storefront related model to be highly attractive and scalable. Their centralized media and in-house sales center does the heavy lifting for lead generation and sales for their owners, allowing them to focus on staff development and customer retention. Their unique approach and all green service offering provides their owners with distinct advantages and differentiation.

Key Points

• Unique offering – entirely green, eco-friendly, science-based cleaning – they clean in a thoughtful, science-based way to provide a good outcome
• Centralized support – corporate managed marketing, in-house sales center, state of the art technology to drive leads, close sales and help owners scale efficiently. They also provide support with help owners identify and on board employees
• Years of franchising and operational experience – Parent company Happinest Brands has 50+ years of home service experience
• Strong systems for success/proven Happinest track record

Financials –

• $60,000 in available liquid capital
• $105,700 – $130,700 estimated initial investment range (including franchise fee)
• Estimated net worth of $150K
• $126,700 – $143,700 estimated initial investment range (including franchise fee)
• Franchise Fee: $40,000
• Royalty Fee Structure: 8% of Gross Sales

Franchise Sales (AUV) and Earnings

• Avg Gross Sales – $888K
• Earnings – $225K ($211K semi-absentee)
• 3-year Failure rate 9%
• Resale rate 0%
• Franchise payback estimate – 2.6 yrs.

Key stat: On average, 91% of franchisees will be profitable via Ecomaids by year 2.6, making an average of $225K.