Hiring a cleaner is about convenience for many, but for thousands of entrepreneurs, cleaning up for others has become a profitable business opportunity.
South Africa’s cleaning services industry is becoming one of the country’s most dynamic service sectors, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to build profitable businesses from rendering daily domestic chores.
Industry estimates show the South African contract cleaning market generated about R52 billion in revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach R59 billion by 2030, driven by demand from households, offices, retail centres, healthcare facilities and the hospitality industry.
Research by the University of Johannesburg found that changing household structures and busy lifestyles are driving more South Africans to outsource domestic cleaning, with many opting for flexible, professional cleaning services.
Entrepreneurs are responding by offering a wider range of services, including deep cleaning, laundry, carpet and upholstery cleaning.
Technology reshaping the industry
Technology is also changing how South Africans access domestic services.
Founded in 2014 by Aisha Pandor and Alen Ribic, SweepSouth was created to make it easier for households to book trusted home cleaning services while giving cleaning professionals access to flexible work opportunities.
Commenting on the evolution of the sector, SweepSouth Chief Executive Officer Lourandi Kriel said domestic work remains an important part of South Africa’s economy.
“Domestic workers are the backbone of many South African households, yet they remain among the country’s most economically vulnerable workers,” said Kriel.
The company says it has served more than 250,000 customers and works with around 6,500 active home service professionals. This highlights how technology has helped modernise the domestic services industry.
A business from everyday demand
For entrepreneur Agnes Matibe, founder of Shoni M Cleaners, the growing demand for professional cleaning services has created an opportunity to build a sustainable business.
Starting as a one-person operation, Shoni M Cleaners has grown into a business employing eight people. It provides residential and office cleaning, window cleaning, couch and upholstery cleaning, vacuuming, deep cleaning and Airbnb turnover services.
The company serves a diverse customer base, including tenants renting township rooms, homeowners in residential estates, small business offices, and Airbnb hosts.
“I saw that people needed reliable cleaning services, and we decided to build a business around that demand,” Matibe said.
More than just sweeping floors
The company’s pricing varies according to the size of the property and the services required.
Cleaning a one-bedroom home starts from around R900, while a two-bedroom home costs from approximately R1,500. Window-cleaning services start at R250.
Matibe said the company’s customer base reflects changing consumer behaviour, with demand extending beyond traditional households.
In addition to homeowners, the business increasingly serves new mothers, young professionals, and students flexible cleaning solutions.
As demand for professional home services continues to rise, domestic cleaning is no longer simply about keeping homes spotless. It has become a business model capable of generating income,
“Every new client creates an opportunity to employ more people. That’s what keeps us motivated to continue growing the business,”Matibe said.
