The Cleaning Authority Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
The Cleaning Authority is a prominent residential cleaning franchise that has been serving clients across the United States and Canada since its inception in 1977. Founded in the Baltimore-Washington D.C. metro area, it was among the first whole-house cleaning services in its region.
The company’s headquarters are located in Columbia, Maryland. In 1996, The Cleaning Authority began offering franchise opportunities, and over the past 25 years, it has expanded to more than 208 locations across North America.
Specializing in comprehensive house cleaning services, The Cleaning Authority utilizes a Detail-Clean Rotation System to ensure meticulous attention to every home they service.
What sets The Cleaning Authority apart from its competitors is its robust support system for franchise owners. The company provides extensive training, cutting-edge technology, and powerful marketing strategies to drive customer acquisition and retention.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a The Cleaning Authority franchise? It costs on average between $82,000 – $173,000 to start a The Cleaning Authority franchised facility.
This includes costs for facility setup, cleaning equipment, initial supplies, and operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the size of the territory, the local market, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase office space. Arby’s offers 2 types of franchises:
| Franchise Type | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| THE CLEANING AUTHORITY Franchised Business (Enterprise Market) | $105,278 to $172,654 |
| THE CLEANING AUTHORITY Franchised Business (Hometown Market) | $82,462 to $132,027 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a The Cleaning Authority Franchised Business for an Enterprise Market. For more information on costs required to start a The Cleaning Authority franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount Range |
|---|---|
| Territory Fee | $22,500 – $45,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 – $20,000 |
| Computer, including Training Software Access Fee | $1,750 – $2,750 |
| Washer, Dryer & Furniture | $1,650 – $3,150 |
| Cleaning Equipment and Supplies | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Travel and Living Expenses While Training | $3,000 – $4,000 |
| Insurance and Insurance Deposits | $5,500 – $7,500 |
| Opening Inventory | $2,250 – $2,750 |
| Office Rent and Security Deposit | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Local Marketing Fee Deposit – 50% of first 13 weeks | $6,564 – $13,127 |
| Local Marketing Fees – remaining 50% of first 13 weeks | $6,564 – $13,127 |
| Vehicle Lease or Purchase | $0 – $2,000 |
| Full-Time Manager | $0 – $13,750 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $27,000 – $30,000 |
| TOTAL | $105,278 – $172,654 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a The Cleaning Authority franchise? A The Cleaning Authority franchised location makes on average $1,405,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $436,000 yearly revenue for similar commercial cleaning franchises. Below are a few The Cleaning Authority competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
The Cleaning Authority Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many The Cleaning Authority locations are there?
As of the latest available data, The Cleaning Authority operates a total of 244 locations across North America. This includes 241 franchised units and 3 company-owned units
What is the total investment required to open a The Cleaning Authority franchise?
The total investment required to open a The Cleaning Authority franchise ranges from $82,000 to $173,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a The Cleaning Authority franchise?
The Cleaning Authority franchise requires ongoing fees, including a 6% royalty fee on gross revenue, with reduced rates in certain cases. Franchisees also contribute 1% of gross revenue or $200 per week, whichever is less, to the Brand Fund for national marketing.
Additionally, local marketing fees are based on $0.374 multiplied by 9% to 13% of designated households in the franchisee’s territory.
What are the financial requirements to become a The Cleaning Authority franchisee?
To become a franchisee with The Cleaning Authority, candidates are required to have a minimum liquid capital of $50,000 and a minimum net worth of $225,000. These financial prerequisites ensure that franchisees possess the necessary resources to establish and operate their cleaning service business effectively.
How much can a The Cleaning Authority franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a The Cleaning Authority franchise are approximately $1.41 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.41 million yearly revenue can result in $212,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns The Cleaning Authority?
The Cleaning Authority franchise is owned by Authority Brands, a leading provider of in-home services. In 2017, it became the flagship brand of Authority Brands, which is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland.
Disclaimer
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