How to Start a Laundry and Cleaning Services Business in Nigeria
The laundry and cleaning services business in Nigeria is one of the most profitable ventures for entrepreneurs who want to earn steady income while meeting the everyday needs of people. In today’s fast-paced world, many Nigerians—especially professionals, students, and busy families—prefer outsourcing their laundry and cleaning tasks to reliable service providers.
If you have ever thought about starting a laundry or cleaning service in Nigeria, this guide will walk you through step-by-step strategies to set up, grow, and run a successful business.
Why Start a Laundry and Cleaning Services Business in Nigeria?
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why this business is worth your time and investment.
- High Demand – Nigerians in urban cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Enugu are often too busy to wash or clean regularly. The demand for affordable laundry and home cleaning services is rising daily.
- Low Entry Barrier – You don’t need millions to start. With as little as ₦200,000 – ₦500,000, you can kick off on a small scale and grow.
- Recurring Income – Laundry and cleaning services are not one-off businesses. People will always need weekly or monthly services, making it a business with recurring income.
- Scalability – You can start small with just laundry, then expand into dry cleaning, industrial cleaning, office cleaning, or even fumigation.
- Employment Opportunities – With unemployment still a challenge in Nigeria, this business allows you to create jobs for others.
Steps to Start a Laundry and Cleaning Services Business in Nigeria
1. Conduct Market Research
Before starting, you need to study your target market. Ask yourself:
- Who needs your service most—students, corporate workers, or families?
- What is the average price people are willing to pay?
- How many competitors exist in your area?
- What additional services can make you stand out?
Market research helps you avoid guesswork and positions you ahead of competitors.
2. Choose Your Niche
Laundry and cleaning is broad, so you should decide which area to focus on:
- Laundry Services: Washing, ironing, dry cleaning, and folding clothes.
- Residential Cleaning: Cleaning houses, apartments, and compounds.
- Commercial Cleaning: Offices, hotels, schools, banks, and event centers.
- Specialized Cleaning: Carpet cleaning, upholstery, window washing, or industrial cleaning.
Choosing a niche helps you brand your business better and focus your marketing.
3. Write a Business Plan
A simple business plan will give you direction. It should cover:
- Startup costs (equipment, detergents, space, branding, etc.)
- Target market and competition analysis
- Services you will offer
- Pricing model (per piece, per kg, per room, or per service)
- Marketing strategies
- Expected profit and growth plans
4. Register Your Business
To look professional and attract more clients, register your business with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria.
Suggested names:
- “Sparkle Laundry & Cleaning Services”
- “FreshCare Laundry”
- “CleanPro Solutions”
Having a registered business gives customers trust and opens opportunities for corporate contracts.
5. Get the Required Equipment
Your equipment depends on your niche. For laundry, you’ll need:
- Washing machines
- Dryers (or sun-drying racks if starting small)
- Pressing irons (preferably industrial steam irons)
- Ironing tables
- Packaging nylon & tags
- Generator (due to poor power supply in Nigeria)
- Detergents, bleach, and stain removers
For cleaning services:
- Brushes, mops, and buckets
- Vacuum cleaners
- Cleaning detergents and disinfectants
- Safety gloves and uniforms
- Waste disposal bags
6. Find a Good Location
If you’re starting laundry services, location is very important. A good place would be:
- Near student hostels
- Busy neighborhoods with working-class residents
- Close to offices and corporate environments
For cleaning services, location is not as critical since most jobs are done at clients’ homes or offices, but having a small office improves your brand credibility.
7. Set Your Pricing
Pricing can make or break your business. Some common pricing strategies in Nigeria include:
- Per Item: Shirts ₦300, Trousers ₦400, Suits ₦1,000.
- Per Kg: ₦700 – ₦1,000 per kg.
- Package Pricing: Weekly or monthly laundry subscription at discounted rates.
For cleaning services, charge per room, per office, or per square meter, depending on the type of job.
8. Hire and Train Staff
As your business grows, you’ll need staff to help. Train them on:
- Customer service
- Handling delicate fabrics
- Professional cleaning methods
- Hygiene and safety
Good staff will help your business expand and maintain quality service.
9. Promote Your Business
Marketing is key to attracting clients. Use both online and offline methods:
- Word of Mouth: Tell friends, family, and neighbors about your services.
- Flyers and Posters: Distribute in residential areas, offices, and schools.
- Social Media Marketing: Create Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook pages to showcase before-and-after cleaning/laundry results.
- Google My Business: Register your business on Google so people searching for “laundry services near me in Lagos” can find you.
- Partnerships: Partner with hotels, restaurants, or student hostels to get bulk laundry or cleaning jobs.
10. Deliver Excellent Customer Service
To stand out in Nigeria’s competitive laundry and cleaning industry, focus on customer satisfaction:
- Offer home delivery and pickup services.
- Keep clothes neat, well-packaged, and delivered on time.
- Maintain transparency in pricing.
- Always respond quickly to inquiries.
Happy customers will always refer you to others.
Challenges of Laundry and Cleaning Services in Nigeria
Like every business, there are challenges you should prepare for:
- Poor Electricity Supply – Invest in a generator or solar backup.
- High Competition – Differentiate with quality service and good customer care.
- High Cost of Equipment – Start small and scale gradually.
- Trust Issues – Some customers worry about losing clothes. Always tag and record items.
How Much Does It Cost to Start Laundry and Cleaning Business in Nigeria?
Startup cost depends on scale:
- Small Scale (Home-based): ₦200,000 – ₦400,000
- Medium Scale (Shop + 2 Washing Machines): ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000
- Large Scale (Commercial Setup): ₦2 Million and above
Profitability of Laundry and Cleaning Business in Nigeria
This business is highly profitable if managed well. For example:
- If you charge ₦400 per shirt and wash 25 shirts daily = ₦10,000/day.
- In a month, that’s ₦300,000.
Commercial cleaning can bring even bigger contracts, especially if you secure hotels, offices, or event centers.
Final Tips for Success
- Start small and expand gradually.
- Always maintain hygiene and professionalism.
- Build strong customer relationships.
- Use digital marketing to increase visibility.
- Keep proper financial records.
Conclusion
Starting a laundry and cleaning services business in Nigeria is one of the smartest investments for 2025. With low startup costs, high demand, and recurring income, you can build a sustainable business that grows with time.
By following the steps in this guide—research, planning, branding, location, pricing, marketing, and customer service—you will position yourself for success.
If you’re serious about becoming an entrepreneur in Nigeria, now is the right time to launch your laundry and cleaning services business.
