The Cleaning Authority

The Cleaning Authority

Franzy VerifiedInformation based on 2026 FDD

Home Services · Residential Cleaning

Investment min
$77K
Total: $77K–$147K
Avg gross revenue
$1M
Unit-level, 2026
Franchise fee
$15K–$20K
Veteran discount available
Royalty
4-6% of Gross Revenue
Locations
244
Franchising since 1996

Description

What is The Cleaning Authority?

The Cleaning Authority is a residential cleaning franchise that offers significant expansion potential and is a prime opportunity for those looking to start a cleaning service franchise. By franchising with us, forward-thinking individuals can build a business they’re proud of while enjoying long-term benefits. Investing in our residential cleaning franchise means investing in yourself, creating a rewarding future, and effectively managing the cost of running a business with an established system. Our franchisees have achieved an impressive average annual revenue of $2.4 million*. Discover how to start a cleaning service franchise with an established model and see the opportunity for yourself!

  • 47 Years Proven Industry Experience Since 1977
  • Detail-Clean Rotation System® Methodology
  • Over 20 Million Successful Cleans Completed
  • 224 Active Franchise Locations Nationwide
  • Revenue Performance 4x Above Industry Average
  • Comprehensive Residential Cleaning Service Portfolio

Location Analysis

Where The Cleaning Authority wins

The Cleaning Authority demonstrates strong market presence across multiple states with widespread coverage, showing particular strength in the Mid-Atlantic region. The franchise has notable concentrations in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida, suggesting successful market validation in areas with high population density and strong household incomes. The impressive 4.61 average rating across thousands of customer reviews indicates consistent service quality and strong operational execution across markets.

The franchise's geographic distribution reveals strategic positioning in both established and growing markets, with significant presence in major metropolitan areas. The strong market penetration in the Mid-Atlantic region suggests successful operations in affluent suburban markets, while substantial presence in diverse markets like Texas and Florida demonstrates adaptability to different demographic profiles.

Expansion opportunities exist particularly in the Midwest and Western regions, where market coverage is less developed. Ideal locations typically include suburban areas with median household incomes above $75,000, high homeownership rates, and growing professional populations. The franchise shows particular success in regions with high concentrations of dual-income households and busy professionals seeking residential services.
Total US locations
224
Franchise units
244
Corporate locations
3
Avg. sq. footage
Territory check

Is your territory available?

We'll take you through a few quick questions, then The Cleaning Authority confirms availability directly.

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Availability

Financial Analysis

The numbers behind The Cleaning Authority

Avg gross revenue$1,285,477
Investment range$76,600 – $147,100
Investment midpoint$111,850
Brand fund1% of Gross Revenue
Royalty4-6% of Gross Revenue
Franchise fee$15,000–$20,000
Min. net worth$150,000
Min. liquid capital$50,000

Veteran discount available

The Cleaning Authority participates in a veteran discount program on the franchise fee. Ask your Franzy advisor or the brand for current eligibility and terms.

The Cleaning Authority requires an investment range of $76,000-$172,654, offering a mixed positioning within the residential cleaning sector. While the minimum investment of $76,000 sits below the sub-sector average minimum of $91,044, the maximum investment exceeds the sub-sector average maximum of $160,904. This range accommodates both budget-conscious and well-capitalized investors seeking entry into the residential cleaning market.

The residential cleaning industry benefits from strong demographic trends, including dual-income households and aging populations driving consistent demand for professional cleaning services. The sector demonstrates recession resilience as cleaning services often remain essential household expenses. The reported gross revenue of $1,455,571 substantially exceeds the sub-sector average of $363,849, representing a significant performance advantage over typical residential cleaning franchises.

Established in 1977 with 224 units, The Cleaning Authority demonstrates significant operational maturity and system stability. This 47-year track record provides substantial franchisor experience and refined operational systems. The moderate unit count suggests selective growth rather than aggressive expansion, potentially indicating stronger territorial protection and market development focus.

The franchise's Detail-Clean Rotation System® represents a differentiated service approach in a commoditized market. The business model offers potential scalability through team expansion and service diversification. Ideal investors should possess service industry experience, strong local market knowledge, and sufficient working capital for initial customer acquisition and market penetration.
Did you know? Starting your own The Cleaning Authority franchise - a trusted residential cleaning service that's been helping busy families reclaim their time since 1977 - requires a total investment between $76,000 and $172,654, which covers everything from the franchise fee and equipment to marketing materials and working capital needed to launch your professional cleaning business in your local market.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

The model

How The Cleaning Authority works

01
Ownership
Part-Time (Executive)

Owner stays in an executive role — sets strategy, hires a manager, and oversees crews. Typically 5–20 hr/wk after ramp; many keep their day job.

Full-Time

Owner runs the business as their primary job — leads the team day-to-day on the ground, 40+ hr/wk.

02
Revenue
Recurring revenueTransaction-basedBig-ticket salesService-basedProduct sales (retail)Hybrid model
03
Customer
B2B

Sells to businesses, contractors, or property owners.

B2C

Sells directly to consumers and homeowners.

Mixed

Serves both businesses and consumers.

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$77K–$147K
Most common
$76,600
Minimum
$111,850
Midpoint
$147,100
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $76,600 to $147,100. The midpoint $111,850 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$2M$2M$1M$800K$400KN/A
$1M
$1M
$1M
2022
2023
2024
Avg
$1M
YOY change (2023 -> 2024)
+5%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, The Cleaning Authority has an average gross revenue of $1M. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

+2% YoY
250200150100500
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
224 units open as of 2026 FDD+5 in last 12 mo

2026 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for The Cleaning Authority's 2026 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2026 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a The Cleaning Authority franchise typically ranges between $76,600.00 and $147,100.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) we have on record, which was issued in 2026. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. Only the franchisor can confirm that the information is complete and accurate and we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

The Cleaning Authority
The Cleaning Authority
$1M avg revenue · 244+ US franchises

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