The Cleaning Authority Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
The Cleaning Authority offers professional residential cleaning services, providing customers with thorough and customizable cleaning solutions to keep their homes clean and organized.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
221
+
6%
6%
Franchise fee
?
$20,000
Investment
?
$82,000 - $173,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$1,405,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Established in 1977 in the Baltimore-Washington D.C. metro area, The Cleaning Authority quickly became one of the first companies in its region to offer comprehensive residential cleaning services. Today, it is recognized as a leading franchise across the United States and Canada.
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, The Cleaning Authority launched its franchising program in 1996. Since then, it has grown steadily, now boasting more than 208 locations throughout North America.
The brand specializes in thorough home cleaning using its unique Detail-Clean Rotation System, designed to deliver consistent, high-quality results with each visit.
A major factor behind The Cleaning Authority’s success is its strong support for franchise owners, offering in-depth training, advanced technology tools, and strategic marketing initiatives to help drive growth and maintain customer loyalty.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a The Cleaning Authority franchise is
$82,000 - $173,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
The Cleaning Authority 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
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
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The Cleaning Authority 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
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
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is The Cleaning Authority's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
The Cleaning Authority had 224 total units in 2024, of which 221 were franchised-owned and 3 company-owned.
The Cleaning Authority offers several training programs to prepare franchisees for successful business operations. Here are the programs provided:
Initial Training Program The Cleaning Authority requires the Key Person and any designated Owners to attend and successfully complete a pre-opening training program. This program typically lasts 10 business days and is conducted at the franchisor's headquarters, covering leadership, operations, and service delivery topics.
Additional and Optional Training After opening, The Cleaning Authority provides access to additional required and optional training programs. These programs may be delivered in person, by video, online, or through other methods, focusing on updates to operations, services, or technology.
Employee Training Franchisees are responsible for training all employees of the franchised business, although The Cleaning Authority provides training modules, guidelines, and access to online resources to support this responsibility.
Territory Protection
The Cleaning Authority grants franchisees a protected territory during the term of the Franchise Agreement, provided they stay in compliance. Within this territory, the franchisor will not open another Cleaning Authority location or authorize others to operate under the brand.
The territory is defined by zip codes and is based on a specific number of designated households. However, The Cleaning Authority reserves the right to advertise, recruit employees, and service national accounts within a franchisee’s territory.
Franchisees do not have rights of first refusal for neighboring areas, and territories may be reconfigured upon renewal. While protection exists against direct brand competition, full market exclusivity is not guaranteed.
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