NAICS Codes for Cleaning Services
NAICS (pronounced “nakes”) is short for the North American Industry Classification System. NAICS was developed to classify businesses in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
NAICS Codes group businesses in similar industries according to the methods those businesses use to produce goods or services. NAICS Codes are updated every five years by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The NAICS Code is a six digit code. The first two digits of the code determine the general industry. The last four digits of the code describe the business activities within the industry.
How NAICS Codes Are Used
Many states, counties and cities require a NAICS number on business license application and tax registration forms.
These governments use the codes to classify and keep track of what types of businesses are licensed in the state or county.
Related: Get another another important code to start your cleaning business.
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Cleaning Services NAICS Codes
The cleaning and janitorial industry includes inside cleaning of commercial and residential buildings, inside of transportation equipment (like aircraft, rail cars, ships) and window cleaning.
Related: Residential Cleaning Or Commercial Cleaning ⎯ How To Do Both
Examples of NAICS codes for cleaning businesses include:
561720 Building cleaning services, janitorial
561720 Office cleaning services
561720 Window cleaning services
561720 Building cleaning services, interior
561720 Maid services (cleaning services)
561720 Venetian blind cleaning services
561720 Housekeeping services (cleaning services)
561720 Service station cleaning and degreasing services
561720 Cleaning shopping centers
561720 Restaurant kitchen cleaning services
561720 Cleaning offices
561720 Rest room cleaning services
561720 Residential cleaning (houses, apartments and condos)
All NAICS Cleaning codes are listed at the US Census Bureau. The NAICS Association website also has a list of NAICS codes and other tools for research and reference.
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Do I need license in St.Paul? How do I register my name of my cleaning serivce?
Hi Kimberly,
Go to the State Start-up Laws Page. Once there, click on your state. You will be able to find license, registration and tax information for Minnesota and St. Paul.
Hi Judith,
I’m trying to determine my NAICS code.
I clean both individual homes and businesses, do I need multiple codes? Appreciate your help.
Hi Rita,
There is only one code needed for any type of cleaning business, no matter the type of customer you serve. That code is listed in this article for your convenience.
Hi Judith,
Thanks for your knowledge and guidance. I have a few questions below I’m hoping you’ll be able to answer for me. They are as follows:
◻ How much does it cost to obtain a NAICS code?
◻ Does having an EIN and NAICS equate and is considered being “licensed & insured”?
◻ If not. How do I insure my cleaning company even if it’s just a one woman company as of now?
◻ What are the top 5 recommendations you offer for a new start up cleaning company.
Please advise and Thank you in advance!
Hi Labella,
The NAICS code is an international industry code. It is free for you to use on license and banking applications. Get information about an EIN number here.
If you are US based and want to get a business license, go to the Start Start-up Laws page, click on your state and follow the instructions.
If you want to insure your business, do a Google search for a “cleaning business insurance broker” in your city or county. Call or email several brokers to request a quote for your business. Don’t forget to get a janitorial bond. That way your business will be licensed, bonded and insured.
My top recommendations for a start-up cleaning company can be found in these posts.
Would like to start over an get my Nj license to clean.
Hi Elizabeth,
A good place to start is the State Start-up Laws page. Click or tap on New Jersey and you will find information about registering a name, business licenses and taxes for that state.
Hi Judith, I live in New Jersey but my clients live in Pennsylvania, which State do I get and LLC and EIN number?
Hi Dereka,
You can get an LLC in either NJ or PA. I would research which state offers the most protections and the lowest cost for LLCs. LLC costs can vary widely between the states. With an LLC, you may still have to get DBA (Doing Business As) certificates in each county or city your clients are located. Check the Pennsylvania Cleaning Business Start-up Laws page for more information.
You have to apply for an EIN number with the Federal government.
Thank you 🙂
You are most welcome, Dereka!
I live in Cleveland, Ohio. I have a Cleaning Business. Am I required to have a license? Should I be a licensed Cleaning Business owner?
Hi Shevette,
Go to the State Start-up Laws page. Tap or click on your state and you will find information about licensing, getting a legal name and business tax registration.
Cleveland and Cuyahoga county do require licenses for all businesses.