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Let’s talk about turf cleaning. It’s not the most obvious business idea after college, but it’s one of the smartest. It’s easy to start, has low overhead, and is in high demand. Homeowners, gyms, sports fields, and businesses with artificial grass all need regular maintenance, and most of them have no idea who to call. That’s where you come in.
If you’re looking for a simple, profitable business with low startup costs, turf cleaning might be the perfect fit. Let’s break down how to get started, how much you can expect to make, and why this business makes so much sense for new grads.
Why Turf Cleaning?
Artificial grass is everywhere now, especially in places like Las Vegas, where real grass is expensive and difficult to maintain. People install turf because they want a low-maintenance lawn, but over time, it still gets dirty. Dust, pet waste, mold, and bacteria build up, making the turf look worn out and smell bad.
Most homeowners and businesses don’t realize their turf needs professional cleaning, but once they do, they are willing to pay for the service. That means you have an opportunity to step in and offer a solution that people will keep coming back for.
How Much Money Can You Make?
Turf cleaning has high profit margins because there aren’t many expenses beyond your equipment and marketing.
- Average job price: $150 – $500 per cleaning
- Turf cleaning takes: 1-2 hours per job
- Potential daily earnings: $600 – $2,000 (4-5 jobs per day)
- Monthly revenue: $15,000 – $30,000
- Profit margins: 70% – 90%
If you’re running this as a solo operation, it’s realistic to make $100,000 per year working your own schedule. If you hire a small team and take on more jobs, the potential earnings can be even higher.
How to Start a Las Vegas Turf Cleaning Business
Starting a turf cleaning business is simple, and you don’t need a lot of money to get going. We’ll be using Vegas as our example city since that’s where we live :).
1. Get the Right Equipment
You don’t need much to start. The basics include:
- Turf cleaning machine ($2,000 – $5,000, or rent one to start)
- Pet odor and bacteria treatment ($200 for bulk supply)
- Leaf blower and rake ($200 total)
- Soft brush and turf groomer ($100)
- Water hose and sprayer ($50)
If you buy everything upfront, you’re looking at a startup cost of $3,000 – $7,000. If you start by renting equipment, you can get started for even less.
2. Make It Official
To run a real business, you’ll need to set up a few things:
- Register your business as an LLC ($200)
- Get liability insurance ($50/month)
- Set up a basic website and Google Business profile ($100 if you do it yourself)
- Print business cards and flyers ($50)
With all of this, you’re fully set up for under $10,000, and probably closer to $5,000 if you keep things simple.
3. Get Your First Customers
Turf cleaning is a service that people don’t realize they need until they see the results. That means your job is to show them.
- Post ads on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace with before-and-after pictures
- Create short videos of turf cleanings for Instagram and TikTok
- Partner with landscaping companies that install turf but don’t clean it
- Walk around your neighborhood, leave flyers, and talk to pet owners
Once you get a few happy customers, word-of-mouth will start working in your favor.
4. Scale It Up
Once you’re booking jobs consistently, here’s how you can grow:
- Hire one or two employees so you can take on more jobs
- Invest in SEO so people searching for turf cleaning Las Vegas can find you
- Offer subscription plans for regular cleanings
- Add extra services like power washing, weed removal, and turf repairs
At this point, you’ll have a steady income and a business that can grow as much as you want it to.
Why This Business Makes Sense for College Grads
Starting a business right out of college can feel overwhelming, but Chandy Education is all about helping you find real, achievable paths to success. Turf cleaning is:
- Low risk with low startup costs
- Profitable from day one
- Flexible—you control your schedule
- Easy to scale as you grow
You don’t need any special experience to start. You just need a solid plan, some basic equipment, and the willingness to market yourself.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a business that’s easy to start, profitable, and in demand, turf cleaning is worth considering. College students and post graduates have built successful service businesses right out of college, and there’s no reason you can’t do the same.
Chandy Education is here to help you explore different ways to build a career on your terms. Whether it’s starting a business or finding the right next step, we’ve got you covered. Stay tuned for more insights and success stories to help you make it happen.