Many people hire mobile cleaning services for carpets, curtains, and blinds—but what about mattresses? Michael Ingle is pioneering a new niche with CleanSleep, a mattress cleaning business he launched in 2013. Unlike traditional carpet cleaning companies that occasionally clean mattresses, It uses a proprietary dry-cleaning process designed specifically for mattresses. Now, Ingle is looking to scale his business by pitching it as a franchise opportunity to investors on Shark Tank (episode 717).
The CleanSleep Mattress Cleaning Difference
CleanSleep’s innovative Mattress Cleaning process sets it apart. Using a combination of UV light, high-temperature steam, infrared heat, and ozone, the method effectively eliminates odors, stains, and infestations, all while extending the lifespan of mattresses. The best part? The process takes just 15 minutes, and mattresses are ready to use immediately afterward.
While most consumers may not think about cleaning mattresses, businesses like hotels, hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and student housing have already begun seeing the value. Hotels that partner with it does not only extend the life of their mattresses but also benefit from the increased customer trust that comes with displaying CleanSleep’s “Certified Sanitized Mattress” seal.
Affordable and Underserved
At $120 for the first mattress cleaning, CleanSleep offers an affordable and unique service. Even though we spend nearly one-third of our lives in bed, mattress cleaning remains a service that few people consider or even know exists. The scarcity of competition in this space offers CleanSleep a tremendous opportunity to dominate the market, provided they can effectively educate consumers about the benefits.
A Personal Take: A Familiar Path to Success
Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, I recall launching a successful air duct cleaning business in the 1990s after recognizing an unmet need in the market. Much like mattresses, air ducts were an often-overlooked area of home maintenance. Through consumer education and before-and-after visuals, we demonstrated the importance of our service. Once customers saw the evidence of dirty air ducts, demand skyrocketed.
CleanSleep faces a similar challenge. People don’t think about the cleanliness of their mattresses—until they see the problem. With effective marketing, including visual demonstrations of mattress cleaning, CleanSleep could replicate this success.
The Untapped Potential
Commercial establishments with large numbers of mattresses, like hotels and hospitals, stand to gain the most from CleanSleep’s services. Regular cleanings not only improve hygiene and customer satisfaction but also reduce replacement costs, which can lead to substantial long-term savings.
If CleanSleep can secure relationships with national hotel chains and other large institutions, its franchisees could benefit from built-in leads, making this an attractive business opportunity for potential investors.
Will the Sharks Bite?
The Sharks on Shark Tank are likely to be intrigued by the CleanSleep concept, but the key factors they’ll consider are profitability and growth potential. If Ingle’s business is already profitable and showing strong sales growth, he stands a good chance of landing an offer.
There’s a strong precedent for investment in similar cleaning technologies. For example, Lori Greiner invested $300,000 for 10% of PhoneSoap, a UV-light-based phone sanitizer, during season six of Shark Tank. PhoneSoap has since become a hit, proving that consumers are willing to invest in innovative cleaning solutions.
Given the relatively low cost of CleanSleep’s service and the potential for long-term savings, the business is poised to succeed in both residential and commercial markets. As long as Ingle can demonstrate profitability and a clear plan for scaling the business, he may very well walk away with a Shark as a partner.
Conclusion
CleanSleep represents an exciting and untapped opportunity in the cleaning services market. By addressing a largely overlooked need—mattress hygiene—Michael Ingle has positioned his business as both unique and essential. With a proven process, affordable pricing, and significant commercial potential, CleanSleep is well-equipped to become a household name. Whether or not the Sharks invest, CleanSleep’s focus on health, sustainability, and cost savings ensures a bright future in an industry ripe for disruption.
For anyone considering a franchise opportunity or simply looking for a way to extend the life of their mattress cleaning, CleanSleep is a business worth paying attention to.
