Do I need a business license to start my cleaning business

In most areas yes you will need a business license

What kind of cleaning business is it that you are going to have? I have never known someone to be required to have a license in order to clean homes or the offices of businesses. The exception might be if you were to operate your business out of a store front; use a different name other then yourself, and the requirements of the law where you will be working.

I have a number of private businesses that I operate. Since I don't operate them by using a name whereby I am "doing business as" I don't have to have a business license or permit of any kind in order for me to do business. If you are operating your business under a different name other than just yourself, it's possible that you might need to have a business license.