What Can Cleaning Business Owners Write Off?

Save money by knowing what’s deductible!

If you run a cleaning business — whether you’re a solo cleaner or managing a small crew — you’re probably spending money on supplies, tools, fuel, marketing, and more.

But did you know many of those everyday expenses can be written off on your taxes?

Understanding what you can (and can’t) deduct is one of the best ways to keep more of your hard-earned money and avoid overpaying Uncle Sam.

Here’s a helpful guide to what cleaning business owners can write off — and how to track it all properly.

What Is a “Write-Off” or Deduction?

A business write-off (or deduction) is an expense that the IRS allows you to subtract from your total income — reducing the amount of income you’re taxed on.

So, if your cleaning business made $60,000 last year and you had $15,000 in legitimate business expenses, you’d only be taxed on $45,000.

That’s why good bookkeeping (and knowing what counts) can literally save you thousands.

Common Cleaning Business Write-Offs

Here’s a breakdown of deductible expenses most cleaning businesses can write off:

1. Supplies and Materials

• Cleaning solutions (disinfectants, degreasers, etc.)

• Gloves, rags, paper towels, brushes, sponges

• Mops, buckets, vacuums, brooms

• Spray bottles and containers

• Trash bags and liners

2. Mileage and Vehicle Expenses

If you drive between jobs, you can write off:

• Mileage (standard IRS rate — currently 65.5 cents per mile in 2023)

• Or actual vehicle expenses, like:

  • Gas

  • Oil changes

  • Insurance

  • Maintenance

  • Depreciation

Tip: Use a mileage tracking app like Everlance or MileIQ to keep records.

3. Phone and Internet

• A portion of your mobile phone plan

• Internet service (if used for scheduling, email, or client communication)

If you use your phone for both personal and business, you can deduct the business-use percentage.

4. Uniforms and Work Clothing

• Branded t-shirts or polos

• Aprons

• Protective footwear

• Laundry costs for uniforms

Everyday clothing (like jeans or sneakers) typically does not qualify unless it’s clearly for work and not worn personally.

5. Advertising and Marketing

• Business cards and flyers

• Facebook/Instagram ads

• Website hosting and domain

• Yard signs, car magnets

• Referral bonuses

6. Business Insurance

• General liability insurance

• Workers’ compensation

• Equipment insurance

• Bonding costs

7. Equipment and Repairs

• Vacuum cleaners, carpet extractors

• Steamers and power washers

• Tool repairs or replacements

If it’s a larger piece of equipment, you may need to depreciate it over a few years — your bookkeeper or tax pro can help with that.

8. Software and Apps

• Scheduling tools (Jobber, Housecall Pro, etc.)

• Accounting software (QuickBooks, Wave, etc.)

• CRM or customer management tools

• Mileage tracking apps

9. Office Supplies

• Pens, notebooks, clipboards

• Printer ink or paper

• File folders, binders

10. Bank and Payment Processing Fees

• Credit card processing fees (Stripe, Square, Venmo Business)

• Bank fees on your business account

What Can’t You Write Off?

• Personal expenses (groceries, Netflix, etc.)

• Meals not related to business

• Home cleaning supplies (if not used in your biz)

• Clothes you wear outside of work

• Fines, penalties, or illegal activity

When in doubt, only write off expenses that are ordinary and necessary for running your business.

Bonus: How to Stay Organized

To make tax time easier:

• Use a separate business bank account and credit card

• Track expenses weekly (or hire a bookkeeper to do it)

• Save receipts or use a receipt-scanning app

• Reconcile your accounts monthly

Final Thoughts

The more organized you are, the more you’ll save.

Every dollar you can write off reduces your taxable income — which means more profit in your pocket.

Not sure if you're missing out on deductions?
Let’s do a free Bookkeeping Health Check and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.

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or send us an email at David@RuckandReconcile.com

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And as always, thanks for reading and we’ll see you next week!