Tax deductions for cleaners
As a cleaner you can generally claim the supplies and equipment you buy, protective clothing, and the cost of driving between clients during the day.
Cleaning work spreads across sites and the small costs add up fast — products, gloves, and the kilometres between jobs. Here’s what usually counts.
The three rules for any claim
- You paid for it yourself and weren’t reimbursed.
- It directly relates to earning your income.
- You have a record — a receipt, invoice or bank statement.
What you can usually claim
Cleaning supplies and equipment
Chemicals, cloths, mops, vacuums and other equipment you buy to do the work. Larger equipment may be claimed over its effective life.
Protective clothing
Gloves, aprons, masks and non-slip footwear needed for the work, plus laundering costs for protective items.
Travel between clients
Driving from one client to the next during your working day is generally claimable (logbook or cents-per-kilometre). Home to your first job and last job home usually isn’t.
General information, not personal tax advice. What you can claim depends on your circumstances — check with the ATO or a registered tax agent, and keep records for every claim.
Keep in mind
- Everyday clothing worn to work that isn’t protective.
- The trip from home to your first client and back from the last.
- Supplies the client or your employer provides.
Take it further
Your income tax, Medicare levy and take-home pay on any salary.
AI2Fin for sole traders →Split business from personal automatically and never miss a deduction.
Logbook method (car expenses) →Claim your car’s real business-use share of running costs.
Sole trader →The simplest business structure — you and the business are one.
Cleaners — common questions
Can I claim my car if I clean at several homes a day?
Travel between clients during the day is generally deductible using a logbook or cents-per-kilometre method — the private portion isn’t. This is general information, not personal tax advice — what you can claim depends on your circumstances, so check with the ATO or a registered tax agent, and keep records to back up every claim.
Are cleaning products deductible?
Products and equipment you buy yourself to do the work are generally claimable, with records kept. This is general information, not personal tax advice — what you can claim depends on your circumstances, so check with the ATO or a registered tax agent, and keep records to back up every claim.
Deductions for other occupations
See all occupations.
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