Can Cleaning Contractors Deduct Their Supplies and Equipment?
Yes — cleaning supplies, equipment, and even a portion of your vehicle costs are deductible for independent cleaning contractors, as long as they're used to service clients rather than your own home.
Because cleaning is a supply-heavy business, this is often one of the larger deduction categories contractors have. Products like disinfectants, mop heads, vacuum bags, and trash bags used on client jobs are fully deductible. Bigger equipment, like a commercial vacuum or a carpet cleaner, is deductible too, though costly equipment may need to be written off over time unless it qualifies for an immediate deduction under Section 179.
If you drive between client homes or offices, that mileage is deductible using either the standard mileage rate or actual vehicle expenses. This is frequently the single biggest deduction for contractors who service multiple locations in a day.
Other commonly deductible cleaning contractor expenses:
Cleaning supplies and chemicals purchased for jobs
Equipment like vacuums, steamers, and pressure washers
Uniforms or branded apparel worn on the job
Liability insurance and bonding costs
Mileage between client locations
A common mistake: contractors buy supplies in bulk for both personal home use and client jobs, then deduct the entire purchase. Only the portion used for clients is deductible, so keeping business supplies separate from household supplies matters.
BossTax's free app tracks mileage between jobs and categorizes supply purchases automatically, so your biggest deduction categories don't slip through the cracks.
Not sure you're capturing all your supply and mileage deductions? Schedule a free 15-minute chat — no pressure, just answers. Click here.
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Related articles:
How Much Should Cleaning Contractors Set Aside for Taxes?
Do Cleaning Contractors Need to Pay Quarterly Taxes?
Standard Mileage vs. Actual Expenses: Which Saves Cleaning Contractors More?
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