9 Tax Write-Offs for House Cleaners in 2026

Cleaning Supplies

Schedule C Line 22 · $300 — $2,000/yr

Cleaning solutions, disinfectants, paper towels, sponges, microfiber cloths, trash bags, and other consumable supplies.

Vehicle / Mileage

Schedule C Line 9 · $2,000 — $8,000/yr

Driving between client homes and to supply stores. House cleaners often drive 8,000-12,000+ business miles per year.

Equipment

Schedule C Line 22 · $200 — $1,500/yr

Vacuum cleaners, mops, buckets, spray bottles, caddy organizers, step ladders, and other cleaning equipment.

Business Insurance

Schedule C Line 15 · $300 — $1,000/yr

General liability insurance and bonding that protects against property damage, theft claims, and injuries on client properties.

Marketing & Advertising

Schedule C Line 8 · $100 — $1,500/yr

Website, Thumbtack or Handy listings, business cards, door hangers, Nextdoor posts, and referral incentives.

Uniforms & Aprons

Schedule C Line 27 · $50 — $300/yr

Company-branded shirts, aprons, and work clothing not suitable for everyday wear. Includes laundering costs.

Phone & Communication

Schedule C Line 25 · $300 — $800/yr

Business percentage of your cell phone for scheduling, client communication, and sending arrival notifications.

Background Checks & Bonding

Schedule C Line 27 · $50 — $200/yr

Background check fees and surety bond costs that build client trust and are required by some cleaning platforms.

Vehicle Expenses

Schedule C Line 9 · $1,500 — $5,000/yr

If using actual expense method: gas, oil changes, tires, repairs, and car washes for your work vehicle.

Home Office Deduction

30 (Form 8829)

If you use a dedicated space in your home regularly and exclusively for business, you can deduct it. Simplified method: $5 per square foot, up to 300 sq ft ($1,500 max). Regular method: proportionate share of rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, and repairs.

Self-Employment Tax Deduction

Form 1040, Line 15

You can deduct the employer-equivalent portion of self-employment tax (7.65% of net earnings) as an above-the-line deduction on your Form 1040.

Health Insurance Premiums

Form 1040, Line 17

Self-employed individuals can deduct 100% of health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for themselves, their spouse, and dependents.

Retirement Contributions

Form 1040, Line 16

Contributions to a SEP-IRA (up to 25% of net earnings), Solo 401(k), or SIMPLE IRA are deductible and reduce both income tax and self-employment tax.

Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction

Form 1040, Line 13

Most self-employed individuals can deduct up to 20% of qualified business income under Section 199A, subject to income limits and business type.

Can house cleaners deduct cleaning supplies they bring to jobs?

Yes. Cleaning solutions, sponges, paper towels, and all supplies you bring to client homes are deductible on Schedule C Line 22 (Supplies). If the client provides supplies, those are not your expense.

Is bonding tax-deductible for house cleaners?

Yes. Surety bond premiums are deductible on Schedule C Line 27 (Other expenses). Bonding protects clients against theft and is a common expectation in the cleaning industry.

Can I deduct mileage driving between client homes?

Yes. Driving between clients is deductible business mileage. Your first trip from home and last trip back may be considered commuting unless you have a qualifying home office.