Yes, in many cases, cleaning bills can be written off as a business expense, but it depends on the nature of your business and the context in which the cleaning is performed.

Here’s how it generally works…

For Businesses

If you own a business, the cost of cleaning services for your office, building, or commercial space is typically considered a deductible business expense. Here are the main conditions…

• Office/Commercial Space Cleaning – Cleaning costs for the space you operate your business from are deductible. This includes cleaning supplies, professional cleaning services, and janitorial services.
  • Example – If you pay for someone to clean your office, warehouse, or storefront, you can usually deduct this expense as part of your operating expenses.
• Maintenance Costs – If the cleaning is part of the regular maintenance of the property, such as janitorial services or routine upkeep, it can also be deductible under business expenses.
• Home Office – If you work from home and have a dedicated home office, you may be able to write off a portion of your cleaning costs. The deduction would be proportional to the percentage of your home that is used for business.
  • Example – If your home office makes up 10% of your home’s total square footage, you could potentially write off 10% of your cleaning costs.

For Landlords/Property Managers

If you are a landlord or property manager and you pay for cleaning between tenants, these cleaning expenses can be written off as part of your property management costs.

• Cleaning Between Tenants – When preparing a rental property for new tenants (e.g., carpet cleaning, window washing, and deep cleaning), these costs are often deductible as part of maintaining your rental property.
• Repairs and Maintenance – Routine cleaning as part of property maintenance can also be deductible.

For Personal Tax Deductions

Personal cleaning expenses, such as hiring a cleaner for your home, generally cannot be written off unless it’s related to a home office as mentioned above. The IRS typically doesn’t allow personal cleaning costs to be deducted.

Specific Exceptions

• Medical Cleaning – In certain cases (e.g., if you have a health condition and require professional cleaning services to maintain a clean environment), you might be able to deduct those expenses as medical costs, but this is a more specific scenario.

How to Write Off Cleaning Costs

To write off cleaning expenses, you would typically

• Keep Detailed Records: Retain receipts, invoices, and any contracts related to the cleaning service.
• Classify the Expense: If you’re self-employed or a small business, you’ll typically classify cleaning costs under “office expenses” or “maintenance and repairs” in your tax filing.
• Consult with a Tax Professional: It’s always a good idea to consult with an accountant or tax professional to ensure you’re properly deducting the cleaning expenses and following the rules for business or personal deductions.

Yes, cleaning bills can be written off as business expenses for commercial or office spaces. For home offices, you may also be able to deduct a portion of your cleaning costs. Be sure to keep good records and consult with a tax professional to ensure you are eligible for the deduction.