7 Unmissable Tax Deductions for Cleaners in 2025

Running a cleaning business or working as a professional cleaner in Australia involves more than just elbow grease; it requires smart financial management. As the end of the financial year approaches, understanding exactly what you can claim is crucial to maximising your tax refund and ensuring you're not paying a cent more than necessary to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Many everyday expenses, from the specialised equipment you purchase to the car you drive between client sites, are legitimate tax deductions that can significantly reduce your taxable income.

This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for cleaners and details the key deduction categories you need to know for the 2025 financial year. We’ll move beyond general advice and provide practical, actionable strategies for claiming everything you're entitled to, from cleaning supplies and protective gear to vehicle running costs and administrative expenses. We’ll explore where to source these items from popular suppliers like Bunnings, Woolworths, and Cleaners Warehouse, ensuring you have clear examples. Let's dive into the specifics and help you prepare a tax return that is both accurate and financially advantageous, putting more of your hard-earned money back in your pocket.

1. Claiming Your Car and Travel Expenses

As professional cleaners, you are constantly on the move. Whether travelling between client homes in different suburbs, heading to a commercial site after hours, or making a quick trip to the supplier for more cleaning products, your vehicle is one of your most essential business tools. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recognises this, allowing you to claim a deduction for work-related car expenses, which can significantly lower your taxable income.

However, it's crucial to understand the distinction between business and private travel. The ATO considers your trip from home to your first job and from your last job back home as private travel, so these kilometres are not claimable.

Choosing Your Claim Method

The ATO provides two primary methods for calculating your car expense deduction. Choosing the right one depends on your record-keeping habits and how much you use your vehicle for work. For many cleaners, meticulously tracking expenses can lead to a much larger refund.

• Cents per Kilometre Method: This is the simpler option. For the 2024-2025 financial year, you can claim 88 cents per business kilometre. This method is capped at a maximum of 5,000 business kilometres per vehicle, per year. You don't need written evidence for the expenses themselves, but you must be able to show how you calculated the business kilometres (e.g., a diary of work-related trips).

• Logbook Method: This method requires more diligence but often results in a higher deduction, especially for cleaners who use their car heavily for work. You must maintain a detailed logbook for 12 consecutive weeks to determine your business-use percentage. This percentage can then be applied to all your car's running costs, including fuel, registration, insurance, servicing, repairs, and even depreciation.

For example, if your logbook shows 70% business use, you can claim 70% of your total car expenses for the entire financial year. This logbook is valid for five years, provided your driving patterns remain consistent. Remember to keep all receipts for your car expenses to substantiate your claim. For more detailed guidance, see our comprehensive guide on claiming car expenses.

2. Claiming Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

From specialised chemicals and microfibre cloths to heavy-duty vacuum cleaners and steam mops, the tools of your trade are a significant and ongoing business expense. Every dollar you spend on products and equipment necessary for your cleaning work can be claimed as a tax deduction, directly reducing the amount of tax you need to pay. This is one of the most straightforward yet crucial deductions available to professional cleaners.

It's vital to keep meticulous records of these purchases. This includes everything from a $5 bottle of spray-and-wipe to a $1,000 commercial-grade carpet cleaner. These costs add up substantially over a financial year, and without proof of purchase, you cannot make a claim.

Differentiating Between Expenses and Assets

The ATO treats the purchase of supplies and equipment differently depending on their cost. Understanding this distinction is key to claiming correctly and maximising your return. For most cleaners, day-to-day products fall into the expense category, while larger purchases are considered assets.

• Immediate Deduction (Expenses): Items like cleaning solutions, sponges, cloths, gloves, and rubbish bags are considered consumables. Their full cost can be claimed as an immediate deduction in the financial year you purchase them. This also applies to tools and equipment costing less than $300.

• Depreciation (Assets): For equipment costing $300 or more, such as professional vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, or pressure washers, you generally cannot claim the full amount upfront. Instead, you claim a deduction for its decline in value (depreciation) over its effective life. You can also pool these assets into a "low-value pool" to simplify the depreciation calculation.

For example, if you spend an average of $80 per week on cleaning chemicals and supplies, that totals over $4,100 in claimable expenses annually. If you also purchase a new $600 carpet cleaner, you can claim its depreciation. For businesses registered for GST, you may also be able to claim GST credits on these purchases. You can explore a detailed breakdown of your GST registration obligations to see if this applies to your operations.

3. Purchasing Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

For professional cleaners, having a reliable and cost-effective source for supplies and equipment is fundamental to running a successful business. Every dollar saved on products like disinfectants, microfibre cloths, specialised chemicals, and vacuum cleaners directly improves your profit margin. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows you to claim a 100% deduction on the cost of materials and equipment used to generate your income.

This makes strategic purchasing a critical part of your financial management. From everyday consumables to significant one-off investments like carpet cleaners or high-pressure washers, keeping meticulous records of these purchases is essential for maximising your tax return.

Finding the Best Value for Your Business

While buying from local suppliers has its benefits, online platforms often provide a wider range and more competitive pricing, allowing cleaners to significantly reduce their overheads. Leveraging online deals and bulk-buy options can lead to substantial savings over a financial year.

• Consumable Goods: This category includes all the items you use and replace regularly, such as cleaning solutions, sponges, gloves, paper towels, and rubbish bags. These are generally claimed as an immediate deduction in the financial year you purchase them.

• Capital Equipment: Larger, more durable items like vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, and steam cleaners are considered capital assets. If an item costs over $300, it's typically depreciated over its effective life. However, under temporary full expensing rules, eligible businesses may be able to claim an immediate deduction for the full cost of the asset.

For example, if you spend $1,500 on a new commercial-grade carpet cleaner, you may be able to claim the entire amount as a deduction in that year, rather than depreciating it over several years. This can provide a significant, immediate boost to your cash flow. To better understand how these deductions can be optimised, see our detailed advice on managing business expenses.

4. Purchasing Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

As a cleaner, your supplies are the lifeblood of your business. From specialised chemicals and microfibre cloths to heavy-duty vacuum cleaners and floor polishers, these items are essential for delivering a high-quality service. The good news is that the cost of any product or piece of equipment used to generate your income is generally 100% tax-deductible. This makes strategic purchasing crucial for managing your cash flow and maximising your tax return.

It's vital to keep meticulous records of every purchase. Whether it's a multi-purpose spray bought from a supermarket or a commercial-grade carpet cleaner ordered online, every dollar spent on necessary supplies can be claimed. This deduction directly reduces your taxable income, putting more money back into your pocket or business.

Where to Buy and What to Claim

The ATO allows you to claim the full business-use portion of your cleaning supplies and equipment. For professional cleaners, this is almost always 100%. Smart purchasing can help you save money upfront and provide the necessary documentation for tax time. Online marketplaces are often an excellent source for finding deals and a wide variety of products.

• Consumable Supplies: This category includes everything you use and replace regularly. Think detergents, disinfectants, sponges, paper towels, bin liners, and gloves. Keep all your receipts, as these small, frequent purchases can add up to a significant deduction over the financial year.

• Tools and Equipment: Larger purchases like vacuum cleaners, steam mops, pressure washers, and buckets are also claimable. For assets costing over $300, you would typically claim depreciation over the item's effective life. However, thanks to measures like the temporary full expensing rule (check ATO for current eligibility), cleaners operating as small businesses may be able to claim an immediate deduction for the full cost in the year of purchase.

For example, if you purchase a new commercial vacuum cleaner for $800, you could potentially claim the entire amount as a deduction in that year's tax return, rather than a smaller portion over several years. Always keep digital or physical copies of your invoices and receipts to substantiate your claims. For more details on what you can claim, see our small business tax deductions guide.

5. Officeworks

While not a specialised cleaning supplier, Officeworks has become an unexpectedly vital resource for many professional cleaning businesses. It offers a comprehensive range of commercial-grade cleaning supplies, janitorial equipment, and workplace safety products, making it a convenient one-stop shop. For cleaners who also manage administrative tasks, it’s an ideal place to stock up on both office stationery and essential cleaning chemicals in a single trip or order.

Officeworks distinguishes itself with accessibility and speed. Features like its 2-hour Click & Collect service and free metro delivery for orders over a certain threshold are invaluable for businesses needing to restock supplies urgently. This reliability is crucial when a cleaner runs out of a specific product mid-week and cannot wait for a bulk supplier's scheduled delivery.

Key Features and Benefits

Officeworks provides several advantages that are particularly useful for cleaning professionals. The combination of readily available stock, transparent compliance information, and competitive policies makes it a strong contender for sourcing everyday supplies. For cleaners running a small business, leveraging these features can streamline procurement and ensure operational continuity.

• Fast Procurement: The 2-hour Click & Collect option is a significant benefit for urgent needs. If you unexpectedly run out of disinfectant or microfibre cloths before a big job, you can quickly order online and pick it up from a local store, minimising downtime.

• Compliance Made Easy: For every chemical product sold, Officeworks provides a clear, downloadable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) directly on the product page. This is essential for maintaining workplace health and safety (WHS) compliance and training staff on proper handling procedures.

• Price Beat Guarantee: Officeworks offers a Price Beat Guarantee, promising to beat a competitor's identical stocked item by 5%. This policy can lead to considerable savings, especially when purchasing well-known brands that are also stocked by supermarkets or other retailers.

While consumer-sized products can sometimes be pricier than at major supermarkets, the business-focused offerings, ABN holder benefits, and sheer convenience often provide greater overall value for a cleaning enterprise.

6. Sourcing and Deducting Cleaning Equipment

As a professional cleaner, your equipment is the backbone of your business. High-quality, reliable machinery like commercial-grade vacuums, steam mops, and carpet shampooers are not just tools; they are capital assets that directly impact your efficiency and the quality of your work. The cost of purchasing, maintaining, and replacing this equipment represents one of the most significant and legitimate tax deductions available to cleaners.

Understanding how to properly claim these expenses is vital for maximising your tax return. Unlike small consumables, larger equipment purchases are typically treated as capital expenses. This means you can claim their decline in value over time (depreciation) rather than deducting the full cost upfront, though special rules like the instant asset write-off can sometimes apply.

Where to Source Specialist Equipment

For professional cleaners, sourcing durable, high-performance floorcare equipment is critical. This is where a specialist retailer like Godfreys becomes an invaluable resource. After its iconic physical stores closed, Godfreys relaunched as a powerful online-first platform, focusing exclusively on what it does best: vacuums, steam cleaners, carpet shampooers, and all the necessary parts and accessories.

• Expertise and Specialisation: Unlike general retailers, Godfreys offers a curated selection of machines designed for heavy-duty use. Their deep product knowledge means you can find equipment suited for specific commercial challenges, from high-traffic carpeted areas to stubborn hard-floor stains.

• Online Convenience and Pricing: Operating online allows Godfreys to offer competitive pricing and nationwide delivery directly to your door. This is a significant advantage for busy cleaners who can’t afford time away from jobs to visit physical stores. Their website also provides comprehensive support for parts and accessories, helping you maintain and repair your essential equipment, which are also tax-deductible expenses.

By sourcing your equipment from a specialist like Godfreys, you not only get the right tools for the job but also clear, detailed invoices that simplify the process of claiming these essential deductions.

7. Marketing and Advertising Expenses

Investing in marketing is essential for attracting new clients and growing your cleaning business. From a simple flyer drop in a local neighbourhood to a sophisticated digital advertising campaign, the costs associated with promoting your services are generally tax-deductible. The ATO allows you to claim expenses directly related to earning your assessable income.

This category is broad and covers both traditional and modern marketing methods. Whether you're a sole trader focusing on residential clients or a growing company targeting commercial contracts, keeping detailed records of these expenses is vital for maximising your tax return.

Types of Claimable Marketing Expenses

As the cleaning industry becomes more competitive, a strategic marketing budget is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Fortunately, the costs incurred to make your business visible and attract customers can be claimed. This helps reduce your overall tax liability, effectively making your growth efforts more affordable.

• Digital Advertising: This includes costs for running ads on platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, or industry-specific directories. The fees for search engine optimisation (SEO) services to improve your website's ranking are also claimable.

• Website Costs: The expenses for creating and maintaining your business website are deductible. This covers domain name registration, annual hosting fees, and costs for website design and development.

• Traditional & Print Advertising: You can claim the cost of designing and printing business cards, flyers, brochures, and fridge magnets. Expenses for advertising in local newspapers, community newsletters, or magazines also fall into this category.

• Signage: The cost of vehicle signage, such as magnetic signs or a full vehicle wrap displaying your business name and contact details, is a deductible expense.

While deducting marketing costs is key, proactively implementing strategies to acquire new cleaning clients and grow your business is crucial for sustainable growth and maximising future deductions. A well-documented marketing strategy not only boosts your income but also provides a clear trail of deductible expenses. Learn more about optimising expenses for your cleaning business in Australia to ensure you're not leaving money on the table.

Top 7 Cleaners Retailer Comparison - Tax deduction

Putting It All Together for a Sparkling Tax Outcome

Navigating the financial side of your cleaning business doesn't have to be a chore. Throughout this article, we’ve explored a variety of suppliers, from Bunnings and Godfreys for specialised equipment to Woolworths and Amazon for everyday essentials. Each of these vendors offers unique advantages, but the core principle remains the same: every dollar you spend on legitimate business needs is a potential tax deduction. Keeping meticulous records of your purchases, whether it's a bulk order of microfibre cloths from Cleaners Warehouse or a new printer from Officeworks for invoicing, is the foundation of a strong tax strategy.

The key takeaway is that strategic purchasing combined with diligent record-keeping can significantly reduce your taxable income, ensuring more of your hard-earned money stays in your pocket. As a professional cleaner, you are running a business, and every purchase decision should be viewed through that lens. Remember to separate your business and personal expenses clearly, and always keep your receipts, either as physical copies or, even better, as digital scans stored securely in the cloud. This simple habit transforms tax time from a stressful ordeal into a straightforward process of claiming what you're rightfully owed.

Your Action Plan for a Cleaner Tax Return

To move forward with confidence, consider these actionable steps:

• Review and Categorise: Go back through your bank and credit card statements for the financial year. Categorise every purchase from the suppliers we've discussed, such as 'Cleaning Supplies', 'Equipment', or 'Office & Admin'. This will give you a clear picture of your spending.

• Implement a System: Choose a record-keeping method that works for you. This could be a dedicated accounting software program, a comprehensive spreadsheet, or even a simple digital folder system for your receipts. The best system is one you will consistently use.

• Plan Future Purchases: Before making a significant purchase, consider the tax implications. Buying a new high-powered vacuum or a carpet cleaner is not just an operational expense; it's an investment in your business that can be claimed accordingly.

Beyond simply minimizing your tax burden, effective financial management contributes to the overall health and future potential of your business. Consider utilizing tools that can help you understand your overall business valuation, providing a comprehensive view of your financial standing. Ultimately, by mastering these financial details, you empower your cleaning business to not just survive, but to thrive and grow into a more valuable asset.

Ready to ensure your tax return is as spotless as the properties you service? The team at Baron Tax and Accounting specialises in helping cleaners and trade professionals maximise their deductions and streamline their finances. Let us handle the complexities so you can focus on growing your business.

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