🧹 How to Claim House Cleaning on Taxes: A Guide for Work-from-Home Professionals and Property Owners
Are house cleaning services tax deductible? It’s a common question we hear at Bravo Maids—especially from self-employed professionals and rental property owners. The good news? In many cases, the answer is yes—but only if you follow the IRS rules. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to claim house cleaning on taxes, from home-office deductions to rental property cleanups and even medically necessary cleaning. Keep your finances (and baseboards) squeaky clean with Bravo Maids—San Diego’s trusted home cleaning company offering 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, background-checked cleaners, and online booking convenience.
📌 Quick Links for Related Services
- ✅ Recurring Cleaning Services
- ✅ Move-Out Cleaning
- ✅ Deep Cleaning Services
- ✅ Airbnb Cleaning
- ✅ Book a Clean Today
Learn how Bravo Maids supports small business owners with weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly cleaning services that may qualify as deductible expenses.
Can You Deduct Cleaning Expenses From Your Home-Based Business?
Yes—if your home office meets the IRS’s requirements. Here’s how it works:
✅ Exclusive and Regular Use Rule
Your workspace must be a separately identifiable area used exclusively for business. A desk in your bedroom may qualify—but not your dining table.
✅ Principal Place of Business Requirement
Even if you work elsewhere occasionally, you can still claim the deduction if most admin or management tasks occur at home.
✅ Self-Employed vs. Employee
Only self-employed individuals can deduct cleaning on Schedule C. Employees need to be reimbursed via an accountable plan (consult your HR).
What Types of Cleaning Services Qualify?
- Routine Office Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping inside your dedicated office space.
- Carpet or Upholstery Deep Cleans: Especially in your home office.
- Trash Removal & Sanitizing: Disinfecting high-touch office areas.
- Post-renovation or construction cleaning (in business-related areas).
How Do You Calculate the Deduction?
- Square Footage % Method: Office area ÷ total home area = deductible % of total cleaning cost.
- Simplified Method: $5 per square foot (max 300 sq ft = $1,500/year).
- Example: Office = 200 sq ft of a 2,000 sq ft home → 10% of cleaning bills are deductible.
Rental Property Owners: Cleaning Deductions That Apply
- Move-in/Move-out Cleaning between tenants
- Steam Cleaning Carpets to preserve property value
- Trash/Junk Removal services
- All deductible under Schedule E as “Cleaning & Maintenance”
If you’re a landlord in San Diego, Bravo Maids can help you with reliable turnover services that qualify for tax deduction. Get a quote today.
Medical Necessity: When Cleaning Becomes a Health Expense
If a doctor recommends allergen-reducing or sanitizing services, you may claim it under Schedule A (Medical Expenses). Requirements:
- Signed doctor’s note
- Costs must exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
- Keep itemized receipts for all cleaning visits
What Records Should You Keep?
- ✅ Itemized invoices from a professional service like Bravo Maids
- ✅ Square footage of office and total home
- ✅ Photos or layout diagrams
- ✅ Spreadsheet showing monthly cleaning expenses
- ✅ If reimbursed, documentation of your accountable plan
Tips for Remote Workers (Post-TCJA 2018)
- W-2 Employees cannot deduct unless reimbursed
- Hybrid Workers: Prorate based on days worked from home
- Use Tools Like: QuickBooks, Google Sheets, Expensify
Consult a Tax Pro to Maximize Savings
Don’t guess. A professional will:
- Run both simplified and actual methods
- Ensure compliance and avoid audit triggers
- Help you separate business vs personal cleaning costs
Need help documenting deductible services? We’re here.
💼 Ready to Book a Deductible Cleaning Service?
Bravo Maids is your trusted partner for professional home cleaning in San Diego, offering:
- Background-checked, insured, and bonded staff
- Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and move-out cleans
- Satisfaction guaranteed
- Eco-friendly, kid-safe products
- Clear, itemized invoices perfect for tax prep
👉 Book now or call us at 619-853-3200 to get started.
Final Broom-Sweep
Yes, house cleaning services can be tax deductible—if you meet IRS criteria and document everything correctly. Whether you’re self-employed, managing rental property, or dealing with health-related cleaning needs, Bravo Maids delivers services that support your clean home and clean books.
🔗 Outbound Source Reference
- IRS Publication 587 – Business Use of Your Home (Including Use by Daycare Providers)
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