Are Cleaning Services Tax-Deductible for St. Louis Homeowners and Businesses?

Whether you’re a homeowner paying for recurring cleanings or a business owner investing in janitorial service, you might be wondering: Can I write this off on my taxes?

The answer depends on how and where the service is used. Let’s break down what the IRS allows, how Missouri residents and business owners can take advantage, and where to be cautious when deducting cleaning expenses.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a licensed tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.

Can St. Louis Homeowners Deduct Cleaning Services?

In most cases, residential cleaning services are not tax-deductible for personal use. If you’re paying to have your home cleaned weekly or hiring help before hosting guests, the IRS considers this a personal expense—and not eligible for deduction.

The One Exception: Home Offices

If you use part of your home exclusively as a home office and qualify for the home office deduction, you may be able to write off a portion of your cleaning expenses.

Requirements:

• The space must be used exclusively and regularly for business
• You must either be self-employed or run a business from home
• The cleaning expense must be proportional to the square footage of your home office

For example, if your home office makes up 10% of your home’s square footage, you may be able to deduct 10% of your housecleaning costs.

Be sure to:

• Keep receipts from every visit
• Use a consistent provider like St. Louis Cleaning Team
• Ask your tax preparer how to properly document the deduction

Are Cleaning Services Tax-Deductible for Businesses?

Yes—in most cases, commercial cleaning services are fully deductible as a business expense.

According to IRS guidelines, ordinary and necessary expenses paid for the operation of a trade or business are deductible. Cleaning qualifies under that definition.

You can likely deduct:

• Janitorial service contracts
• One-time deep cleans of commercial space
• Floor and carpet care
• Post-construction cleanup after an office renovation
• Restroom and kitchen sanitation in the workplace
• Supplies and materials purchased through your provider

This includes recurring services such as contract cleaning and post-event or seasonal cleaning appointments.

What Records Do You Need?

The IRS doesn’t require you to submit receipts when filing, but you must keep documentation in case of an audit.

Save:

• Invoices from your cleaning company
• Proof of payment (credit card statements, checks)
• Contracts or agreements outlining the scope and frequency of service
• Notes explaining what space was cleaned and why

For example: “Monthly deep cleaning of 2,000 sq. ft. retail location on Chippewa St.”

We make this easy—St. Louis Cleaning Team provides invoices and service notes with every visit.

Mixed-Use Properties

If you run your business from a mixed-use property (like a live/work loft or a salon in your home), things get more complicated.

You may be able to deduct cleaning for the commercial portion, but not for your personal living space. The IRS wants to see a clear separation of use, and you’ll need documentation to back it up.

This is where a conversation with a CPA is essential.

Not Deductible: Gifted or Personal Services

Thinking about giving a cleaning as a holiday gift? While it's a thoughtful idea (and we offer it!), that type of purchase is not deductible—even if it’s for a client, unless tied directly to a documented marketing or promotional activity.

For personal gifting ideas, check out our post on giving the gift of a clean home or office.

Final Tips

• Keep your cleaning provider consistent to simplify documentation
• Always ask for a formal invoice with a business name and EIN listed
• Don’t try to deduct personal cleaning services—it’s not worth the audit risk
• If in doubt, ask your tax preparer

Clean Space, Clean Books

If you operate a business in St. Louis or work from home, professional cleaning may offer more than just visual appeal—it could reduce your tax bill too.

Need invoices or help documenting your services? We’ve got you covered.

Request a commercial cleaning quote or contact us here to get started with service that makes sense—and keeps your records clean.