Self-employed cleaner expenses: what can you claim?
What can a self-employed cleaner claim as allowable expenses in the UK? Products, equipment, mileage, insurance and more, with links to HMRC guidance.
By KleanLinc · Updated · 3 min read
As a self-employed cleaner, you pay tax on your profit, not on everything clients pay you. Claiming the right allowable expenses lowers your profit and so lowers your tax bill.
This guide covers the expenses cleaners most commonly claim, how mileage works, and when the £1,000 trading allowance might be the better choice.
What counts as an allowable expense
HMRC describes allowable expenses as costs you have for running your business. If something is used partly for personal use, such as your phone, you can only claim the business part. GOV.UK's expenses guide (opens in a new tab) lists the main categories.
Common expenses for cleaners
- Cleaning products, cloths, sponges, gloves and bin bags you buy for clients' jobs.
- Equipment such as vacuums, mops, steam cleaners and ladders.
- Workwear with your business logo, or protective clothing needed for the job.
- Business insurance, such as public liability or equipment cover.
- Phone and internet costs for the business share of use.
- Advertising, website costs and platform fees.
- Accountancy or bookkeeping software fees.
Everyday clothing is not usually allowable, even if you only wear it for work. Branded uniforms and protective clothing are treated differently.
Claiming mileage and travel
Travel between clients is business travel. Travel from home to a regular single workplace can be treated differently, so check your situation. Instead of adding up fuel, insurance and repairs, you can use HMRC's simplified expenses for vehicles (opens in a new tab): a flat rate per business mile.
For cars and goods vehicles, GOV.UK sets the rate at 45p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles and 25p per mile after that. Keep a log of the date, journey and miles for each trip.
Parking at a client's property and public transport fares for business journeys can usually be claimed too.
The £1,000 trading allowance
If your expenses are small, you can choose the £1,000 trading allowance (opens in a new tab) instead. You deduct up to £1,000 from your income rather than claiming your actual costs. You cannot use the allowance and claim expenses against the same income.
If your real expenses are more than £1,000, claiming them is usually better.
Keep receipts and records
Keep receipts, bank statements and your mileage log for each tax year. Photographing receipts as you go saves a lot of time at tax return time. If you are unsure whether something counts, an accountant or HMRC's guidance can help.
New to self-employment? Start with our step-by-step guide to becoming a self-employed cleaner.
KleanLinc is a UK platform preparing to launch. Joining the Founding Cleaner list is free and records your interest only: it does not create a live account or guarantee work.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I claim my cleaning products as an expense?
- Yes, products you buy and use for clients' jobs are generally allowable expenses for a self-employed cleaner.
- Can I claim mileage as a self-employed cleaner?
- Yes, for business journeys such as travelling between clients. You can use HMRC's simplified mileage rates instead of actual vehicle costs.
- Can I use the trading allowance and claim expenses?
- No. For the same income you choose either the £1,000 trading allowance or your actual allowable expenses.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Expenses if you're self-employed (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Simplified expenses for vehicles (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Tax-free allowances on property and trading income (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change, so check the official source for your situation. KleanLinc is preparing to launch; platform features described here are planned, not live.