Bookkeeping for a cleaning business, without an accountant
You need four things: what came in, what went out, how far you drove, and how much to set aside for tax. That is genuinely it.
1. Income — log the job, not the deposit
Record every job the day you do it: date, client, amount, and whether it is paid. The unpaid flag matters more than people expect — chasing money you forgot you were owed is the easiest raise you will ever get.
2. Expenses — the ones cleaners actually miss
| Commonly missed | Why it counts |
|---|---|
| Supplies and small equipment | Vacuum bags, cloths, chemicals, a new mop |
| Business share of your phone | You book clients on it |
| Insurance and licences | Fully deductible |
| Advertising | Cards, flyers, listings |
| Bank and card fees | Small, constant, adds up |
| Parking and tolls | Separate from mileage |
3. Mileage — usually the biggest single deduction
Log the date, the client and the miles. Note that the standard mileage rate replaces fuel and repairs — claiming both is a common and expensive mistake. Rates also change: in 2026 the rate changed mid-year, so a trip in March and a trip in August are not worth the same. Track the date, not just the distance.
4. Set money aside as you go
Put a percentage of profit aside every month rather than meeting a surprise in April. Many solo operators use roughly 25% as a starting point and adjust with their preparer.
Cleaning Business Bookkeeping + P&L $12
A bookkeeping workbook built for this exact job: income and expense logs, a mileage log that applies the correct rate for each trip date, an invoice that fills itself from your client list, a monthly profit dashboard, and a Schedule C-style tax summary to hand your preparer.
See what's inside →