What expenses can commercial & domestic cleaners claim on UK Self Assessment?

UK sole trader commercial & domestic cleaners can claim allowable costs incurred wholly and exclusively for their trade, including Cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, bleaches, and microfibre cloths (Box 17), Commercial vacuum cleaners, carpet extractors, and mop buckets (Box 18), Branded tabards or protective aprons and gloves (Box 18), along with qualifying mileage at 55p per mile.

How long do commercial & domestic cleaners need to keep receipts for HMRC?

HMRC requires sole traders to keep records and receipts for at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline for that tax year. Receipts Dock preserves photos for 6 years.

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Trade Expense ChecklistUK Tax Year 2026/27Box 17 (Chemicals & supplies) & Box 20 (Travel)

Receipts for Cleaners & Cleaning Services

Chemicals, vacuums, mop heads, uniforms, and travel between properties. Keep verifiable records your accountant can file directly into your Self Assessment return.

HMRC Allowable vs Disallowable Checklist for commercial & domestic cleaners

✓ Allowable Expenses to Keep	✕ Disallowable Mistakes
Cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, bleaches, and microfibre cloths (Box 17) Commercial vacuum cleaners, carpet extractors, and mop buckets (Box 18) Branded tabards or protective aprons and gloves (Box 18) Travel mileage between client offices and domestic homes (Box 20) Keyholder and public liability insurance (Box 22)	Cleaning supplies kept at home for personal domestic cleaning Ordinary non-protective clothing

HMRC Rule: Expenses must be incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes. When buying mixed items (e.g. at a trade merchant or fuel station), Receipts Dock files the receipt and keeps the original photo attached for your bookkeeper.

Tools to Keep Your commercial & domestic cleaners Accounts Tidy

🔍 SA103 Box Finder →Search any material or tool to see its exact HMRC box.🚗 55p Mileage Calculator →Calculate your 55p and 25p tax allowance per trip.

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