As a rideshare driver, can I deduct my carwash expenses?

Maximizing Rideshare Earnings: Are Car Cleaning Expenses Tax Deductible?

The rideshare industry has changed the way we travel and work. For many drivers, it’s not just a side hustle—it’s a full-fledged business. And like any business, managing expenses strategically can help maximize earnings and minimize taxes.

One question I often hear as an Enrolled Agent: Can rideshare drivers deduct car cleaning expenses on their taxes? The short answer? Yes, as long as those costs are reasonable and related to your business.

Why Cleanliness Matters in Ridesharing

When passengers step into your car, they’re forming an opinion before you even greet them. A clean, well-maintained vehicle makes a strong impression. It sets the tone for the ride and directly impacts your ratings and tips. Rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft reward highly rated drivers with more ride requests, bonuses, and higher earnings potential.

Example:

Marcus drives full-time in Los Angeles. He used to skip regular car cleaning, but after receiving multiple complaints about a dirty backseat, his rating dropped below 4.7. Now, he gets a $12 car wash every Friday and a $30 monthly interior clean. His rating bounced back to 4.9, and he noticed an apparent increase in tips. These cleaning costs? 100% deductible.

Who Can Deduct Car Cleaning Expenses?

To claim car cleaning as a tax deduction, you must be self-employed. Most rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. That means you file taxes as a small business owner and report income and expenses on Schedule C of your personal tax return.

This applies to drivers for:

• Uber

• Lyft

• DoorDash (if using a car)

• Instacart

• Amazon Flex

If you’re using your vehicle for business, and cleaning helps you earn, the IRS considers that a legitimate expense.

What Cleaning Expenses Are Deductible?

The IRS allows deductions for ordinary and necessary expenses. That means cleaning costs must be:

• Typical for rideshare work

• Helpful in earning income

Common Deductible Items:

• Weekly or biweekly car washes

• Interior detailing services

• DIY cleaning supplies (wipes, sprays, vacuums)

• Air fresheners used for customer experience

Example:

Sandra drives for Uber Eats and Instacart. She spends $20/month on an unlimited car wash plan and $10 on interior wipes and vacuum bags. All of these costs directly support her business appearance and qualify as deductions.

Mileage vs. Actual Expenses

You have two ways to deduct vehicle costs:

1. Standard Mileage Rate (70 cents per mile for 2025)

2. Actual Expenses (including fuel, insurance, repairs, and cleaning)

If you use the standard mileage method, you cannot deduct car cleaning separately—it’s already built into the per-mile rate. If you choose the actual expense method, you can deduct car cleaning costs directly.

Example:

Chris drives 1,200 miles a month. He chooses the actual expense method and deducts a percentage of his fuel, maintenance, and his $50 monthly cleaning bill. Since 80% of his car use is for business, he deducts 80% of those costs on his Schedule C.

How to Keep Records

Documentation is key. The IRS doesn’t accept estimates or vague descriptions. Keep detailed records of each expense:

• Save receipts from car washes and cleaning supply purchases

• Log dates and costs in a notebook or app

• Use tracking apps like Stride, Everlance, or QuickBooks Self-Employed

If you clean your car for both business and personal reasons, only deduct the business-use percentage.

Avoid Overdoing It

While car cleaning is deductible, extravagant services may raise IRS concerns.

Not Deductible:

• $300 ceramic coating unless you can prove it was necessary for your business

• Detailing a personal car not used for rideshare

The IRS looks for expenses that are reasonable for the size and nature of your business.

Conclusion

If you’re a rideshare driver, keeping your car clean isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a smart financial move. A clean car leads to higher ratings, more tips, and repeat customers. Better yet, those cleaning costs may reduce your tax bill—if you track them correctly.

From car washes to vacuum supplies, these are legitimate business expenses when used properly. Whether you opt for the standard mileage rate or the actual expense method, understanding how and when to deduct car cleaning costs can make a noticeable impact on your bottom line.

Need help figuring out what to deduct?

Book a consultation with Lisa Brugman, EA & Associates and get expert advice tailored to your rideshare business.