QUICK ANSWER
FIFO workers can claim laundry costs for deductible work clothing such as uniforms and protective gear. Normal clothes worn to work cannot be claimed.
Many FIFO workers wash high-vis, drill shirts and protective clothing every swing. The ATO allows laundry deductions, but only for specific types of clothing.
The key rule is simple: the clothing must be protective or a compulsory uniform — not everyday wear.
What clothing qualifies as deductible
You can claim laundry costs for:
• High-vis clothing with reflective strips
• Fire resistant clothing
• Protective clothing (steel cap, gloves, PPE attached to clothing)
• Employer-logo uniforms required at work
You can also claim certain work tools and equipment used to perform your job.
Some clothing expenses relate to other FIFO deductions. You may also need to understand travel between worksites, overtime allowances, or meals and accommodation depending on how the clothing is used for work.
What clothing you cannot claim
You cannot claim laundry for normal clothes even if your employer requires them at site, including:
• Jeans
• Plain shirts
• Undergarments
• Socks
• Boots you could wear outside work
How much laundry can you claim (ATO rates)
You can claim:$1 per load if only work clothes are washed $0.50 per load if mixed with personal clothes
You do not need receipts for claims under $150 but you must be able to explain how you calculated the loads.
Buying uniforms vs washing them
Purchasing deductible work clothing is separate from washing it.
You may claim both the purchase cost and the laundry cost if the clothing qualifies.
Other deduction rules such as travel and meals are explained in our FIFO tax guides.
Record keeping
Keep a simple diary showing weeks worked and loads washed.
The ATO commonly reviews laundry claims because they are easy to estimate incorrectly.
Can you claim washing high-vis?
Yes. High-visibility and protective clothing laundry is deductible.
Can I claim washing normal clothes for work?
No. Conventional clothing is private even if only worn at work.
Do I need receipts for laundry?
Not under $150, but you must show how you calculated it.
You may also need to understand phone and internet deductions for FIFO workers when using your device for work communication.
Summary
FIFO workers can claim laundry for protective clothing and uniforms, but not normal work clothes. The deduction depends on the type of clothing, not where you wore it.
Other FIFO deductions you may be able to claim
Laundry and uniform expenses are just one of many deductions available to FIFO workers.
You may also be able to claim:
• work tools and equipment used on site
• training or tickets required for your job
For a full list, see the Complete FIFO Tax Deductions Guide for FIFO workers.