Inside Sydney’s Secret Cleaning Economy: Where Cash Is Still King

While most of Sydney is tapping cards and sending invoices, there’s one industry that’s still thick with cash: cleaning.

Here's why it’s still happening — and why it matters:

💸 1. Under-the-Table Cleaning Is Everywhere

From gyms to boutique salons, owners are still paying $25/hr in cash to “avoid paperwork.” Risky? Extremely.

🧾 2. The ATO Is Watching

2025 has seen a surge in ATO data-matching tools targeting undeclared cleaning gigs. $8,600 in penalties is now common.

🧑‍⚖️ 3. Staff Without Insurance = You’re Liable

If your cash cleaner trips or breaks something? That’s not on them — it’s on your business.

👀 4. Reputation Is on the Line

Modern customers care. “We found out our yoga studio paid cash for a cleaner — we stopped going,” said one reviewer on Google.

💬 5. What Businesses Are Switching To

One Surry Hills café moved to Ultrix payroll cleaners in 2024. Their manager said, “It's boring, but we sleep easier.”

📣 Call to Action

If you're still paying cleaners in cash — stop. Protect your business, your brand, and your team. Go pro. Go Ultrix.