1) If you are going to write-off irrecoverable debt, you should credit side as you specified.
2) If debt isn’t irrecoverable, but is doubtful – you should make only allowance, double entry would be: Dr Irrecoverable Debt Expense (this would be charged to income statement) Cr Allowance for Receivables And you leave your receivables in the Receivables ledger. Untill you receive cash or decide to write-off the debt for certain customer.