Cleaner Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a cleaner. Feel free to use our cleaner job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a cleaner.
Who is a Cleaner?
Cleaners are individuals that carry out cleaning activities. Cleaning is the process of removing unwanted substances such as dirt, infectious agents, and other impurities from a home, object, or environment. Cleaning occurs in different contexts and uses different methods; most occupations are devoted to cleaning. The cleaning industry is quite big as several forms of cleaning are required for different properties, objects, and environments. For instance, cleaning an office space requires the services of a commercial cleaner whereas cleaning a house requires a residential cleaning or residential cleaning service. Cleaning has been invoked throughout human existence; we clean our bodies, we clean our clothes, we clean our furniture, and we clean our compounds to mention but a few. Cleaning occurs in various commercial, domestic, personal, and environmental settings which differ in scale and requirements. Depending on the task, the aforementioned categories can be subdivided into end-of-lease cleaning, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, and car cleaning services for example. Also, several items are used for cleaning including broom and dustpan, buckets with water and/or cleaning solution, cleaning agents, floor polisher, garbage bag, hand feather duster and/or microfiber floor duster, mop and mop bucket cart, towels, vacuum cleaner, wet floor sign, janitorial cleaning vessels, and rakes.
Also known as cleaning operatives, a cleaner refers to a type of domestic or industrial worker who washes, scrubs, and wipes homes or commercial premises for payment. Cleaners may specialize in cleaning or tidying particular things or places; they may clean offices or windows at night or houses during the workday. Cleaning operatives can choose to focus on a particular industry or even a specific task in a cleaning sector. One cannot expect a specialist in cleaning windows to be willing to clean a carpet. A cleaner must keep hotels, homes, offices, and other public areas neat and organized; it is a non-negotiable aspect of the job. Depending on the client or employer, a cleaner sweeps, mops, and vacuums floors, dust countertops, ceilings, and furniture, and/or sanitizes bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas. They work to ensure an organization or company is tidy and orderly by taking stock of cleaning supplies and completing small cleaning jobs daily like emptying trash cans and scrubbing any dirty areas constantly. Sometimes, a cleaner is given a certain set of duties or functions to complete before their shift and is expected to finish them by the end of the day.
Additionally, a cleaner is partially responsible for the safety of patrons and office workers; they ensure that areas are properly sanitized. While working, the cleaner put up signs to show clients and other individuals that the floors are wet for instance; they clean any spills or messes that may harm customers or other employers. A cleaner does not just work in houses or hotels, but in several other places performing deep and light cleaning services. Cleaners generally report to a supervisor or a direct client; however, the person a cleaner reports to depends on the organization or cleaning agency. In large corporations with several cleaning staff, the cleaner might have a supervisor that is in charge of all cleaners. In a small organization, they may report to the owner or manager of the building or home. Where problems arise including a shortage of cleaning supplies, a cleaner can report such to the owner. Importantly, a cleaner ensures that their assigned spaces remain tidy and cleaned always; they regularly move around to pick up dirt and wipe out spills. A cleaner may work irregular hours or split shifts and may undertake work on a full-time, part-time, or casual basis.
Developing the skills and qualities that make a great cleaner can help the individual to perform well on the job. Successful cleaners often have a balance of practical skills that enable them to complete multiple manual cleaning duties and soft skills that enables them to perform better. Being an excellent team player has been highlighted as a desirable quality for cleaners as they mostly work in small teams. Nonetheless, a cleaner should also be able to manage his or her own time efficiently and work independently as some duties may require just one person to complete. Experts have suggested that cleaners seek work within a small area; choosing cleaning jobs near your location can help to make the commute to and from home shorter and hence save time and resources.
Types of Cleaners
Cleaners are of several types;
Commercial cleaners: These cleaners work in businesses or other commercial settings and perform terminal cleaning activities in healthcare settings as well.
Environmental remediation cleaners: These cleaners are involved in the removal of pollutants or contaminants from the natural environment.
Housekeepers: They spring clean and ensure the entire home is cleaned and devoid of dirt. A housekeeper often provides cleaning services in hotels as well. He or she makes the bed, washes dishes, does laundry, and dusts furniture.
Floor cleaners: A floor cleaner specializes in cleaning floors using special equipment such as floor buffers or scrubbers. They may work in a residential or commercial setting on floor types like tile, wood, carpet, laminate, or concrete.
Crime scene cleaners: Crime scene cleaners sanitize and clean a crime scene after investigators have gathered the evidence they need. Since hazardous materials may be present at a crime scene, these cleaners need proper training.
Custodians or janitors: They work in schools or office buildings and perform general cleaning of the facilities at which they work and carry out basic maintenance tasks.
Apartment or house cleaners: These cleaning operatives are quite easy to find due to their large numbers and they are often denoted as maid service providers or domestic cleaners. They specialize in house cleaning.
Furthermore, strong cleaners keep people safe and pay attention to the requirements and rules they are given. He or she is constantly on alert to ensure they are following necessary cleaning guidelines and are keeping designated areas clear from breakages or slippery floors. An effective cleaner should be able to stand and move around for long periods as he or she regularly inspects and bends over to clean certain items. Good cleaners should also be able to complete their tasks each day with little to no supervision.
Cleaner Job Description
Below are the cleaner job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a cleaner job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a cleaner include the following:
- Coordinate with other cleaners to keep a business clean.
- Clean spills, broken glass, and other messes on time.
- Perform maintenance activities related to cleaning.
- Refill supplies such as toilet paper and paper towels.
- Order new cleaning supplies as needed.
- Stock and supply the designated facility area.
- Perform and document routine inspection activities.
- Carry out heavy cleansing tasks and special projects.
- Notify management or supervisors of deficiencies or needs for repairs.
- Stock and maintain supply rooms.
- Follow all health and safety regulations.
- Make adjustments and minor repairs.
- Dust ceilings, light fittings, countertops, and loose furniture.
- Empty trash cans and wash and dry windows.
- Scrub and sanitize sinks and kitchen fixtures.
- Liaise with the line manager to ensure that sufficient cleaning products are available always.
- Wipe and disinfect surfaces.
- Use water, soap, detergent, or pressure steam to clean apartments.
- Remove bulk material and contaminants from a surface using abrasive blasting.
- Utilize sound waves to shake particulates loose from surfaces.
- Dry clean clothes and textiles using a chemical solvent.
- Flame clean structural steel with an oxyacetylene flame.
- Use environmentally friendly methods and products to green clean.
- Utilize energetic plasma or dielectric barrier discharge plasma to clean surfaces.
- Use ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to destroy microorganisms in hospitals.
- Sputter clean in a vacuum by using physical sputtering of surfaces.
Qualifications
A cleaner needs the right qualifications to perform their tasks. Being able to handle cleaning chemicals safely is good and cleaners must be able to multitask and stick to their schedules while responding to incidents as they occur throughout the day. Since a cleaner can be employed in a domestic, health, education, industrial, or public setting, these requirements are crucial for success in the role. Thus, a cleaner needs the following qualifications;
- Cleaner education and training requirements: Typically, a cleaner is required to have a high school diploma or secondary school certificate. Many cleaning jobs are entry-level and employers ask that potential employees have some prior education experience. An aspiring cleaning team leader may be expected to have some college education or several years working as a cleaner. Based on the position, a cleaner may also complete additional training. For example, an aspiring industrial cleaner may have to be trained in occupational safety and health.
- Cleaner experience requirements: The experience requirements depend on the role the aspiring cleaner applied for. If it is an entry-level position, zero to three years of experience may be required. For a mid and senior-level position, a minimum of three or more years is the standard. The industry also plays a role in experience requirements; a cleaner in a hotel will have a different experience than an industrial cleaner for instance. Similarly, the candidate may need experience with certain equipment such as powered scrubbers and waxing machines.
Essential Skills
Many aspects of a cleaner’s role require attention to detail, understanding of how to handle cleaning products safely, and the ability to operate cleaning tools. A cleaner may encounter several customers and clients with a range of requests and needs. Being able to communicate with different people and being adaptable when faced with additional tasks is valuable. There can be times when a cleaner is faced with a large workload and a tight deadline to work with; so being able to work under pressure and remain calm in stressful situations are essential qualities for a cleaner. Some of the desirable skills for a cleaner include;
Teamwork: An ability to work well with others and support coworkers with their tasks when necessary. Remember, cleaners work in teams, particularly when working at large buildings such as schools or office blocks.
Basic computer skills: Although most cleaners’ duties are practical and involve manual labor, being able to operate a computer or handle devices allows cleaners to access instructions via email, complete cleaning checklists, and log timesheets digitally. The use of tablets and handheld devices is becoming common in several workplaces these days.
Ability to work independently: Also, being self-motivated is key to success as a cleaner. While cleaners often work in teams, they might be required to work independently to complete certain tasks. Hence, being able to remain motivated and focused when working independently is essential.
How to Become a Cleaner
A cleaner often gains entry-level work in the homes and businesses of a neighbor or family friend. The work of a cleaner can be fulfilling for those that enjoy practical work and are methodical. Cleaners can begin right away as there is no formal training involved; nevertheless, on-the-job training is often provided especially for cleaners who want to work for a business. The steps to becoming a cleaner include;
- Complete high school education and obtain work experience while schooling.
- Join a cleaning service in your location and/or contact local businesses.
- Advertise your cleaning credentials or proficiencies on a business directory; a business directory is a document that lists important information about individuals and companies such as what they do, their contact details, and address.
- Search online job sites and upload your resume accordingly.
- Select a cleaning specialization and include it in your cover letter and resume.
- Apply for cleaner’s roles that match your experience, skills, and qualifications.
Where to Work
A cleaner can work in several settings and may hold different tasks based on the place they work in. Some cleaners work in a custodian or janitor role within an office. Other cleaners work for businesses, cleaning companies, and factories. A cleaner may also find employment in a hospital but may be required to follow strict guidelines. Some cleaners are employed by restaurants, parks, educational institutions, hotels, and religious centers.
Cleaner Salary Scale
The average salary of a cleaner is $30,717 yearly but there may be several factors that influence the salary including whether the cleaner specializes in a particular cleaning area, the level of experience, location, and the size of the areas they clean. These positions are often available in several industries which can also affect the salary. On an hourly basis, a cleaner makes an average of $11.42 with the lowest amounts being reported at $7.25 and the highest amounts coming in at $22.95.