what is a cleaner?
As a cleaner, you maintain cleanliness in offices, residential buildings, and various commercial establishments. Specialized cleaners develop techniques for detailed cleaning in professional settings. It is essential to understand which cleaning products and equipment are most effective for different surfaces. Your duties typically remain indoors and may include tasks such as cleaning restrooms, sweeping or mopping floors, vacuuming carpets, and scrubbing surfaces. Additional responsibilities include dusting, emptying trash bins, polishing wood surfaces, cleaning windows, and disinfecting restrooms.
what does a cleaner do?
As a cleaner, you perform a variety of cleaning and maintenance tasks. Beyond keeping public and private spaces tidy, you may be responsible for maintaining cleaning equipment and replenishing supplies. Some jobs may require you to sanitize restrooms and report necessary repairs or replacements within a facility.
A strong knowledge of stain removers and cleaning chemicals is beneficial. After cleaning and sanitizing restrooms, you restock supplies to ensure the space is ready for the next workday. Attention to detail and physical stamina are key skills required to perform your duties efficiently.
Would working as a cleaner suit your career goals? Read on to find out more about the competencies and qualifications needed for this role.
view cleaner jobsaverage cleaner salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cleaners in the United States earn a median annual salary of $31,410, or approximately $15.10 per hour. Entry-level positions start at around $25,000 per year, while experienced cleaners can make up to $40,000 or more annually, depending on location and specialization.
what factors influence the salary of a cleaner?
A cleaner's salary varies based on several factors, including the work environment. Residential cleaners typically earn less than those working in commercial or industrial settings. Industrial cleaners, who often require additional training and certifications, tend to command higher wages. The size of the employer or facility can also impact pay, with larger offices or high-traffic buildings generally offering higher wages.
Experience and qualifications also influence earnings. Cleaners with certifications in sanitation or hazardous material handling may receive higher pay. Entry-level workers typically start at lower hourly rates, while those with several years of experience and specialized training can negotiate higher salaries.
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access our tooltypes of cleaners
Cleaners work in a variety of settings, including hotels, gyms, restaurants, banks, and commercial office buildings. Some common types of cleaners include:
- Janitors: Perform regular cleaning services at scheduled intervals, maintaining cleanliness in high-traffic commercial spaces.
- Project-Based Cleaners: Handle specialized cleaning tasks after events or construction projects, such as deep carpet cleaning or floor maintenance.
- Commercial Cleaners: Provide one-time or contract-based cleaning services, often using industrial equipment like power washers for exterior surfaces.
- Industrial Cleaners: Work in hazardous environments requiring specialized training to clean after fires, floods, or hazardous material spills.
working as a cleaner
Working as a cleaner requires physical strength and attentiveness to detail to ensure you are meticulous in your work. Check out the specific tasks of cleaners.
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what does a cleaner do?
Some of the typical duties of a cleaner include:
- Dusting: Removing dust from various surfaces, including vents, furniture, and countertops.
- Vacuuming and Mopping: Cleaning floors, carpets, and tile surfaces using appropriate cleaning tools.
- Emptying Trash: Collecting and disposing of waste, as well as sanitizing trash bins.
- Linen Cleaning: Washing and replenishing linens in hotels and residential settings.
- Restocking Supplies: Ensuring restrooms and common areas have necessary supplies such as soap and paper towels.
- Maintaining Equipment: Checking and servicing cleaning equipment to ensure proper functioning.
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work environment of a cleaner
Cleaners primarily work indoors, maintaining cleanliness in office buildings, hotels, schools, and commercial spaces. However, some roles may require outdoor tasks, such as sweeping walkways or cleaning exterior windows. The job can be physically demanding, requiring frequent bending, lifting, and extended periods of standing or walking.
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who are your colleagues?
As a cleaner, you may work alongside janitors, housekeeping staff, maintenance workers, and facility managers. In office settings, you may interact with administrative assistants and building supervisors. Industrial cleaners often collaborate with warehouse staff, supervisors, and health and safety officers.
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cleaner work schedule
Cleaners typically work evening or overnight shifts to avoid disrupting business operations. Some businesses require daily cleaning, while others schedule weekly services. In the hospitality industry, shifts may follow a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, but weekend and holiday work is common.
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career opportunities as a cleaner
Cleaners work in various environments, including residential homes, hotels, office buildings, and industrial settings. Career advancement opportunities include becoming a cleaning supervisor, facility manager, or independent contractor. Self-employment is an option for experienced cleaners who establish their own cleaning businesses.
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advantages of finding a job as a cleaner through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
cleaner skills and education
Requirements for Becoming a Cleaner
- On-the-Job Training: Most employers provide training on cleaning techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures.
- Work Experience: Prior experience is beneficial but not always required. Volunteering or temporary cleaning roles can help build experience.
competencies and characteristics of cleaners
- Physical Stamina: The role requires frequent movement, bending, and lifting.
- Knowledge of Cleaning Solutions: Understanding proper cleaning agents and their safe use is essential.
- Attention to Detail: Ensures thorough cleaning of spaces.
- Teamwork: Collaboration with other staff members enhances efficiency.
- Time Management: Ability to complete tasks within assigned timeframes.
FAQs about cleaner jobs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a cleaner.
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how much does a cleaner get paid?
The average salary for cleaners in the U.S. is approximately $31,410 per year or $15.10 per hour, with wages varying by industry, experience, and location.
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what are the duties of a cleaner?
Cleaners are responsible for sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, sanitizing restrooms, emptying trash bins, and restocking supplies.
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how do you start working as a cleaner?
Most cleaning jobs do not require formal education. On-the-job training is common, and experience with cleaning equipment can be beneficial.
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is being a cleaner a hard job?
Cleaning can be physically demanding but is manageable with the right techniques and tools.
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what skills do you require to work as a cleaner?
Cleaners need physical stamina, attention to detail, knowledge of cleaning solutions, and strong time management skills.
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how do I find a job as a cleaner?
Search for cleaning jobs in your area using our job portal. If no positions are currently available, submit your resume, and we’ll notify you when a suitable role opens up.
submit your resume
Make sure your resume is up-to-date, including information about your technical skills and certifications. Then share it with us to connect with a recruiter and be matched with job opportunities.
