Cleaner job description: Duties, skills and responsibilities

Hiring the right Business Development Manager is key to driving your company’s growth and success. These professionals excel at identifying opportunities, building relationships and closing deals that align with strategic goals. 

Below is a detailed guide to crafting a job description that will attract skilled candidates ready to contribute to your organisation’s long-term success.

Cleaner job duties and responsibilities

Cleaners are responsible for maintaining clean and hygienic environments, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and managing day-to-day cleaning tasks. Their role contributes directly to health, safety and an overall pleasant atmosphere.

Core responsibilities for cleaners include:

• Routine cleaning and maintenance
  • Regularly clean and sanitise designated spaces, including office areas, restrooms and communal zones.
  • Handle dusting, mopping, vacuuming and disposal of waste.
  • Maintain floors and surfaces to ensure a consistently neat and polished appearance.
• Specialist cleaning tasks
  • Perform deep-cleaning tasks when necessary, such as carpet shampooing or window washing.
  • Operate specialised cleaning equipment, including floor buffers and steam cleaners.
  • Manage tasks tailored to industry-specific needs, such as disinfection of high-touch surfaces.
• Restocking supplies
  • Regularly check and replenish cleaning and hygiene supplies, including paper goods and soaps.
  • Notify management of supply shortages for timely restocking.
• Health and safety compliance
  • Follow health and safety regulations to prevent contamination and maintain sanitary environments.
  • Dispose of waste in accordance with eco-friendly and legal protocols.
  • Report maintenance or safety hazards promptly to supervisors.
• Team collaboration
  • Work in tandem with other cleaning staff or departments to complete duties efficiently.
  • Provide support for event or seasonal cleaning as needed.

Cleaners play a critical role in elevating workplace hygiene while ensuring operational spaces remain functional and welcoming.

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What should be included in a cleaner job description?

An effective job description attracts skilled professionals by outlining expectations and qualifications clearly. Include these key sections:

• Job overview: A succinct summary of the role’s primary objective and value to the organisation.
• Core responsibilities: Detail daily tasks and any unique cleaning-related requirements applicable to your industry.
• Skills and competencies: Highlight skills such as attention to detail, physical stamina and time management.
• Qualifications: List minimum requirements like experience with cleaning equipment or understanding of safety procedures.
• Application process: Provide clear directions about how candidates can apply and what materials to submit.

Including these elements ensures your job offer is direct, informative and tailored to attract the right candidates.

Example of a job description

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Cleaner to support our business by maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness. This role ensures a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Key responsibilities:

• Perform daily cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping and removing waste.
• Sanitise surfaces, restrooms and shared areas to prevent contamination.
• Restock cleaning and hygiene supplies throughout the premises.
• Operate cleaning machinery such as vacuums and carpet cleaners.
• Adhere to health and safety standards at all times, promptly reporting any risks.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a cleaning or sanitation role.
• Familiarity with cleaning equipment, materials and best practices.
• Understanding of basic health and safety principles.
• Strong time management skills and ability to work independently.
• Physical capability to perform tasks requiring lifting, bending and standing for long periods.

Work environment:

• Onsite position with a rotating schedule, including weekend shifts.
• May involve occasional deep-cleaning tasks or event preparation.

If you’re passionate about creating clean and enjoyable spaces, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today!

What is the best way to screen candidates?

Screening cleaner applicants effectively ensures you hire dedicated and reliable professionals. Use these key steps:

• Review resumes: Look for relevant cleaning experience and familiarity with equipment or products. Confirm references to assess reliability and consistency in previous roles.
• Practical assessments: Conduct hands-on assessments to evaluate cleaning techniques, speed and thoroughness. Test problem-solving with scenarios such as cleaning a stubborn stain or managing hazardous waste safely
• Interview questions: Ask candidates how they prioritise tasks during busy periods. Evaluate their understanding of health and safety compliance.
• Soft skill focus: Observe communication skills for collaborative environments. Assess their commitment to maintaining quality and attention to detail.

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What skills should a cleaner have?

Successful cleaners demonstrate a mix of physical ability, attention to detail and adherence to safety standards. Include these skills in your job descriptions to attract the right candidates:

Core skills for a cleaner

• Attention to detail: Ability to identify and address any missed spots or hygiene standards shortfalls.
• Time management: Efficiently complete assigned tasks within given deadlines.
• Knowledge of products and equipment: Understanding proper use and handling of cleaning tools and chemicals.

Soft skills for a cleaner

• Flexibility to adjust schedules according to company needs.
• Excellent communication and reliability to ensure team synergy.

Adapt these skills to suit specific role requirements or cleaning environments, such as offices, factories or hospitality spaces.

What qualifications should a cleaner have?

The qualifications required for a cleaner often depend on the role’s complexity or industry. Common criteria include:

• Experience: Previous experience in professional cleaning, custodial roles or sanitation is often preferred.
• Skills training: Certification or training in workplace safety, chemical handling and machinery usage can be a plus depending on your industry. 
• Physical requirements: Capability for physical tasks, including lifting, bending and prolonged standing.

Clearly outline these expectations for a smoother application process and to attract candidates ready to excel in the role.

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Hire fast. Hire right. All in one place with Employment Hero

For small businesses, hiring can feel like a full-time job on top of everything else. Sorting through irrelevant applications. Chasing down resumes. Coordinating interviews across packed calendars. When the right person finally comes along, you need to be ready. The best candidates aren’t on the market for long, and drawn-out processes can mean missing out altogether.

That’s why it pays to have an all-in-one Employment Operating System do the heavy lifting. With Employment Hero you can:

• Attract better candidates. Get your role in front of the right people – even if they’re not actively looking – with smart tools that go beyond traditional job boards.
• Cut down on manual work. Automate job ads, track applicants in one place, and use built-in tools to shortlist efficiently.
• Keep things moving. With structured scorecards and a clear hiring workflow, your team can make confident decisions, fast.
• Set new hires up for success. Digital contracts and tailored onboarding workflows help new team members hit the ground running.

It’s not about adding more steps – it’s about simplifying the right ones, so you can make better hires, faster.

Whether you’re hiring your first employee or growing your team, Employment Hero’s all-in-one Employment Operating System helps you focus on what matters: finding great people and getting them through the door.