What does a cleaner do?

A cleaner performs a variety of cleaning duties to keep different environments neat and tidy and free of dust, dirt and germs. Cleaners work in a range of commercial buildings, such as offices and retail outlets, as well as in the manufacturing sector and in private homes. Some perform general cleaning duties, while others work as specialised cleaners. These include carpet cleaners, swimming pool cleaners and trauma cleaners, to name a few.

Cleaner skills and qualifications

To succeed in their role, a cleaner should possess certain prerequisite skills and qualifications, which include:

• strong customer service skills
• thorough knowledge of cleaning agents and their applications
• adequate literacy and numeracy skills to read instructions and measure cleaning fluids
• time management skills
• ability and willingness to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks
• knowledge and awareness of the relevant health and safety standards
• a current police check or police clearance.

Cleaner experience requirements

Previous experience is typically not required for most entry-level cleaning roles. Employers generally provide full on-the-job training that covers all aspects of the job. However, specialist cleaners such as industrial cleaners or trauma cleaners may need to have a minimum of one to two years of experience in a similar role. Industrial cleaners might need to demonstrate previous experience that includes operating high-pressure cleaning systems, working at heights and in confined spaces and gas atmospheres. Trauma cleaners usually need to have experience handling biohazard waste, such as blood, drugs and chemicals, as well as knowledge of how to use medical-grade cleaning products.

Cleaner education and training requirements

Most employers expect cleaners to have a Year 10 level education as a minimum. In most cases, formal qualifications are not necessary, as cleaners usually gain the skills required for the role through on-the-job training. Some cleaners may hold a vocational qualification, such as a Certificate III in Cleaning Operations. Cleaners wishing to advance to higher level roles often undertake further training, such as a Certificate IV in Cleaning Management. Trauma cleaners receive in-depth on-the-job training and may be required to have a specialist qualification in trauma cleaning. Depending on the nature of their work, industrial cleaners might be required to hold a safety certificate for working at heights and in confined spaces, operating high-pressure water jetting or a high-risk work licence to operate an elevating work platform.

Cleaner salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a cleaner in Australia is $29.26 per hour. This pay rate may be higher or lower depending on certain factors, including the cleaner’s experience, location, industry and whether they work independently or for a cleaning agency.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a cleaner job description isn’t quite what you were looking for, here are some job description samples for similar roles:

• Home cleaner
• Kitchenhand

Cleaner job description FAQs

What are the different types of cleaners?

There are many different types of cleaners who work in a variety of settings from homes to offices, hotels, gyms and restaurants. Some of the common types of cleaners include commercial, domestic, industrial, carpet, window, crime scene or trauma cleaners and car detailers. Commercial cleaners specialise in cleaning a variety of businesses, including corporate offices, shops, factories, bars and restaurants. Domestic (or residential) cleaners work within residential properties. Crime scene or trauma cleaning is a highly specialised type of cleaning. These cleaners are brought in to clean after critical events, such as suicides, murders, deaths, crimes, chemical outbreaks and drug-related incidents.

What is the difference between a cleaner and a housekeeper?

The main differences between these two jobs are the frequency of work and scope of work. Housekeepers usually spend more time at their client’s house. A cleaner may only work at a client’s house once or twice a week for a couple of hours, whereas a housekeeper could be employed by a client full-time. Housekeepers also often have more duties and responsibilities than cleaners. For example, they may be asked to perform extra duties that wouldn’t be expected of a cleaner, such as taking care of pets or children, cooking or running errands.

What makes a good cleaner job description?

A good cleaner job description is clear, easy to read and not unnecessarily long. It should include any essential requirements, such as a driver’s licence or a police check. This helps to pre-qualify applicants. A good cleaner job description should also highlight the benefits of working for your business. These might include above award pay and conditions, opportunities for career development and support to gain certifications.