How to Be Janitorial Cleaner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The presence of a janitorial cleaner in an office or workplace has a wide range of positive effects. Cleanliness and order are the two most important effects that are achieved. A clean and orderly environment is essential to the mental health, productivity, and morale of employees.

A janitorial cleaner is responsible for making sure the space is free of dust and dirt and that any spills or messes are quickly cleaned up. they are responsible for ensuring that all surfaces are sanitized and disinfected on a regular basis to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria, which can cause illnesses. This helps to reduce absenteeism and create a healthier, more pleasant working environment.

Finally, a janitorial cleaner is essential in creating a safe and secure workplace by keeping all areas free of hazards and clutter.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require janitorial cleaners to have a high school education or its equivalent.
Learn the basics of janitorial cleaning. You should understand the basics of cleaning, such as dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and scrubbing. You should also be familiar with the types of cleaning supplies and equipment used in janitorial work.
Get on-the-job training. Many employers offer janitors on-the-job training to learn the specifics of their cleaning systems and procedures.
Obtain any required certification or licenses. Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain certifications or licenses to work as a janitorial cleaner.
Consider taking continuing education classes. Continuing education classes help janitorial cleaners stay up to date on new cleaning methods, products, and safety regulations.
Join a professional organization. Professional organizations, such as the International Sanitary Supply Association, offer networking opportunities, educational resources, and other benefits to janitorial cleaners.

Having an ideal and qualified janitorial cleaner is essential for any business or organization. A janitorial cleaner should have the knowledge and skills necessary to clean and maintain the properties to a high standard. They should have the right equipment and supplies to complete the job efficiently and safely.

Furthermore, they should have a good attitude and a willingness to work as part of a team. they should have the ability to follow directions and adhere to safety protocols. Finally, they should have a strong work ethic and a commitment to providing quality service.

All of these factors are important for ensuring that the janitorial cleaner is ideal and qualified for the job.

You may want to check Bathroom Cleaner, Window Cleaner, and Floor Cleaner for alternative.

Job Description

Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors.
Dust furniture, windowsills, and ledges.
Empty wastebaskets and dispose of trash in designated areas.
Clean and sanitize restrooms, sinks, countertops, and fixtures.
Refill restroom dispensers with soap, towels, and toilet paper.
Clean windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.
Clean blinds, ceiling fans, and air vents.
Clean carpets by vacuuming and spot-cleaning stains.
Polish stainless steel and other metal surfaces.
Maintain janitorial equipment in proper working order.
Follow health and safety regulations while performing tasks.
Report major repairs or unsafe conditions to supervisor.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to use a variety of cleaning equipment and materials
Knowledge of health and safety standards
Physical strength and stamina for cleaning
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Good organizational skills
Excellent communication skills
Ability to follow instructions accurately
Ability to work flexibly and efficiently
Ability to maintain a professional attitude and appearance

The most important skill for a janitorial cleaner is attention to detail. Being able to pick up on small details can be the difference between a clean and an unclean space. Attention to detail allows janitorial cleaners to ensure that all areas are properly cleaned and that areas are not missed.

a janitorial cleaner must possess good organizational skills in order to keep track of the tasks that need to be completed. Good organizational skills will help them to stay on top of their work and ensure that all areas are well maintained. Furthermore, janitorial cleaners must also possess strong communication skills in order to effectively communicate with their supervisors and other personnel.

Strong communication skills will help janitorial cleaners to relay information quickly and accurately, ensuring that all areas of the space remain clean. Finally, janitorial cleaners must also have a good work ethic in order to ensure that they complete their tasks in a timely manner. All these skills combined together make a janitorial cleaner an essential part of any building or office cleaning team.

House Cleaner, Dry Cleaner, and Commercial Cleaner are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in janitorial cleaning?
How would you handle a situation when a customer is not satisfied with the job you have done?
What are your strongest cleaning skills?
What safety protocols do you follow when cleaning?
What challenges have you encountered as a janitorial cleaner?
How do you manage time efficiently when cleaning?
How do you prioritize tasks when there are multiple requests for cleaning services?
Describe a time when you had to take initiative to solve a problem.
How do you ensure that all surfaces are properly sanitized when cleaning?
How do you stay motivated and focused when performing janitorial work?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. Used to vacuum carpets and furniture to remove dust and dirt. (Eg: Dyson V6 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner)
Broom and Dustpan. Used to sweep hard surfaces such as floors and walls. (Eg: O-Cedar Dual-Action Angle Broom)
Mop. Used to wet clean hard surfaces such as floors and walls. (Eg: O-Cedar Microfiber Spin Mop)
Scrub Brush. Used to scrub surfaces with soap and water or cleaning solutions. (Eg: OXO Good Grips All-Purpose Scrub Brush)
Disinfectant. Used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces. (Eg: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes)
Glass Cleaner. Used to remove smudges, fingerprints, and dirt from glass surfaces. (Eg: Windex Glass Cleaner)
Sponges. Used to scrub surfaces with soap and water or cleaning solutions. (Eg: Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge)
Towels. Used to dry surfaces after cleaning or wiping up spills. (Eg: Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels)
Buckets. Used to hold cleaning solutions, mops, and other tools. (Eg: Rubbermaid Commercial WaveBrake Mopping Bucket)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
American School and Hospital Maintenance Association (ASHA)
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
American Custodial Management Association (ACMA)
Professional Janitorial Cleaners Association (PJCA)
Cleaning Management Institute (CMI)
Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE)
National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)

We also have Carpet Cleaner, Parking Lot Cleaner, and Pool Cleaner jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Sanitation. The process of keeping the environment clean and free from germs, dirt, and other contaminants.
Disinfection. A process of killing germs and other microorganisms on surfaces, often using chemicals.
Housekeeping. The process of ensuring a clean and orderly home environment.
Dusting. The process of brushing or wiping off dust from surfaces.
Vacuuming. The process of using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and other particles from surfaces.
Mopping. The process of using a mop or cloth to clean floors and other surfaces.
Buffing. The process of using a polishing pad or cloth to polish or wax surfaces.
Window Washing. The process of cleaning windows, both inside and outside, with a special cleaning solution or soap and water.
Carpet Cleaning. The process of removing dirt, dust, stains, and other debris from carpets using a vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner.
Restroom Cleaning. The process of cleaning bathrooms, including sinks, toilets, counters, and floors, with disinfectants and cleaning supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of janitorial cleaning services are available?

Janitorial cleaning services can include vacuuming, dusting, mopping, sanitizing, restroom cleaning, window washing, and carpet cleaning.

How often should janitorial services be performed?

The frequency of janitorial services depends on the size and type of facility, but typically occur weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

What safety protocols should janitorial staff follow?

Janitorial staff should adhere to safety protocols such as wearing protective equipment like gloves and masks, using safe cleaning products, and following the directions on product labels.

How much do janitorial services cost?

The cost of janitorial services can vary depending on the size of the facility and the services requested. Generally, janitorial services range from $20 to $50 per hour.