Cleaner (Domestic and Commercial)

Cleaners work in a variety of settings, but there are two main differences that define the role. Some cleaners work in people's homes and are often referred to as domestic cleaners, while others work in commercial settings and may be referred to as commercial or domestic cleaners.

Domestic cleaners working in people's homes may be responsible for:

• cleaning the floors, vacuuming the carpets and dusting the furniture
• thoroughly cleaning individual rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms
• washing and ironing the employer's clothes.

They are likely to use a variety of equipment, including vacuum cleaners, brushes, mops, washing machines and dishwashers.

Commercial cleaners may work in offices, schools, hospitals or any other buildings, such as shops, health clubs, pubs and cinemas.

Commercial cleaners are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, clean and hygienic environment for the people that use the space or building.

Commercial cleaners' daily activities are likely to include:

• placing warning signs to alert people to potential hazards, such as wet floors
• thoroughly cleaning specific areas, such as offices, toilets, changing rooms and kitchens
• working as a team to cover large areas.

They are likely to use equipment similar to that of a cleaner in a private house, but it may be on a more industrial scale and include extra items, such as electric floor polishers and steam cleaners.

Full-time cleaners tend to work between 35 and 40 hours each week, although many choose to work part-time.

The work can be physically demanding. Cleaners working with harmful chemicals will be provided with protective clothing, which may include facemasks, overalls and boots.

Full-time salaries may range from £11,000 to £20,000 a year for some specialist roles.

Cleaners do not need formal qualifications to start work, although numerical skills are helpful for measuring cleaning fluids, and a reasonable level of literacy is necessary for understanding written instructions.

Apprenticeships in cleaning and support services may be available. A number of other qualifications are relevant such as the QCF Level 1 or 2 in cleaning and support services skills or the NVQ Level 2 in local environmental services.

Cleaners may progress to supervisory or management roles or they may become self-employed and set up their own business.

Further details