What does a Home Cleaner do?

The Home Cleaner keeps the house clean and well-organised. They wash and clean linen, surfaces and appliances with a variety of products and equipment. Depending on their work location, Home Cleaners sweep, scrub, wax or polish floors. They’re also required to remove dirt, dust, change bedding and clean the stairways.

The Home Cleaner also sorts dirty clothes for washing, removes curtains and disinfects floors. Sometimes, they help with polishing furniture, silverware and other metalwork around the house. When they’re not cleaning around the house, they help with refreshing vases. Most House Cleaners work from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm and half-day on weekends.

Home Cleaner skills and qualifications

The Home Cleaner should be energetic, quick with their tasks and able to manage time effectively. Cleaning is a learning process, so they must be willing to learn new techniques. The Home Cleaner also needs to have basic math skills as they need to measure cleaning detergents or fluids. A successful Home Cleaner candidate will also have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that include:

• Ability to read and follow cleaning instructions or guidelines
• Ability to wash, iron and organise linen and clothing
• Basic knowledge of health and safety procedures
• Ability to replace light bulbs
• Ability to work alone or in a team
• Firm grasp of safe lifting, pushing and pulling procedures
• Ability to stick to cleaning schedules
• Ability to maintain an inventory of household cleaning supplies

Home Cleaner experience requirements

The Home Cleaner usually has at least six months of work experience either as a House Cleaner or a General Cleaner. Applicants must have experience operating and maintaining various cleaning equipment such as dishwashers, washing machines and vacuum cleaners. Many Home Cleaners gain experience on the job. With the guidance and supervision of an experienced Cleaner or the Housekeeper, the entry-level Cleaner can work their way up and gain vital work experience.

Home Cleaner education and training requirements

Formal entry qualifications are not necessary for this role. Most employers look for basic communication skills and a responsible attitude. Home Cleaners usually receive an induction that covers health and safety, and how to use cleaning equipment and materials. Potential qualifications that are desirable include a Level 2 Award in Cleaning Principles and a Level 3 Diploma in Cleaning and Supervision. For supervisors or House Managers, a certificate in Cleaning Management is essential.

Home Cleaner salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, a Home Cleaner in the UK earns £9.27 per hour depending on their location, work experience and job demands.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you want to hire other professionals but not a Home Cleaner, here are some similar job description samples:

• Housekeeper
• Cleaner