Career Development

What Does an Office Cleaner Do?

Find out what an office cleaner does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as an office cleaner.

Office cleaners are responsible for keeping commercial spaces clean and tidy. They commonly work in office buildings, schools, hospitals, retail stores, and other places of business where there is a need to maintain a sanitary environment.

Office cleaners typically have a set list of duties that they must complete each day. These may include vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, emptying trash cans, cleaning bathroom stalls, washing windows, etc.

Office Cleaner Job Duties

Office cleaners typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

  • Vacuuming floors, mopping floors, and shampooing carpets
  • Cleaning bathrooms and scrubbing toilets, urinals, and shower stalls
  • Dusting shelves, doors, and other surfaces in an office or business building
  • Cleaning and disinfecting furniture, equipment, and other items in an office environment
  • Wiping fingerprints off doors, desks, and other surfaces
  • Cleaning kitchens, pantries, and refrigerators, including removing old food residue from shelves and freezer walls
  • Cleaning floors using mops, brooms, sponges, or vacuum cleaners
  • Cleaning walls and windows using sprays, brushes, and scrapers
  • Organizing files, photocopying documents, and handling other clerical duties such as answering phones or greeting visitors

Office Cleaner Salary & Outlook

Office cleaners’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company they work for. Some office cleaners may also receive benefits, such as health insurance or 401k contributions.

  • Median Annual Salary: $27,500 ($13.22/hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: $135,000 ($64.9/hour)

The employment of office cleaners is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the need to clean office buildings in retail, healthcare, and other service industries. Office buildings will need to be cleaned regularly to maintain a professional image and keep productivity high.

Related: Office Cleaner Interview Questions and Answers

Office Cleaner Job Requirements

To become an office cleaner, one may need to possess the following:

Education: Most office cleaners need only a high school diploma or GED certificate. However, some employers may prefer a minimum of an associate’s degree in business or a related field. Those who want to work in a specialized industry may need a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Training & Experience: Most office cleaners will receive on-the-job training from their new employer. This training will teach the office cleaner how to properly clean the office and how to use the cleaning equipment. The training may also include how to use the office’s cleaning supplies and how to dispose of waste.

Some office cleaners may receive additional training in the form of a certification. There are several different certifications that an office cleaner can earn, including the Certified Office Cleaner (COC) and the Certified Professional Office Cleaner (CPOC). These certifications are offered by the National Cleaning Association (NCA) and are available to any office cleaner who completes the necessary training and education.

Certifications & Licenses: Office cleaners do not require any certifications to earn their position. However, some cleaning companies offer certification programs for office cleaners who wish to increase their earning capacity or make themselves more competitive when competing for positions.

Office Cleaner Skills

Office cleaners need the following skills in order to be successful:

Attention to detail: Attention to detail is a skill that can help you perform your job duties well. As a cleaner, you may be responsible for ensuring that all surfaces are free of dust and debris, that all furniture is in its proper place and that all items are organized. This skill can help you complete your tasks quickly and thoroughly.

Organization: Organization is a crucial skill for office cleaners because it allows them to complete their tasks efficiently. Being able to organize files, supplies and other items can help you save time and complete your work more effectively.

Communication: Communication is another important skill for office cleaners. They should be able to communicate effectively with their supervisors, coworkers and clients. This can help them understand their duties, ask questions and receive feedback. They should also be able to communicate with their coworkers to ensure they are working together to complete their tasks.

Flexibility: Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As a janitor, you may be asked to perform duties outside of your normal responsibilities. For example, if a coworker is sick and you are asked to cover their shift, you may need to perform duties that are outside of your normal duties. Being flexible allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and perform duties outside of your normal responsibilities.

Teamwork: Teamwork is a valuable skill for office cleaners because it allows them to work with other employees to complete their tasks. Being able to work with others can help you learn new cleaning techniques, develop relationships with your coworkers and complete your work more efficiently.

Office Cleaner Work Environment

Office cleaners typically work in the evening or overnight hours when most office workers have gone home for the day. They may work for a cleaning service contracted by the office building owner or manager, or they may be employees of the building. Office cleaners typically work in teams of two or more and use a variety of cleaning equipment, including vacuums, mops, and polishers. They may also be responsible for restocking supplies, such as toilet paper and paper towels, in the office bathrooms. Office cleaners typically work in a fast-paced environment and are expected to clean a large number of offices in a short period of time.

Office Cleaner Trends

Here are three trends influencing how office cleaners work. Office cleaners will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Rise of the Remote Worker

The rise of the remote worker is a trend that is quickly gaining popularity in the business world. This is due to the many benefits that it offers, such as reduced costs and increased productivity.

As more and more businesses adopt remote work policies, office cleaners will need to adapt by providing services that are tailored to this new model. This may include offering cleaning services on a per-project basis or developing relationships with clients who are interested in long-term partnerships.

More Focus on Green Cleaning Practices

Green cleaning practices are becoming increasingly popular among businesses, as they are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. This means that office cleaners who are able to provide green cleaning services will be in high demand.

By learning about green cleaning products and methods, office cleaners can not only help their customers reduce their environmental impact, but also improve the health of their employees. In addition, they can market themselves as experts in green cleaning and build a reputation for quality work.

Office Buildings Become More Energy Efficient

As office buildings become more energy efficient, cleaner professionals will need to learn how to work within these constraints.

This means that cleaners will need to be familiar with the latest technologies and techniques for reducing energy use. They will also need to be able to work efficiently so that they can get the job done without wasting time or resources.

How to Become an Office Cleaner

A career as an office cleaner can be a great way to get started in the cleaning industry. It’s a good way to learn about different types of businesses and how they operate, and it offers opportunities for growth within the company. You may also have the chance to move into supervisory or management positions.

As you progress in your career, keep learning new skills and techniques that will help you do your job more efficiently and effectively. Take advantage of training programs offered by your employer, and attend workshops and conferences related to cleaning. Network with other professionals in the industry, and stay up-to-date on the latest cleaning technologies and products.

Advancement Prospects

There are many opportunities for advancement for office cleaners. Some cleaners may move into supervisory or management positions, overseeing the work of other cleaners. Others may move into sales, working for a cleaning company and selling cleaning services to businesses. Some cleaners may start their own cleaning businesses.

Office cleaners with experience may also move into other related fields, such as building maintenance or janitorial work. Building maintenance workers are responsible for the upkeep of a building, and may do tasks such as painting, repairs, and landscaping. Janitors are responsible for cleaning and maintaining a variety of buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and office buildings.

Office Cleaner Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we maintain a clean and healthy work environment for our employees because we know it’s important for their productivity and morale. We’re looking for an experienced office cleaner to join our team and help us keep our space spick and span. The ideal candidate will have experience cleaning offices and will be familiar with using a variety of cleaning supplies and equipment. He or she will be responsible for cleaning all common areas, restrooms, and kitchens, as well as vacuuming and mopping all floors. Additionally, the office cleaner will empty all trash cans and recycle bins, and will restock all paper products and other supplies as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Thoroughly clean and disinfect all assigned areas, including but not limited to: restrooms, kitchens, break rooms, conference rooms, lobbies, hallways, and offices
  • Dust and polish furniture; sweep, mop, and vacuum floors; empty wastebaskets
  • Restock restrooms with paper towels, soap, and other necessary supplies
  • Notify supervisor of any maintenance or repair needs in assigned areas
  • Report any safety hazards or incidents to supervisor immediately
  • Follow all company policies and procedures
  • Adhere to strict confidentiality standards
  • Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor at all times
  • Arrive to work on time and as scheduled
  • Work independently with little supervision
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds
  • Prior experience cleaning large commercial office spaces preferred

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Proven experience as an office cleaner or similar role
  • Excellent physical stamina and strength, with ability to lift and move heavy furniture and equipment
  • High attention to detail and commitment to excellence
  • Good organizational skills and time management abilities
  • Working knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies
  • Ability to follow instructions and adhere to health and safety guidelines

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

  • Previous experience working in a corporate environment
  • Familiarity with office machines and equipment
  • Comfortable working at heights
  • Valid driver’s license

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