Cleaner

Tasks & duties

The tasks and duties cleaners perform vary depending on the type of area they clean. They may do some or all of the following:

• sweep, vacuum, mop and polish floors
• dust high and low surfaces
• polish furniture and fittings
• clean windows and mirrors
• clean kitchens, bathrooms and toilets
• clean corridors and entrance ways, stairs, lifts and foyers
• empty rubbish bins
• prepare cleaning equipment for the next day such as washing and drying rags
• make sure toilet and cleaning supplies are maintained
• report faulty plumbing or other problems
• perform duties at private homes such as washing dishes, ironing and making beds
• do bookwork such as invoicing for services and organising accounts

Specialisations

Cleaners may specialise in a particular area of cleaning such as domestic, commercial, industrial, or aircraft cleaning.

Skills & knowledge

Cleaners need to have:

• good cleaning skills, including knowledge of housekeeping and cleaning methods
• knowledge of different cleaning equipment and cleaning agents, including the effect of certain cleaning products on different surfaces
• awareness of health and safety practices
• good communication skills

If cleaners are self-employed they need to have basic accounting and bookwork skills.

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a cleaner as skills are gained on the job. A driver's licence and first aid certificate may be useful.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job under the supervision of a senior cleaner. Cleaners may attend seminars on cleaning products or techniques, and can be assessed for a National Certificate in Cleaning and Caretaking while working. For further details about this qualification contact the Building Service Contractors of New Zealand.

Useful experience

Experience cleaning, working as a caregiver or caretaker, or car grooming may be useful for cleaners.

For more information, please refer to Career Services.