What Do Janitors and Cleaners Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Janitors and Cleaners keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk. They also remove snow from sidewalks, driveways, or parking areas, using snowplows, snow blowers, or snow shovels, or spread snow melting chemicals.

Other tasks include:

• Service, clean, or supply restrooms.
• Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.
• Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
• Gather and empty trash.
• Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
• Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.

We asked Janitors and Cleaners how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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65% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 57% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

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Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Janitors and Cleaners clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming. They mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.

A typical day for a Janitor and Cleaner will also include:

• Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
• Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.
• Gather and empty trash.
• Monitor building security and safety by performing tasks such as locking doors after operating hours or checking electrical appliance use to ensure that hazards are not created.
• Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.

We asked some Janitors and Cleaners a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	19% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	34% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	62% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	19% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	22% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	57% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Janitors and Cleaners also mow or trim lawns or shrubbery, using mowers or hand or power trimmers, and clear debris from grounds. They may also notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Janitors and Cleaners Set up, arrange, or remove decorations, tables, chairs, ladders, or scaffolding to prepare facilities for events, such as banquets or meetings. They might also Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.

In addition, they Move heavy furniture, equipment, or supplies, either manually or by using hand trucks.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Make adjustments or minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilating, plumbing, or electrical systems.

To some Janitors and Cleaners, it is also their responsibility to Spray insecticides or fumigants to prevent insect or rodent infestation.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Janitor and Cleaner, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/building-and-grounds-cleaning/janitors-and-building-cleaners.htm

http://www.ieha.org/