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Cleaner

As a Cleaner, you will help create safe, clean, and welcoming environments where people can work, learn, receive care, or enjoy their surroundings. 

You’ll use a range of cleaning equipment and products to keep spaces hygienic, tidy, and well maintained, playing an important role in protecting people’s health and wellbeing every day.

Cleaner is also known as Domestic Services Staff, Caretaker, Cleaning Operative & Facilities Technician.

Role Characteristics

  • Sweep, mop and dust spaces to keep them clean
  • Use spray cleaners and chemicals to sanitise spaces
  • Clean hard floors with mops or electric floor cleaners
  • Vacuum cleaners or carpet cleaners
  • Clean toilet and bathroom areas
  • Dispose of waste appropriately and in the correct bins

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Following instructions
  • Operating equipment
  • Reliability
  • Team work

Day in the life

Watch the video to find out more about NHS cleaning roles.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

  • Volunteering or work experience
  • Apply directly
  • GCSEs

How to become

There are several ways to start a career as a Cleaner, whether you're leaving education, looking for your first job or changing careers.

  • Study a course or qualification – GCSEs in English and Maths, plus cleaning, hospitality or facilities-related courses, can help prepare you for work.
  • Build workplace experience – through paid work, volunteering or work experience in settings such as schools, hospitals, offices or care homes, developing skills like teamwork, reliability and attention to detail.
  • Complete a pre-employment programme – short courses can help you gain confidence, skills and experience for work.
  • Apprenticeships – combine work and study in cleaning, environmental services or facilities management.
  • Apply directly – employers value good English, maths and basic IT skills, although formal qualifications are not always required.
  • Move from another role – skills from hospitality, retail, customer service or care can transfer well into a Cleaner role.

Where can this role lead

As a Cleaner you could specialise in facilities and environmental services roles, move sideways into customer service or administration roles, progress into more senior support positions, or use your experience in healthcare settings as a pathway into direct care careers such as Care Assistant or Clinical Support Worker.

Location

  • Armed Forces
  • Care Homes
  • Community Settings
  • GP Practices
  • Hospitals
  • Laboratories
  • Offices
  • Opticians
  • Peoples Homes
  • Pharmacies
  • Prisons
  • Schools, colleges and universities

Working hours

  • Casual Hours
  • Full Time
  • Part Time
  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Overtime
  • Flexible Hours

Opportunities

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