House Cleaner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of home management, the demand for professional house cleaners has never been higher.
As people’s lives get busier, the call for skilled individuals who can thoroughly clean, organize, and maintain our living spaces grows stronger.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a house cleaner?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply interested in the ins and outs of house cleaning,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable house cleaner job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s get started.
House Cleaner Duties and Responsibilities
House Cleaners perform a range of cleaning and maintenance tasks to ensure homes are kept tidy, clean and well-maintained.
They are responsible for not only cleaning but also identifying and reporting any necessary repairs or replacements.
Their main duties and responsibilities include:
- Perform general sweeping, scrubbing, mopping of hardwood, laminate, or tiled floors
- Using vacuuming equipment; vacuuming and cleaning carpets, perform further treatments such as shampoo or stain-removal as needed
- Disposing of trash from bins and containers
- Dusting and polishing furniture and room accessories as needed
- Scrubbing sinks, basins, and toilets in bathroom
- Cleaning windows, glass surfaces, and mirrors
- Maintaining and upkeep of all cleaning equipment, supplies, and products
- Ensuring safe and sanitary storage and care of products
- Keeping all public spaces neat and tidy
- Reporting repairs and replacements needed when encountered on job
House Cleaner Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a reliable, efficient house cleaner to join our team.
You will be responsible for making sure all assigned areas of the home are clean, neat, and tidy.
This includes any indoor household cleaning and organizing tasks assigned by the employer and may regularly include cleaning projects (e.g., cleaning and organizing a messy closet).
Our ideal candidates possess a keen eye for detail and a desire to make our clients’ living spaces spotless.
Responsibilities
- Perform a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing
- Ensure all rooms are cared for and inspected according to standards
- Protect equipment and make sure there are no inadequacies
- Notify superiors on any damages, deficits and disturbances
- Deal with reasonable complaints/requests with professionalism and patience
- Check stocking levels of all consumables and replace when appropriate
- Adhere strictly to rules regarding health and safety and be aware of any company-related practices
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a cleaner or housekeeper
- Ability to work with little supervision and maintain a high level of performance
- Customer-oriented and friendly
- Prioritization and time management skills
- Working quickly without compromising quality
- Knowledge of English language
- High school degree
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
Additional Information
- Job Title: House Cleaner
- Work Environment: Residential homes. Travel between different clients’ homes may be required.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Cleaning Service Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $30,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if travel is required)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a House Cleaner Do?
House Cleaners are professionals who specialize in cleaning residential properties.
They can work independently or be employed by cleaning services companies.
Their primary responsibility is to ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of houses.
This involves sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors, dusting furniture, and cleaning windows, among other tasks.
House Cleaners also clean bathrooms, including toilets, showers, and sinks, and kitchens, which may involve cleaning appliances, counters, and cabinets.
Some House Cleaners are also responsible for washing, drying, and ironing clothes, changing bed linens, and taking out the garbage.
They may also perform deep-cleaning tasks on a periodic basis, such as cleaning carpets and upholstery, washing walls, and removing stains.
House Cleaners need to be aware of and use appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques for different materials and surfaces to avoid damage.
In some cases, House Cleaners may also be asked to perform additional tasks such as shopping for groceries, preparing meals, or even house-sitting when clients are away.
Their ultimate goal is to create a clean, organized, and comfortable living space for their clients.
House Cleaner Qualifications and Skills
A competent house cleaner must possess a combination of technical abilities, soft skills and physical stamina to efficiently carry out all cleaning tasks, such as:
- Knowledge of cleaning products, techniques and tools to effectively clean various surfaces and materials without causing any damage.
- Detail-oriented to ensure that all cleaning tasks are thoroughly completed and nothing is overlooked.
- Time management skills to complete all cleaning tasks within a specified period.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions, such as prioritizing tasks, determining the best cleaning method for a specific situation, etc.
- Physical stamina and agility for tasks such as lifting heavy items, bending, kneeling, and standing for long periods.
- Interpersonal skills to interact courteously and professionally with clients, understanding and responding to their specific cleaning needs and requests.
- Problem-solving skills to address unexpected situations or challenges that may arise during the cleaning process.
- Reliability and trustworthiness, as they often work unsupervised in clients’ homes.
House Cleaner Experience Requirements
House cleaners typically acquire their skills through hands-on experience, often starting with less complex tasks and gradually undertaking more comprehensive cleaning assignments.
An entry-level house cleaner may have up to a year of experience, often gained through part-time or casual roles.
These professionals can also gain practical experience by working in roles such as janitor, hotel housekeeper, or office cleaner.
Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience usually have a broader range of skills, including deep-cleaning techniques, knowledge of various cleaning products, and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Those with more than 3 years of experience often have extensive knowledge in specialized cleaning such as carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, or eco-friendly cleaning techniques.
They may also have some supervisory or team lead experience, and may be ready for a managerial position in a larger cleaning company.
In addition, house cleaners with a substantial amount of experience may also possess customer service skills, as interacting with clients becomes a significant part of their job.
They may also have experience with scheduling and invoicing, which are required for managing their own client base or running a cleaning business.
House Cleaner Education and Training Requirements
While formal education is not typically required for a house cleaner, a high school diploma or equivalent may be beneficial for understanding instructions and managing a cleaning schedule.
Most of the training for this role happens on the job, with more experienced cleaners teaching newcomers how to use different cleaning products, equipment, and techniques.
Some house cleaners may choose to complete a short-term cleaning certification program through a local community college or online education platform.
These programs can provide a comprehensive understanding of different cleaning methods, safety procedures, and customer service skills.
For those looking to own a cleaning business, courses in business management, accounting, and entrepreneurship could be helpful.
While not mandatory, a house cleaner may also choose to become certified by a professional organization, such as the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association, to demonstrate professionalism and dedication to the industry.
Additionally, house cleaners should have good physical stamina and should be comfortable with light to moderate physical labor.
They should also possess excellent time management skills and be detail-oriented to ensure a high standard of cleanliness.
House Cleaner Salary Expectations
The average wage for a House Cleaner is $12.02 (USD) per hour.
The actual earnings can differ based on factors like experience, location, and the size and frequency of the cleaning jobs.
House Cleaner Job Description FAQs
What skills does a house cleaner need?
A house cleaner should have strong organizational skills, excellent time management, and attention to detail.
They should be physically fit to handle the demands of cleaning tasks, which may involve lifting heavy items, bending, and stretching.
They also need to understand various cleaning methods, safe usage of cleaning chemicals, and be able to operate cleaning equipment.
Do house cleaners need a certification or degree?
No, house cleaners do not need a degree or certification.
However, some professional cleaning services may require their employees to undergo training or have prior cleaning experience.
A high school diploma is typically sufficient, and most of the skills are learned on the job.
What should you look for in a house cleaner resume?
A house cleaner resume should highlight the applicant’s cleaning experience, if any.
Look for skills like knowledge of cleaning procedures, time management, and customer service skills.
Additional qualities such as reliability, integrity, and physical stamina are also important.
Ensure to also check for any references from previous employers.
What qualities make a good house cleaner?
A good house cleaner is reliable, punctual, and has a keen eye for detail.
They should have excellent organizational skills to manage their cleaning tasks efficiently.
An ability to work unsupervised and respect for the privacy and personal space of clients are also key qualities.
Good house cleaners are also proactive in identifying potential issues or repairs that may be needed in a client’s home.
Is it difficult to hire house cleaners?
The difficulty in hiring house cleaners often depends on the location and the specific requirements of the job.
In some areas, there might be a large pool of applicants, making the selection process easier.
However, finding someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and effective at their job can sometimes be challenging.
It’s important to conduct thorough interviews and background checks to ensure you’re hiring the right person.
Conclusion
So, there you have it.
Today, we’ve revealed the real essence of being a house cleaner.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about dusting and mopping.
It’s about creating a clean and comfortable environment, one room at a time.
With our reliable house cleaner job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the plunge.
But why draw the line there?
Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for drafting immaculate job listings or perfecting your resume to a T.
Remember:
Every clean room contributes to a happy home.
Let’s create that comfort. Together.
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