Residential House Cleaner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling realm of real estate, the need for residential house cleaners has never been more paramount.
As lifestyles become busier, the demand for skilled individuals who can maintain and enhance our living spaces grows stronger.
But what exactly is expected from a residential house cleaner?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker hoping to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply curious about the inner workings of residential house cleaning,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we introduce a customizable residential house cleaner job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or real estate career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Residential House Cleaner Duties and Responsibilities
Residential House Cleaners perform a wide variety of tasks to ensure that homes are clean, orderly, and sanitized.
They provide a pleasant and safe living environment for homeowners and residents.
Residential House Cleaners are primarily responsible for directly assisting homeowners, with daily duties and responsibilities including:
- Cleaning and sanitizing kitchen areas, including countertops, floors, and appliances
- Cleaning bathrooms including mirrors, sinks, showers, and toilets
- Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping floors in all rooms
- Dusting and polishing furniture and fixtures
- Washing and folding laundry, including bed linens and towels
- Emptying trash cans and recycling bins
- Restocking necessary items like soap, toilet paper, and paper towels
- Report any damages or repairs needed to homeowners
- Performing deep-cleaning tasks as requested or scheduled
- Using appropriate cleaning supplies and equipment to maintain household safety
- Adhering to health and safety standards, including wearing protective equipment when necessary
Residential House Cleaner Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a diligent Residential House Cleaner to join our team.
Your responsibilities will include maintaining a clean, sanitary, comfortable and tidy environment for private households.
Our ideal candidate has a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of responsibility.
You should be physically fit, able to work on your feet for extended periods, and possess a deep understanding of cleaning tools and chemicals.
Ultimately, the role of the Residential House Cleaner is to ensure a clean, clutter-free and sanitary living environment for our clients.
Responsibilities
- Clean and tidy all areas to the standard cleanliness within time limits
- Deliver excellent customer service
- Create daily job lists and record all serviced rooms
- Maintain equipment in good condition
- Report on any shortages, damages or security issues
- Handle reasonable guests complaints/requests and inform others when required
- Check stocking levels of all consumables
- Comply with health and safety regulation and act in line with company policies and licensing laws
Qualifications
- Proven working experience in relevant field
- Ability to work independently and remain motivated
- Prioritization and time management skills
- Working quickly without compromising quality
- Knowledge of English language
- High school diploma
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Flexible work schedule
Additional Information
- Job Title: Residential House Cleaner
- Work Environment: Private residences. Physical activities such as lifting, bending, kneeling, and handling cleaning equipment are required.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Cleaning Supervisor or Company Owner.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- 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 Residential House Cleaner Do?
Residential House Cleaners are professionals who provide cleaning services to homes and apartments.
They can work independently as self-employed individuals or as employees in cleaning companies.
Their main responsibility is to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of their clients’ homes.
This usually involves dusting and polishing furniture and fixtures, cleaning and sanitizing bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms, and washing windows, walls, and ceilings.
They also vacuum and clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove dust and debris.
Additional duties of a residential house cleaner may include washing, folding, and ironing clothes, changing linens on beds, emptying trash cans, and disposing of rubbish.
They may also be responsible for restocking cleaning and toiletry supplies.
In some cases, residential house cleaners may also take care of indoor plants, care for pets, or do grocery shopping as part of their job.
Many clients rely on their house cleaner’s expertise in choosing the appropriate cleaning products and methods, while others may have specific requests or preferences.
In either case, the house cleaner must provide high-quality service that meets the client’s needs and expectations.
Residential House Cleaner Qualifications and Skills
A competent Residential House Cleaner should possess a range of technical, interpersonal and organizational skills, such as:
- Attention to detail to ensure all areas of the home are tidied, cleaned and sanitized effectively.
- Physical stamina and agility to handle heavy cleaning tasks, such as lifting, bending, and standing for long periods.
- Knowledge of cleaning products and their safe application to protect household surfaces and maintain cleanliness.
- Time management skills to efficiently complete assigned tasks within the stipulated time frame.
- Interpersonal and communication skills to interact respectfully and professionally with homeowners, understanding and following their specific cleaning preferences and instructions.
- Ability to work independently, showing initiative in identifying and resolving cleaning challenges.
- Problem-solving skills to deal with unexpected situations, such as tough stains or difficult-to-reach areas.
- Customer service oriented, ensuring client satisfaction by following up and addressing any concerns or complaints promptly and courteously.
Residential House Cleaner Experience Requirements
Residential House Cleaners typically begin gaining experience by working under the supervision of an experienced house cleaner.
The entry-level cleaner may start with small tasks, such as dusting and vacuuming, gradually taking on more complex tasks like deep-cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.
Many cleaners gain experience by working part-time in house cleaning roles or in related fields like hotel housekeeping or commercial cleaning.
Through these roles, they learn how to handle various cleaning tools and equipment, as well as how to deal with different types of cleaning scenarios.
Candidates with over 2 years of experience often have developed a wide skill set that includes the ability to clean efficiently, handle difficult cleaning tasks, and provide excellent customer service.
Those with over 5 years of experience may have some managerial or supervisory experience.
They may have overseen a team of cleaners, handled scheduling and client relations, and ensured the quality of cleaning services.
This makes them suited for roles that require leadership, such as a cleaning crew supervisor or owner of a residential cleaning business.
Residential House Cleaner Education and Training Requirements
Residential House Cleaners do not require formal education as most of the training is received on-the-job.
However, a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred by employers.
The training typically covers the use of cleaning products, the various cleaning techniques, and basic home safety.
This can be learnt through direct experience or by attending a short course or workshop.
Knowledge in handling different types of cleaning tools and equipment is essential, as is understanding how to care for different surfaces and materials in a home.
A Residential House Cleaner needs to have a good physical condition to perform the job, which often involves bending, kneeling, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
While not required, some Residential House Cleaners may opt to pursue a certification in cleaning to validate their skills and knowledge.
These certifications are usually offered by industry-related organizations.
Good customer service skills and the ability to work independently are also important in this role.
Many employers also require a clean background check.
Continued education might include learning about environmentally friendly cleaning methods, advanced carpet cleaning techniques, or specialized services like cleaning for allergens.
In some regions, Residential House Cleaners may need to be bonded or insured, especially if they work for a cleaning company.
Residential House Cleaner Salary Expectations
A Residential House Cleaner can expect to earn an average wage of $14.12 (USD) per hour.
However, the exact wage may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific employer.
Residential House Cleaner Job Description FAQs
What skills does a residential house cleaner need?
Residential house cleaners need to be skilled at various cleaning techniques and understand the use of different cleaning products and equipment.
They should also have excellent time-management skills to clean homes efficiently.
Additionally, customer service skills are essential, as they interact directly with homeowners.
Physical stamina and the ability to perform labor-intensive work for extended periods are also necessary.
Do residential house cleaners need any specific qualifications?
Generally, there are no formal education requirements for residential house cleaners.
However, a high school diploma or equivalent may be preferred by some employers.
Most of the training is done on the job, and experienced cleaners can even consider obtaining certification from organizations like the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association to enhance their credibility.
What should you look for in a residential house cleaner resume?
Look for previous cleaning experience, as it indicates familiarity with cleaning supplies and techniques.
References from past clients or employers can help validate their reliability and professionalism.
Attention to detail and the ability to work independently are essential qualities to look for as well.
Physical fitness can be another important factor due to the physical nature of the job.
What qualities make a good residential house cleaner?
A good residential house cleaner is thorough, reliable, and respects their clients’ homes.
They should be able to perform tasks efficiently with minimum supervision.
Good physical stamina, punctuality, and a professional demeanor are also important.
Above all, they should take pride in their work and strive to provide a clean, comfortable environment for their clients.
Is it challenging to find skilled residential house cleaners?
Finding skilled residential house cleaners can be somewhat challenging.
The job requires physical stamina and attention to detail, and not everyone may be cut out for this work.
However, with competitive pay and a supportive work environment, employers can attract dedicated and reliable house cleaners.
Offering flexibility in work hours can also be an attractive incentive.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we’ve shone a spotlight on what it truly means to be a residential house cleaner.
Guess what?
It’s not just about dusting and sweeping.
It’s about creating comfortable, clean environments that people call home, one room at a time.
With our tailor-made residential house cleaner job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.
But why stop there?
Go beyond the surface with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every cleaned corner is part of a larger, more comfortable living space.
Let’s create those spaces. Together.
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