Cleaner Job Description (UK template)

A cleaner keeps buildings clean, hygienic and safe, whether that is offices, schools, care homes, hospitals, shops or private homes. Duties include vacuuming, mopping, dusting, cleaning toilets and kitchens, emptying bins and restocking supplies, following a set schedule and using cleaning chemicals safely. Below is a complete job description you can copy, with notes on checks, pay and hours.

Cleaner job description template

Job title

Cleaner

Job purpose

To keep the premises clean, hygienic and well presented to the agreed standard, using equipment and chemicals safely.

Key responsibilities

  • Clean floors, surfaces, desks, kitchens, washrooms and communal areas to the cleaning schedule
  • Vacuum, sweep, mop and spot-clean carpets and hard floors
  • Clean and sanitise toilets and washrooms and restock soap, paper and other supplies
  • Empty bins and take waste and recycling to the correct collection points
  • Use cleaning chemicals safely in line with COSHH guidance and product labels
  • Report damage, maintenance issues and low stock to the supervisor
  • Look after cleaning equipment and keep the cleaning store tidy
  • Follow security procedures when working in empty or locked buildings

Essential skills and experience

  • Reliable and trustworthy, able to work unsupervised
  • Good attention to detail and pride in a job well done
  • Able to follow a cleaning schedule and written instructions
  • Physically able to carry out cleaning tasks for the length of the shift

Desirable

  • Previous cleaning experience, commercial or domestic
  • Knowledge of COSHH and safe use of cleaning chemicals
  • Experience using industrial cleaning machines such as scrubber driers

Requirements

  • Right to work in the UK
  • Enhanced DBS check for cleaners in schools, care homes and other regulated settings
  • Basic DBS check is often requested for office and domestic cleaning

Hours

Part-time hours are common, often early mornings (5am to 8am) or evenings (5pm to 8pm) around office hours. Schools and hospitals also offer daytime and full-time roles.

Want it tailored to your organisation? The free AI job description generator writes a version for your setting, seniority and must-haves in seconds.

Cleaner pay in the UK

Cleaners in the UK are usually paid from the National Living Wage (£12.71 an hour from April 2026) to around £13.50, with Real Living Wage employers paying £13.45 (£14.80 in London). Specialist, hospital or night cleaning often pays more.

Pay ranges checked November 2026. They are typical ranges, not official figures: check local adverts before setting your rate.

Career progression

Cleaner, then cleaning supervisor, area supervisor and contract or facilities manager. Some cleaners start their own cleaning business.

Tips for writing your cleaner advert

  • Give the exact times and days of the shifts, as most cleaning candidates fit work around other commitments.
  • Describe the site (office, school, care home) and its size.
  • Say whether equipment, uniform and chemicals are provided.
  • For domestic cleaning, explain how travel between houses works and whether it is paid.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the main duties of a cleaner?

Cleaning floors, surfaces, kitchens and washrooms, emptying bins, restocking supplies and reporting problems, following a set cleaning schedule.

Do cleaners need a DBS check?

Cleaners in schools, care homes and other settings with children or vulnerable adults need an enhanced DBS check. Many office and domestic cleaning employers ask for a basic DBS check.

What is COSHH and why does it matter for cleaners?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations. Cleaners use chemicals that can be harmful, so employers must assess the risks and train staff to use, store and mix products safely.

How much do cleaners earn in the UK?

Usually £12.71 to around £13.50 an hour from April 2026, more for specialist, hospital or night work and in London.