How to Start a Career in the Cleaning Industry

Understand the Industry Basics

The cleaning industry encompasses a broad spectrum of services that cater to various sectors, each with its own set of unique requirements. This diversity provides ample opportunities for both businesses and individuals looking to enter the field. The primary categories within the industry include:

Residential cleaning – This involves cleaning homes, apartments, and other private residences. Tasks typically include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing bathrooms, and cleaning kitchens. Residential cleaning often requires attention to detail and the ability to adapt to the specific needs of different households.

Commercial cleaning – Services here focus on maintaining cleanliness in office buildings, retail stores, and warehouses. The tasks are generally more routine and on a larger scale than residential cleaning. Cleaning can involve everything from trash removal to floor maintenance and general upkeep of shared spaces. Commercial clients typically require regular cleaning schedules to maintain a professional environment for employees and customers.

Specialty cleaning – This area includes more niche cleaning services such as carpet cleaning, window washing, post-construction clean-ups, and biohazard cleaning. These services often require specialized equipment and cleaning solutions, as well as a higher degree of expertise. Biohazard cleaning, for example, may involve handling dangerous substances like blood or chemicals, requiring strict safety protocols.

Janitorial services – Janitors typically provide cleaning services for schools, hospitals, and public buildings. These services may include regular cleaning tasks, but can also extend to more complex responsibilities like restocking supplies, maintaining cleaning equipment, and ensuring hygiene standards are met in high-traffic areas.

Each of these areas within the cleaning industry requires different skills, tools, and schedules. For instance, residential cleaning may need more personalized customer interaction, while commercial and janitorial services might require more frequent visits or large-scale operations. Specialty cleaning services often demand specific certifications and training to handle particular tasks safely.

Choosing the right area to specialize in depends on your interests, the amount of time you’re willing to commit, and the types of clients you’d like to serve. It's also important to consider the tools and equipment you'll need, as well as the physical demands of the job. Understanding these factors will help you select the type of work that aligns best with your lifestyle and long-term career goals.

No Degree Required—But Skills Matter

Most entry-level cleaning jobs do not require formal education or advanced degrees, which makes this field accessible to a wide range of individuals. However, while formal qualifications may not be necessary, there are several key skills and personal traits that can significantly enhance your prospects and help you stand out to potential employers.

Attention to detail is critical in the cleaning industry, as even the smallest oversight can lead to an unkempt environment or unsatisfied clients. Whether it’s scrubbing corners, ensuring every surface is dusted, or sanitizing hard-to-reach areas, your ability to notice and address these finer points is essential for quality service.

Time management is another important skill. Often, cleaning jobs involve working on tight schedules, especially in commercial or public settings. Being able to work efficiently while maintaining high standards of cleanliness is a key aspect of the job. The ability to prioritize tasks and stay on track is crucial in ensuring you can meet deadlines and maintain a steady pace throughout the day.

Reliability and punctuality are traits that are always highly valued. Employers depend on cleaners to show up on time and consistently deliver quality service. Being dependable not only builds trust but also helps establish a positive reputation, especially in a service-oriented field like cleaning.

The ability to follow instructions is essential, as cleaning procedures can vary greatly depending on the client’s needs or the type of environment being cleaned. Whether you’re instructed to use a particular cleaning agent or follow a specific order of tasks, being able to listen carefully and execute tasks as directed is key to success.

Physical stamina is a must in this line of work. Cleaning often involves standing for long periods, bending, lifting, and performing repetitive motions. Having the energy and endurance to handle the physical demands of the job will ensure you can complete your duties effectively and without strain.

While formal experience or training is not always required, some employers may prefer candidates who have experience using specific cleaning equipment or products, such as industrial vacuum cleaners, carpet steamers, or eco-friendly cleaning solutions. However, many cleaning companies offer on-the-job training to ensure that new hires can handle their tasks safely and efficiently. This training is an excellent way to build expertise and confidence in the tools and products you’ll be working with.

By developing these skills and traits, you can increase your chances of securing a position in the cleaning industry and advancing your career over time.

Start with Entry-Level Opportunities

If you're just getting started in the cleaning industry, it's helpful to begin with beginner-friendly roles that allow you to build experience and gain confidence. These entry-level positions typically require fewer specialized skills and are often available in various sectors of the industry. Some common beginner-friendly roles include:

Housekeeper – Housekeepers typically work in residential settings, ensuring homes are clean, tidy, and well-maintained. They may be responsible for tasks like making beds, dusting furniture, vacuuming, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working independently in a home environment.

Office cleaner – Office cleaning involves maintaining cleanliness in corporate offices, ensuring the workspace is neat and organized. Duties might include cleaning desks, emptying trash, vacuuming carpets, and sanitizing shared spaces like kitchens or break rooms. This is a good starting point for someone looking for steady work in a commercial setting.

Hotel room attendant – As a hotel room attendant, you'll be tasked with cleaning and preparing guest rooms. Duties typically include changing bed linens, restocking toiletries, vacuuming floors, and making sure rooms are spotless for incoming guests. It’s a fast-paced role that can teach you efficiency and customer service skills.

Janitorial assistant – Janitorial assistants often work in schools, hospitals, or large commercial buildings. They perform a variety of cleaning tasks such as mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, and maintaining public spaces. This job can offer more consistent hours and may provide opportunities for advancement into supervisory roles.

Move-in/move-out cleaning helper – Move-in and move-out cleaning assistants help prepare homes or apartments for new tenants by thoroughly cleaning after the previous occupants have left. This typically includes deep cleaning tasks like washing walls, scrubbing floors, and sanitizing appliances. It’s a physically demanding job but can offer flexible hours.

To find these positions, you can explore several avenues. Local classifieds in newspapers or community bulletin boards may list job opportunities. Online job boards, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor, often feature cleaning-related roles with detailed descriptions. Many cleaning companies also post available positions on their websites, so visiting the websites of cleaning services in your area can be helpful. In addition, word of mouth and networking can sometimes lead to job leads, especially in smaller communities or within niche cleaning services.

Many cleaning companies are constantly hiring due to the high demand for cleaning services and the regular turnover of staff. This makes the cleaning industry a stable field to enter, especially if you're flexible and willing to start at the ground level. Once you’ve gained experience, you may have the opportunity to move into more specialized roles or even supervisory positions.

Learn on the Job

One of the best parts about this industry is that you can earn while you learn. Cleaning companies often provide:

Training in safety and proper product use

Procedures for sanitizing different surfaces

Guidelines for handling equipment

Take this time to absorb as much as you can. The more you learn, the more valuable you become—and the faster you can move up.

Get Certified (Optional but Helpful)

While not always required, certifications can improve your job prospects and earning potential. Some well-known programs include:

OSHA Safety Training (for workplace safety)

IICRC Certification (for carpet and upholstery cleaning)

Green Cleaning Certification (for eco-friendly methods)

These credentials show employers or clients that you're serious and knowledgeable.

Consider Working for a Company or Going Independent

There are two main routes in a cleaning career:

Work for a company: You’ll usually get a set schedule, steady clients, and sometimes benefits. It’s a good way to build experience.

Start your own business: Once you gain confidence and experience, you may choose to go independent. This gives you flexibility, control over your rates, and the potential to grow a team.

If you’re planning to freelance or start a cleaning business, you’ll need to handle things like business licenses, insurance, and marketing.