26 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You usually start by checking a schedule in Microsoft Outlook or a print roster to see which rooms and events need cleaning that day. Begin with high-traffic tasks: empty trash, sweep, mop, vacuum floors, and clean restrooms and kitchens/break areas so public spaces are ready by opening time.
After that you do dusting, wash walls and glass, clean fixtures, and refill supplies. If there’s an event, you set up or remove tables and chairs. Midday you may handle spills, notify management of repairs, and do a final walk-through before shift end.
On the tools side you’ll use squeegees, mops, vacuums, hand trucks for moving heavy items, and cleaning chemicals mixed to instructions. You might also use power tools for chimneys or ladders for high dusting.
For systems, many employers use Microsoft Outlook for schedules and Microsoft Excel or Word for logs and incident reports. Some places use Eko for communication or task reports. Know how to open emails, read a schedule, and fill a simple Excel or Word form.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 2,209,760 people employed as house cleaners (SOC 37-2011.00) with a median annual wage of $36,840. The lowest tenth earn about $28,640 and the top tenth about $50,270, per BLS 2025 data.
Those are national median figures; pay varies by city, employer (hotel vs. private), and whether you get tips or overtime. Ask the hiring manager for the exact hourly rate and benefits.
You can often start with on-the-job training: employers will teach you how to mix chemicals safely, use vacuums and hand trucks, and follow their cleaning checklists. They may show you how to log tasks in Outlook, Excel, or Eko.
Some jobs require specific safety training (handling acids, insecticides, or boilers) or a brief course in bloodborne pathogens for healthcare settings. If you’ll spray insecticides or tend boilers, expect formal training or a license in some states.
People use these words interchangeably, but cleaning roles differ by scope. House cleaning usually focuses on rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and floors in homes or hospitality settings. Janitorial or custodial work often includes building systems: checking air conditioning, tending furnaces/boilers, snow removal, and some security duties.
If the job lists tasks like scheduling events, coordinating teams, or monitoring resources, it leans toward custodial/supervisor duties. Read the task list: if it includes Eko/Outlook for coordination and training others, it likely expects broader responsibilities.
AI can help write cleaning checklists, draft incident reports in Word, or summarize maintenance requests from Outlook emails. It’s okay to use AI for drafts, but always verify facts and safety steps—AI can invent incorrect chemical mixes or unsafe procedures.
Never paste private personal data (tenant names, medical info) into public AI tools. For safety-critical tasks like mixing acids, pest control, or boiler repairs, follow manufacturer labels and trained procedures rather than AI advice.
Be reliable and fast: learn efficient sequences (empty trash, then dust, then vacuum) so you finish to schedule. Practice mixing cleaning solutions exactly per label and your employer’s specs; that prevents damage and injury.
Also learn basic Microsoft Outlook for schedules and Excel/Word for logs. Physical skills—lifting safely with a hand truck, moving furniture, and using a squeegee—matter. Good observation (notice needed repairs or pests) and clear reports to management help you stand out.