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What does a Janitor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A janitor is a person who cleans and maintains buildings, such as schools and hospitals. Janitors typically work in the evening or overnight hours when there are fewer people in the building.

Janitor job duties include:

  • Clean restrooms, including toilets, urinals, sinks and mirrors
  • Sweep, mop and vacuum floors
  • Empty trash cans and recyclables
  • Dust furniture, ledges and equipment
  • Clean windows, doors and glass surfaces
  • Polish metal fixtures
  • Mix cleaning solutions according to manufacturer’s instructions
  • Operate floor buffers and other floor care equipment
  • Perform general building maintenance tasks as needed
  • Report any maintenance or repair needs to supervisor

Janitor Job Requirements

Most janitors and building cleaners are high school graduates. Some jobs may require postsecondary education, such as a 1- or 2-year degree from a vocational school. Many community colleges offer programs in building maintenance and custodial operations. Some jobs may require certification in CPR and first aid. Janitors and building cleaners typically have little or no formal on-the-job training. They learn through short-term, on-the-job training that generally lasts a few weeks to a few months.

Janitor Skills

  • Cleaning
  • Organizing
  • Stocking
  • Sweeping
  • Mopping
  • Vacuuming
  • Dusting
  • Trash removal
  • Bathroom cleaning
  • Kitchen cleaning
  • Laundry

Related: Top Janitor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Janitor

There are many ways to become a janitor. One way is to get a job at a school or office building. Another way is to become a janitorial contractor. There are many other ways to become a janitor as well.

The first step to becoming a janitor is to find out what type of cleaning services are needed in the area where you live. There are many different types of janitorial services, so it is important to know what is available in your area. Once you know what is available, you can start looking for a job.

Many schools and office buildings have their own janitorial staff. If you are interested in working in one of these places, you should contact the school or office building directly. They may have an opening for a janitorial position.

Another way to become a janitor is to become a janitorial contractor. Janitorial contractors provide cleaning services to many different types of businesses. To find out more about becoming a janitorial contractor, you can contact the National Association of Janitors and Cleaners (NAJC).

There are many other ways to become a janitor as well. You can start your own cleaning business, or you can work for an existing cleaning company. You can also find work through online job boards or classified ads.

No matter how you choose to become a janitor, it is important that you have the proper training and experience. Many schools and office buildings require their janitors to have at least some experience in the cleaning industry. You should also make sure that you are physically fit enough to handle the demands of the job.

Related: Janitor Resume Example

Related: Janitor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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