Top 12 Cleaner Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, distinguishing yourself as a professional cleaner requires more than just the ability to wield a mop and broom effectively. Crafting a resume that showcases a comprehensive set of cleaning skills is crucial to demonstrating your expertise and versatility in maintaining impeccable standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Cleaner Skills

1. Sanitization
2. Disinfection
3. Vacuuming
4. Dusting
5. Mopping
6. Polishing
7. Carpet Cleaning
8. Window Washing
9. Pressure Washing
10. Steam Cleaning
11. Waste Removal
12. Eco-Friendly Products

1. Sanitization

Sanitization refers to the process of cleaning and disinfecting a surface or object to reduce the number of germs and bacteria to a safe level, as determined by public health standards, to minimize the risk of spreading infections.

Why It's Important

Sanitization is important because it eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

How to Improve Sanitization Skills

Improving sanitization involves adopting effective practices and using appropriate products to eliminate germs, viruses, and bacteria from surfaces and environments. Here's a concise guide:

1. Choose the Right Sanitizers: Select EPA-approved sanitizers and disinfectants that are effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. EPA's list of approved products can guide you.

2. Follow Product Instructions: For maximum effectiveness, use sanitizers according to the manufacturer's directions, paying attention to the required contact time on surfaces.

3. Prioritize High-Touch Areas: Focus on regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and countertops. CDC guidelines offer detailed advice.

4. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves and masks, to protect yourself from chemicals and pathogens. This OSHA guide provides essential insights.

5. Maintain Clean Tools and Equipment: Regularly clean and disinfect your cleaning tools to prevent cross-contamination. This includes mops, cloths, and buckets.

6. Educate and Train: Stay informed about the latest sanitization protocols and products. Training programs and resources from organizations like the ISSA are invaluable.

Improving sanitization is an ongoing process that requires staying informed, being vigilant about cleanliness, and adopting best practices to ensure environments are safe and healthy.

How to Display Sanitization Skills on Your Resume

2. Disinfection

Disinfection is the process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, on surfaces or objects to a safe level, using chemicals or physical methods, in order to prevent infection and ensure cleanliness.

Why It's Important

Disinfection is crucial for eliminating harmful microorganisms on surfaces, reducing the risk of spreading infections and maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

How to Improve Disinfection Skills

Improving disinfection involves selecting the right disinfectants, following proper procedures, and ensuring regular application. Here's a concise guide:

1. Choose EPA-registered disinfectants: Ensure they are effective against the specific pathogens you're targeting. EPA's List N is a resource for finding suitable products for coronavirus, for example.

2. Follow manufacturer's instructions: Use the correct concentrations and adhere to contact times to ensure effectiveness.

3. Focus on high-touch surfaces: Regularly disinfect doorknobs, light switches, and other frequently touched areas.

4. Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Protect yourself with gloves and masks as recommended.

5. Train staff: Ensure all cleaning staff are properly trained on disinfection techniques and safety procedures.

6. Maintain cleanliness: Regular cleaning to remove dust and debris enhances the effectiveness of disinfectants.

For a detailed understanding of disinfection practices, the CDC provides comprehensive guidelines: CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting.

How to Display Disinfection Skills on Your Resume

3. Vacuuming

Vacuuming is the process of using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and debris from floors, upholstery, and other surfaces by suction.

Why It's Important

Vacuuming is crucial for removing dust, dirt, and allergens from floors and surfaces, improving air quality and maintaining a clean, healthy environment.

How to Improve Vacuuming Skills

To enhance your vacuuming technique, follow these concise tips:

1. Empty the Bag/Canister Regularly: A full bag or canister reduces suction power. Aim to empty it before it's completely full.

2. Use the Correct Settings: Adjust your vacuum's settings based on the type of floor. Higher settings are typically for carpets, and lower settings for hard floors.

3. Choose the Right Attachments: Use the crevice tool for edges and tight spaces, the brush attachment for dusting surfaces, and the upholstery tool for furniture.

4. Vacuum Slowly: Move slowly to allow the vacuum to pick up as much dirt as possible.

5. Maintain Your Vacuum: Regularly check and clean the brush roll, replace bags or filters, and ensure hoses are not clogged.

6. Vacuum in Multiple Directions: This helps lift the carpet fibers and clean more thoroughly.

7. Pre-clean the Area: Pick up large debris and clutter before vacuuming.

8. Vacuum Regularly: Frequent vacuuming prevents dirt from settling deep into carpets.

For more detailed advice, consider these resources:

• Consumer Reports
• Good Housekeeping

How to Display Vacuuming Skills on Your Resume

4. Dusting

Dusting, in the context of cleaning, involves gently removing dust particles from surfaces using tools like cloths, dusters, or brushes to keep environments clean and allergen-free.

Why It's Important

Dusting is important because it removes allergens and dust particles from surfaces, enhancing air quality and maintaining a cleaner, healthier environment.

How to Improve Dusting Skills

To improve dusting efficiency and effectiveness, follow these concise steps:

1. Use the Right Tools: Opt for microfiber cloths or dusters, as they trap dust effectively without spreading it around. Good Housekeeping provides insights on cleaning tools and products.

2. Top to Bottom Method: Always start dusting from the highest surfaces and work your way down. This ensures that any dislodged dust particles can be cleaned in the lower areas later on.

3. Damp Dusting: For surfaces where dust sticks stubbornly, lightly dampen your cloth with water or an appropriate cleaner. This method helps in trapping dust better. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers guidelines on cleaning products and methods that can also improve indoor air quality.

4. Regular Schedule: Stick to a regular dusting schedule to prevent dust build-up. High-traffic areas may need dusting more frequently.

5. Vacuum Regularly: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture the finest dust particles, especially on upholstery and carpets. Regular vacuuming supports a dust-free environment. Consumer Reports provides information on vacuum types and their efficiency.

6. Declutter: Reducing clutter not only makes dusting easier but also limits dust accumulation.

7. Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers in rooms to reduce airborne dust particles. Check Wirecutter for recommendations on effective air purifiers.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of your dusting routine.

How to Display Dusting Skills on Your Resume

5. Mopping

Mopping is a cleaning method that involves using a mop (a bundle of yarn or a piece of cloth attached to a stick) to wet-wash floors, removing dirt, spills, and stains.

Why It's Important

Mopping is essential for maintaining cleanliness, removing dirt and germs, preventing stains, and ensuring a safe, hygienic environment.

How to Improve Mopping Skills

To improve mopping, follow these concise steps:

1. Choose the Right Mop: Select a microfiber mop for most efficient cleaning (Microfiber Wholesale).

2. Prepare the Area: Remove debris and dust by sweeping or vacuuming before mopping.

3. Correct Cleaning Solution: Use a suitable cleaner for your floor type. Dilute as recommended (Good Housekeeping).

4. Proper Technique: Mop in a figure-eight motion for maximum efficiency and less strain.

5. Change Water Regularly: Keep your mop and water clean to avoid spreading dirt.

6. Dry the Floor: After mopping, use a dry mop or cloth to absorb excess moisture and prevent slips.

7. Maintenance: Clean and dry your mop after use to prevent mildew and extend its life (Cleanipedia).

By optimizing your mop choice, cleaning technique, and maintenance routine, you ensure more effective and efficient floor cleaning.

How to Display Mopping Skills on Your Resume

6. Polishing

Polishing, in the context of cleaning, refers to the process of making a surface smooth and shiny through rubbing or applying a chemical treatment, enhancing its appearance and protecting it from further soiling or corrosion.

Why It's Important

Polishing is important because it enhances appearance, protects surfaces, and removes minor imperfections, contributing to a cleaner and more visually appealing environment.

How to Improve Polishing Skills

Improving polishing involves adopting proper techniques, using the right tools, and selecting appropriate cleaning solutions. Here's a concise guide:

1. Choose the Right Tools: Select a suitable polisher and pads based on the surface material. Microfiber cloths are great for a streak-free finish (Microfiber Care Guide).

2. Select Appropriate Cleaners: Use cleaners designed for the specific surface you're polishing. Avoid harsh chemicals on sensitive materials (EPA's Safer Choice).

3. Proper Technique: Apply cleaner sparingly and polish in a circular motion. Avoid excessive pressure to prevent damage.

4. Maintenance: Regularly clean your tools and replace them as they wear out to ensure consistent results (Maintaining Cleaning Equipment).

5. Educate Yourself: Stay updated with the latest products and techniques in polishing through reputable sources (ISSA).

By focusing on these aspects, you can significantly improve your polishing results, ensuring a cleaner, brighter finish on various surfaces.

How to Display Polishing Skills on Your Resume

7. Carpet Cleaning

Carpet cleaning involves the removal of dirt, stains, allergens, and odors from carpets using methods like vacuuming, hot water extraction, and dry cleaning to improve hygiene and extend the carpet's life.

Why It's Important

Carpet cleaning is important because it removes dirt, allergens, and stains, prolongs the carpet's life, maintains a healthy indoor environment, and keeps the appearance fresh and inviting.

How to Improve Carpet Cleaning Skills

Improving carpet cleaning involves adopting effective techniques and using the right products. Here are concise tips for a cleaner aiming to enhance carpet cleaning results:

1. Pre-Vacuum: Remove surface dirt and debris. This step is crucial for preventing mud from forming when water or cleaning solutions are applied. Vacuum Guide

2. Spot Cleaning: Treat stains immediately with the appropriate solution based on the type of stain. Stain Removal Guide

3. Proper Detergent: Use a detergent suitable for your carpet type. Incorrect detergents can damage the carpet or leave residues. Detergent Selection

4. Correct Equipment: Use a high-quality carpet cleaner that matches your carpet's needs. Efficiency and gentleness are key. Carpet Cleaner Reviews

5. Adequate Drying: Ensure the carpet dries thoroughly. Excessive moisture can lead to mold. Use fans or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. Drying Tips

6. Regular Maintenance: Regular cleaning extends the life of your carpet and maintains its appearance. Maintenance Schedule

Implementing these tips can significantly improve the effectiveness of your carpet cleaning efforts.

How to Display Carpet Cleaning Skills on Your Resume

8. Window Washing

Window washing is the process of cleaning the glass surfaces of windows to remove dirt, grime, and streaks, typically using tools like squeegees, water, and cleaning solutions, to enhance clarity and appearance.

Why It's Important

Window washing is important because it enhances the appearance of a building, allows for more natural light, improves the durability of windows by removing harmful contaminants, and promotes a healthier indoor environment by reducing allergens and dust.

How to Improve Window Washing Skills

To improve window washing, follow these concise steps:

1. Preparation: Wear appropriate gear and gather necessary tools: a squeegee, bucket, scrubber, detergent, and microfiber cloths. Good Housekeeping's Guide

2. Cleaning Solution: Mix water with a few drops of dish soap. For more stubborn grime, add a half cup of vinegar to a gallon of water. Martha Stewart's Cleaning Solution

3. Scrubbing: Dip the scrubber in the solution, wring slightly, then clean the window thoroughly to loosen dirt. Family Handyman Tips

4. Squeegee Technique: Start at the top corner, pull down in a straight stroke. Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean cloth between strokes. This Old House Technique

5. Detailing Edges: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe any remaining drips around the edges. Professional Edge Detailing

6. Frequency and Timing: Clean windows twice a year. Choose a cloudy day to prevent the sun from drying the solution too quickly and leaving streaks. Better Homes & Gardens Advice

By following these steps, you'll ensure efficient and effective window washing.

How to Display Window Washing Skills on Your Resume

9. Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is a cleaning method that uses high-pressure water spray to remove dirt, grime, mold, and loose paint from surfaces such as buildings, vehicles, and concrete areas.

Why It's Important

Pressure washing is important because it effectively removes dirt, grime, and mold from surfaces, maintaining cleanliness, preventing damage, and enhancing the appearance of properties.

How to Improve Pressure Washing Skills

To enhance your pressure washing results, follow these concise steps:

1. Select the Right Pressure Washer: Choose a pressure washer with appropriate PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute) ratings for your task. Light-duty machines are great for small, delicate jobs, while heavy-duty washers suit larger, tougher projects. Consumer Reports offers a guide on selecting the right model.

2. Use Proper Nozzles: Different nozzles are designed for various cleaning tasks. A 0-degree nozzle offers a high-pressure, pinpoint stream for tough grime, while wider angles (up to 40 degrees) are safer for delicate surfaces. Pressure Washr provides detailed insights into nozzle types and uses.

3. Pre-Clean Surfaces: Remove loose debris and dirt from surfaces before pressure washing to ensure a more effective clean. This step can prevent damage from flying debris.

4. Apply Detergents: For tough stains, apply a detergent or specialized cleaning solution before pressure washing. Make sure the detergent is compatible with your pressure washer and the surface you're cleaning. Home Depot offers advice on how to apply detergents safely.

5. Maintain Optimal Distance and Angle: Keep the nozzle at an appropriate distance from the surface (usually 12 to 18 inches) and angle the spray slightly downward to prevent damage and ensure efficient cleaning.

6. Safety First: Always wear protective gear, including goggles and gloves. Ensure you're using the pressure washer correctly to avoid accidents. OSHA provides safety guidelines for operating high-pressure machinery.

By adhering to these steps and following manufacturer instructions for your specific pressure washer, you can significantly improve your pressure washing outcomes.

How to Display Pressure Washing Skills on Your Resume

10. Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning, for a cleaner, involves using vaporized water at high temperatures to clean and sanitize surfaces, effectively removing dirt, stains, and bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.

Why It's Important

Steam cleaning is important because it efficiently eliminates dirt, stains, and allergens without chemicals, sanitizes surfaces by killing bacteria and viruses, and reaches deep into fabric fibers and hard-to-clean areas, ensuring a thorough clean.

How to Improve Steam Cleaning Skills

To improve steam cleaning, follow these concise steps:

1. Pre-Clean: Vacuum or sweep the area to remove loose dirt and debris. This enhances the steam cleaner's efficiency.

2. Use Distilled Water: To prevent mineral buildup in your machine, use distilled water (Why Use Distilled Water).

3. Proper Attachment: Select the appropriate attachment for the surface you're cleaning for better results (Steam Cleaner Attachments Guide).

4. Optimal Heat and Pressure: Ensure your steam cleaner is at the right heat and pressure level for the specific cleaning task (Steam Cleaning Tips).

5. Regular Maintenance: Clean your steam cleaner regularly to keep it in top condition (Maintaining Your Steam Cleaner).

By following these steps, you can maximize the effectiveness of your steam cleaning efforts.

How to Display Steam Cleaning Skills on Your Resume

11. Waste Removal

Waste removal involves the process of collecting, transporting, and disposing of garbage, recyclables, and other unwanted materials to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in a particular area or setting.

Why It's Important

Waste removal is crucial for maintaining a clean, healthy, and safe environment, preventing pollution, reducing the spread of diseases, and ensuring public health and well-being.

How to Improve Waste Removal Skills

Improving waste removal involves several straightforward steps aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainability. Here's a concise guide:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Prioritize reducing waste production, reusing items, and recycling materials. Educate the community on sorting recyclables correctly. EPA's Recycling Basics offers a great starting point.

2. Composting: Implement composting for organic waste. It reduces landfill use and produces valuable fertilizer. Learn more from the US Composting Council.

3. Hazardous Waste Management: Properly dispose of hazardous waste like electronics and chemicals to prevent environmental contamination. Earth911 has resources for finding local disposal options.

4. Smart Planning: Optimize waste collection routes and schedules using technology to increase efficiency and decrease emissions.

5. Community Engagement: Involve the community through educational programs and initiatives to promote responsible waste disposal practices.

6. Support Policies: Advocate for and support policies that aim at reducing waste, such as single-use plastic bans or extended producer responsibility laws.

Improving waste removal is a collaborative effort that requires the participation of individuals, communities, and governments.

How to Display Waste Removal Skills on Your Resume

12. Eco-Friendly Products

Eco-friendly products, in the context of cleaners, are cleaning solutions designed to minimize environmental impact by using non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients and sustainable packaging.

Why It's Important

Eco-friendly cleaning products are important because they reduce environmental pollution, minimize human and animal exposure to toxic substances, and decrease the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and disposing of harsh chemicals, leading to a healthier and more sustainable planet.

How to Improve Eco-Friendly Products Skills

Improving eco-friendly products, especially cleaners, involves focusing on sustainable ingredients, packaging, and production processes. Here are concise steps:

1. Sustainable Ingredients: Opt for biodegradable, plant-based ingredients over synthetic chemicals to reduce toxicity and environmental impact. Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides a guide to healthy cleaning products.

2. Eco-friendly Packaging: Use recycled or biodegradable packaging materials to minimize waste. The Sustainable Packaging Coalition offers resources on sustainable packaging options.

3. Reduce Carbon Footprint: Implement production methods that lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The Carbon Trust can guide on reducing carbon footprints.

4. Water Conservation: Develop concentrates to reduce the water footprint in production and shipping. The Water Footprint Network provides insights on managing water usage.

5. Transparency and Certifications: Obtain eco-certifications and clearly label products to inform consumers. Green Seal is an example of an organization that certifies eco-friendly products.

By focusing on these areas, eco-friendly cleaners can be improved to further benefit the environment and consumers.

How to Display Eco-Friendly Products Skills on Your Resume