Top 12 General Cleaner Skills to Put on Your Resume
A standout resume for a general cleaner position requires a blend of practical abilities and soft skills that showcase your efficiency and adaptability in maintaining cleanliness and order. Highlighting your top general cleaner skills effectively communicates to potential employers your capability to meet the demands of the role with professionalism and attention to detail.
General Cleaner Skills
- Sanitization
- Disinfection
- Vacuuming
- Dusting
- Mopping
- Polishing
- Carpet Cleaning
- Window Washing
- Trash Removal
- Floor Buffing
- Pressure Washing
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning
1. Sanitization
Sanitization is the process of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces or objects to reduce the number of germs to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements, to lower the risk of spreading infection. For a general cleaner, it involves using cleaning agents and techniques to achieve a hygienic environment.
Why It's Important
Sanitization is essential for a General Cleaner because it reduces the presence of germs and pathogens on surfaces, ensuring a healthier environment and preventing the spread of infections.
How to Improve Sanitization Skills
To improve sanitization as a General Cleaner, focus on the following concise strategies:
Use EPA-registered disinfectants: Ensure you're using products proven to kill germs effectively. Consult the EPA’s list for suitable disinfectants.
Follow product instructions: Read and adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for application and proper dwell time to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Target high-touch surfaces: Prioritize areas that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. The CDC’s cleaning guidelines offer detailed advice.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Protect yourself by wearing gloves, masks, and other recommended PPE. This not only keeps you safe but also prevents cross-contamination.
Maintain cleaning tools: Regularly wash and disinfect mops, cloths, and other tools to prevent them from becoming a source of contamination.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with OSHA’s guidelines for cleaning professionals to ensure you’re following best practices.
By focusing on these key areas, you can significantly improve sanitization outcomes in any setting.
How to Display Sanitization Skills on Your Resume
2. Disinfection
Disinfection is the process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms from surfaces or objects using chemicals or physical means, ensuring they are safe and hygienic to use or touch.
Why It's Important
Disinfection is important to eliminate harmful germs and viruses on surfaces, reducing the risk of infection and ensuring a safe and healthy environment.
How to Improve Disinfection Skills
Improving disinfection as a general cleaner involves adopting effective strategies and using the right products:
Choose EPA-registered disinfectants: Ensure the disinfectants used are EPA-registered and suitable for the specific pathogens you aim to eliminate.
Follow label instructions: Carefully read and adhere to the product’s label instructions for application and contact time to ensure effective disinfection.
Clean before disinfecting: Remove any visible dirt or grime before disinfecting. CDC guidelines suggest cleaning surfaces prior to disinfection for optimal results.
Use proper protective gear: Wear gloves and any other necessary protective equipment to safeguard against chemical exposure and pathogen transmission.
Target high-touch surfaces: Regularly disinfect high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides insights on prioritizing these areas.
Ensure proper ventilation: When using chemical disinfectants, make sure the area is well-ventilated to minimize inhalation risks.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest disinfection recommendations from reputable sources like the CDC and WHO to adapt to new information or guidelines.
Incorporating these practices will enhance your disinfection efforts, contributing to a safer and healthier environment.
How to Display Disinfection Skills on Your Resume
3. Vacuuming
Vacuuming is the process of using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, debris, and dirt from floors, carpets, and other surfaces, improving cleanliness and hygiene.
Why It's Important
Vacuuming is important for removing dirt, dust, and allergens from floors and surfaces, maintaining a clean, healthy environment and prolonging the life of carpets and upholstery.
How to Improve Vacuuming Skills
Improving vacuuming efficiency involves a combination of technique, maintenance, and appropriate tool selection. Here are concise tips:
- Preparation: Clear the area of small objects and debris to prevent damage or obstruction to the vacuum cleaner.
- Maintenance: Regularly clean filters and check for blockages to maintain suction power and efficiency.
- Proper Settings: Use the correct height setting for your floor type to enhance suction and dirt removal.
- Technique: Vacuum slowly in overlapping strokes, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Tool Selection: Use attachments like crevice tools for edges and upholstery brushes for furniture to reach all areas effectively.
Incorporating these practices will significantly improve your vacuuming results.
How to Display Vacuuming Skills on Your Resume
4. Dusting
Dusting, in the context of general cleaning, is the process of removing dust and small particles from surfaces using tools like cloths, dusters, or brushes to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Why It's Important
Dusting is essential for maintaining a clean, healthy, and appealing environment. It removes allergens, dust mites, and dirt, preventing respiratory issues and prolonging the life of surfaces and objects.
How to Improve Dusting Skills
Improving dusting techniques as a general cleaner involves focusing on efficiency, thoroughness, and the health aspects of dust removal. Here’s a concise guide:
Start from the Top: Begin dusting from higher surfaces and work your way down. This ensures that dust falling from above doesn’t re-contaminate cleaned areas.
Use the Right Tools: Opt for microfiber cloths or dusters, which trap dust more effectively than regular cloths. For intricate areas, consider feather dusters or specially designed brushes.
Minimize Dust Scatter: Slightly dampen your cloth to prevent dust from becoming airborne. For electronics or sensitive items, use compressed air to safely blow away dust without touching the surface.
Regular Schedule: Dust accumulates quickly; maintaining a regular dusting schedule prevents build-up. High-traffic areas may need more frequent attention.
Proper Technique: Move the cloth in one direction rather than back and forth to avoid leaving dust behind. When using sprays, apply directly to the cloth rather than the surface to prevent overspray.
Safety First: Wear a mask if you’re sensitive to dust or working in overly dusty environments to prevent inhalation of fine particles.
Eco-Friendly Products: Consider using natural cleaning products to reduce the impact of harmful chemicals on the environment and your health.
Focus on Vents and Filters: Regularly clean or replace HVAC filters and vacuum vents to minimize dust circulation.
By incorporating these strategies, you’ll improve your dusting efficiency, ensuring cleaner, healthier environments.
How to Display Dusting Skills on Your Resume
5. Mopping
Mopping is the process of cleaning floors using a wet mop to remove dirt, spills, and stains, ensuring the surface is clean and hygienic.
Why It's Important
Mopping is important for a General Cleaner because it removes dirt, grime, and germs from floors, ensuring a clean, safe, and hygienic environment.
How to Improve Mopping Skills
Improving mopping efficiency and effectiveness involves several straightforward steps. Here's a concise guide:
Choose the Right Mop: Different floors require different mops. Microfiber mops are versatile and effective for most surfaces (Choosing the Right Mop).
Proper Mop Preparation: Soak the mop head properly before use. Ensure it's not too wet or too dry for the surface you're cleaning (Mop Preparation Guide).
Use the Correct Cleaning Solution: Select a cleaning solution suitable for your flooring material. Dilute accurately according to the manufacturer's instructions (Cleaning Solution Tips).
Mop in Sections: Clean the floor in sections. Start from the farthest corner and work your way towards the door to avoid stepping on cleaned areas.
Regularly Rinse Mop: Rinse the mop head frequently in clean water during the mopping process to avoid spreading dirt.
Dry the Floor: After mopping, allow the floor to dry completely. Use air movers or fans to speed up the drying process if necessary (Floor Drying Techniques).
Maintain Your Mop: Clean and dry your mop after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria and extend its life (Mop Maintenance).
By incorporating these steps, a general cleaner can enhance mopping efficiency, ensuring cleaner and safer floors.
How to Display Mopping Skills on Your Resume
6. Polishing
Polishing, in the context of general cleaning, refers to the process of making a surface smooth and shiny by rubbing it or applying a chemical treatment, enhancing the appearance and protecting the material.
Why It's Important
Polishing is important for a General Cleaner because it enhances the appearance of surfaces, protects against wear and tear, and removes minor scratches and imperfections, contributing to a cleaner, more professional, and appealing environment.
How to Improve Polishing Skills
To improve polishing as a general cleaner, follow these concise steps:
Choose the Right Polish: Select a polish appropriate for the surface material (e.g., wood, metal, glass). Good Housekeeping offers guidance on choosing suitable products.
Clean Before Polishing: Ensure the surface is free from dust and grime. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the surface before applying polish.
Apply Polish Sparingly: Use a small amount of polish to avoid residue build-up. Martha Stewart provides tips on application amounts.
Use the Right Cloth: Use a microfiber cloth for application; it minimizes scratches and ensures an even coat. This Old House discusses the benefits of microfiber cloths.
Buff to Shine: After applying polish, buff the surface with a clean, dry cloth in circular motions for a glossy finish. Family Handyman offers techniques for effective buffing.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly dust and clean surfaces before they need a full polish to maintain shine and prevent damage. Bob Vila provides tips on regular maintenance.
By following these steps, you can improve your polishing technique and achieve professional results.
How to Display Polishing Skills on Your Resume
7. Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning involves removing dirt, stains, and allergens from carpets using methods like vacuuming, hot water extraction, and dry cleaning to maintain hygiene and extend the carpet's life.
Why It's Important
Carpet cleaning is important because it extends the life of the carpet, improves indoor air quality by removing dirt and allergens, and maintains the carpet’s appearance, ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
How to Improve Carpet Cleaning Skills
Improving carpet cleaning involves a few straightforward steps that can significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the process. For a general cleaner, here are concise tips:
Vacuum Regularly: Before any deep cleaning, vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove surface dirt and debris. This makes the cleaning process more effective.
Spot Clean Stains: Treat stains immediately with the appropriate cleaning solution. Here’s a guide on making a homemade carpet cleaner.
Use the Right Cleaner: Opt for a cleaning solution that matches the carpet's material and your cleaning machine. Consumer Reports offers insights on choosing the right carpet cleaners.
Avoid Over-Wetting: Use minimal water or cleaning solution to avoid soaking the carpet, which can lead to mold growth.
Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the carpet dries completely. Use fans, open windows, or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
Professional Deep Clean: Consider hiring a professional for a deep clean once a year or as needed. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides a directory for certified professionals.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can significantly improve your carpet cleaning techniques.
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, enhancing their clarity and appearance.
Why It's Important
Window washing is essential for maintaining a building's appearance, enhancing natural light, and prolonging window life by removing dirt, grime, and pollutants that can cause damage over time. For a General Cleaner, it ensures a comprehensive clean, contributing to a healthier, more pleasant environment for occupants.
How to Improve Window Washing Skills
Improving your window washing technique involves a few simple steps. Use a squeegee for streak-free results, and choose a cloudy day to prevent the sun from drying the cleaner too quickly, which can leave marks. Start by mixing a solution of water and a small amount of dish soap. Apply the solution to the window, then use the squeegee, moving from top to bottom in a smooth motion. Finally, wipe any drips from the edges with a clean, lint-free cloth. For detailed guidance, refer to the Family Handyman guide on window washing tips and the Good Housekeeping instructions on how to clean windows.
How to Display Window Washing Skills on Your Resume
9. Trash Removal
Trash removal, in the context of a General Cleaner, involves collecting, transporting, and disposing of garbage and waste materials from designated areas to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Why It's Important
Trash removal is crucial for maintaining cleanliness, preventing pest infestations, and reducing health risks by eliminating potential sources of contamination and disease.
How to Improve Trash Removal Skills
Improving trash removal as a General Cleaner involves several straightforward steps aimed at efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility. Here's a concise guide:
Segregate Waste: Separate recyclables, organic waste, and non-recyclable materials. This practice not only makes recycling processes more manageable but also reduces the volume of waste going to landfills. Learn more about waste segregation.
Use Clear Labeling: Clearly label bins to avoid confusion and ensure waste goes into the correct container. This simple step can significantly increase the rate of recycling. Check out labeling tips.
Regularly Schedule Trash Removal: Ensure trash is removed from the premises regularly to avoid overflow and maintain hygiene. Setting a routine also prevents the attraction of pests. Read about scheduling best practices.
Use the Right Equipment: Invest in quality, durable trash bags and containers suitable for the type of waste you’re handling. Proper equipment can prevent leaks and tears, making the process cleaner and more efficient. Explore equipment options.
Implement a Waste Reduction Program: Encourage practices that reduce waste at the source, such as using reusable containers or minimizing packaging materials. Get ideas for waste reduction.
Stay Informed on Hazardous Waste: Properly dispose of hazardous waste according to local regulations to prevent harm to the environment and human health. Learn about hazardous waste disposal.
By following these steps and continually seeking ways to optimize the trash removal process, a General Cleaner can significantly contribute to more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly waste management practices.
How to Display Trash Removal Skills on Your Resume
10. Floor Buffing
Floor buffing is a cleaning process that involves using a motorized machine with a rotating pad to polish and restore the shine to hard surface floors, enhancing their appearance and extending their lifespan.
Why It's Important
Floor buffing is important because it removes dirt, restores shine, and maintains the appearance and longevity of flooring, creating a clean and professional environment.
How to Improve Floor Buffing Skills
To improve floor buffing, follow these concise steps:
- Preparation: Clear the area of furniture and debris. Sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove dust and dirt.
- Cleaning: Mop the floor with a suitable cleaning solution to remove any stains or spills. Ensure the floor is completely dry before proceeding. Cleaning Solutions Guide.
- Buffing Pad Selection: Choose the right buffing pad color for your task. Lighter pads are for polishing, and darker pads are for scrubbing. Buffing Pad Color Chart.
- Buffing Machine Setup: Install the pad onto the buffer. Adjust the handle and machine settings according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Buffing Technique: Start buffing from one corner of the room, moving the machine in a side-to-side motion. Overlap your passes for even coverage. Maintain a steady pace to avoid uneven finishes.
- Regular Maintenance: Change or clean pads regularly. Inspect the floor and machine for any issues after each use.
For a detailed look into floor buffing techniques and maintenance, refer to manufacturer guidelines and expert resources such as ISSA’s Guidelines.
How to Display Floor Buffing Skills on Your Resume
11. 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 for a general cleaner because it effectively removes dirt, grime, and mildew from various surfaces, helping to maintain cleanliness, prevent damage, and enhance appearance.
How to Improve Pressure Washing Skills
To improve pressure washing, follow these concise tips:
- Pre-Clean Surface: Remove loose dirt and debris for better cleaning efficiency (Pressure Washers Direct).
- Choose the Right Nozzle: Select the appropriate nozzle size and spray pattern for the job to avoid damage and enhance cleaning (Simpson Cleaning).
- Use Detergents: Apply a suitable detergent for tough grime, following manufacturer recommendations for improved results (Power Wash Store).
- Optimal Pressure Setting: Adjust the pressure washer settings according to the cleaning surface to maximize efficiency without causing harm (Mi-T-M).
- Consistent Movement: Keep the nozzle moving to prevent concentrated water pressure from damaging surfaces (Family Handyman).
- Post-Cleaning Rinse: Thoroughly rinse away detergents and dislodged dirt for a clean finish (Briggs & Stratton).
By following these tips, you can enhance your pressure washing techniques for better cleaning results.
How to Display Pressure Washing Skills on Your Resume
12. Eco-Friendly Cleaning
Eco-friendly cleaning involves using cleaning methods and products with environmentally friendly ingredients and procedures designed to preserve human health and environmental quality, often utilizing natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic substances.
Why It's Important
Eco-friendly cleaning is important because it minimizes environmental pollution, reduces exposure to toxic chemicals, and ensures a safer, healthier environment for both the cleaner and occupants, aligning with sustainable living practices.
How to Improve Eco-Friendly Cleaning Skills
Improving eco-friendly cleaning involves choosing products and methods that minimize environmental impact while maintaining cleanliness. Here are concise steps for a general cleaner to enhance eco-friendly cleaning:
Choose Eco-Friendly Products: Opt for cleaning agents certified by reputable environmental organizations. Look for products with labels like EcoLogo or Green Seal, indicating they meet strict environmental standards.
DIY Cleaning Solutions: Create your own cleaning solutions using natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. These ingredients are effective, affordable, and have a much lower environmental footprint. Good Housekeeping offers recipes for homemade cleaners.
Reduce Use of Disposables: Swap disposable cleaning items like paper towels for reusable ones like microfiber cloths or sponges that can be washed and reused. This reduces waste and the need for frequent purchasing.
Conserve Water: Be mindful of water usage when cleaning. Use buckets or basins to avoid running water, and opt for methods that require less water where possible.
Proper Disposal: Safely dispose of or recycle cleaning product containers according to local regulations. Some products may require special disposal methods to prevent environmental harm.
Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about eco-friendly cleaning practices and spread the knowledge. Websites like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) can be valuable resources for learning about the environmental and health impacts of cleaning products.
By implementing these steps, a general cleaner can significantly improve the eco-friendliness of their cleaning routine, contributing to a healthier environment and potentially reducing costs associated with cleaning supplies.
How to Display Eco-Friendly Cleaning Skills on Your Resume
