Top 12 Janitor Skills to Put on Your Resume
A sharp, no-nonsense resume that spotlights real janitorial skills can open doors. The right mix tells hiring managers you’re dependable, thorough, and ready to keep a facility humming. Below, twelve core skills that show you can clean, maintain, and keep people safe—day after day, without drama.
Janitor Skills
- Sanitization Protocols
- Waste Disposal
- Floor Buffing
- Carpet Cleaning
- Chemical Handling
- Pressure Washing
- Inventory Management
- Equipment Maintenance
- Safety Compliance
- Space Organization
- Biohazard Cleanup
- Window Washing
1. Sanitization Protocols
Sanitization protocols are the step-by-step methods for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and spaces so germs, viruses, and other unwanted hitchhikers don’t linger.
Why It’s Important
Done right, sanitizing cuts transmission, protects occupants and staff, and keeps operations steady—no outbreaks, no shutdowns.
How to Improve Sanitization Protocols Skills
Choose proven disinfectants: Use products labeled for broad-spectrum effectiveness and match them to the surface and soil level.
Respect dwell time: Apply, keep surfaces wet for the full contact time, then allow to air-dry unless directions say otherwise.
Gear up: Gloves, eye protection, and appropriate masks when aerosols or strong chemicals are in play.
Hit high-touch zones first (and often): Door handles, rails, switches, faucets, shared equipment.
Color-code tools: Separate cloths and mop heads by area to avoid cross-contamination.
Clean gear, too: Launder or disinfect tools after shifts; replace worn pads and cloths.
Keep current: Follow updated public health guidance and facility policies; adjust when seasons, traffic, or risks change.
How to Display Sanitization Protocols Skills on Your Resume
2. Waste Disposal
Waste disposal covers collecting, sorting, and removing trash, recyclables, organics, and special or hazardous waste safely and on schedule.
Why It’s Important
Cleaner spaces, fewer pests, lower risk of illness, and compliance with local rules—plus smoother workflows and happier building users.
How to Improve Waste Disposal Skills
Label clearly: Distinct bins with simple icons for landfill, recycling, organics, and special waste.
Stage the route: Set fixed collection paths and times; keep carts and liners ready to go.
Reduce at the source: Reusable cloths and refillable bottles over single-use when feasible.
Handle hazards right: Follow local procedures for chemicals, sharps, and e-waste; use approved containers and logs.
Weigh and review: Periodic audits reveal overflows, contamination, and reorder needs.
How to Display Waste Disposal Skills on Your Resume
3. Floor Buffing
Floor buffing uses a machine and pads to smooth micro-scratches and revive shine on resilient floors like vinyl, linoleum, or sealed hardwood.
Why It’s Important
Shiny floors signal care. Buffing also extends finish life, reduces slip risks when done properly, and keeps replacement costs at bay.
How to Improve Floor Buffing Skills
Prep first: Dust mop, then damp mop. Grit left behind becomes scratches.
Pick the right pad: Light colors for polishing, darker for light scrub; match to finish and condition.
Steady passes: Overlap by a third; don’t linger in one spot. Adjust speed and pressure to avoid swirl marks.
Keep pads clean: Flip or change as they load up; clean the machine after use.
Mind safety: Post signs, manage cords, and wear hearing and eye protection where needed.
How to Display Floor Buffing Skills on Your Resume
4. Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning removes soil, stains, and allergens with vacuuming, spot treatment, and periodic deep extraction.
Why It’s Important
Air quality improves, traffic lanes last longer, and the space just feels better—fresh underfoot, fresher in the air.
How to Improve Carpet Cleaning Skills
Vacuum like you mean it: Slow passes, quality filtration, and regular brush-roll cleaning.
Attack spills fast: Blot, don’t rub. Use the right spotter for the stain type and fiber.
Match chemistry to fiber: Wool, olefin, nylon—know the differences. Always test in a hidden spot.
Deep clean on a schedule: Hot water extraction or low-moisture methods depending on carpet and downtime windows.
Dry quickly: Maximize airflow and use fans to prevent wicking and odors.
Keep machines healthy: Rinse tanks, clear jets, replace filters; worn gear makes dirty work.
How to Display Carpet Cleaning Skills on Your Resume
5. Chemical Handling
Chemical handling is the safe use, storage, mixing, and disposal of cleaning agents using labels, SDS information, and common-sense controls.
Why It’s Important
It prevents injuries, protects indoor air, and ensures cleaning is effective without collateral damage to surfaces or people.
How to Improve Chemical Handling Skills
Read labels and SDS: Know hazards, PPE, first aid, and correct dilution before you open a bottle.
Store smart: Original containers, tight lids, separated by type; good ventilation and secondary containment where required.
Wear the right PPE: Gloves, goggles, aprons, and respirators if needed; inspect and replace regularly.
Mix safely: Add chemical to water, never the reverse. Never mix products (especially acids and bleach).
Plan for spills: Keep spill kits handy; know the response steps and reporting chain.
Dispose properly: Follow local rules and manufacturer guidance; don’t pour unknowns down drains.
Train and refresh: Short, regular sessions beat one-and-done.
How to Display Chemical Handling Skills on Your Resume
6. Pressure Washing
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to blast away grime, mildew, gum, and buildup on concrete, siding, fencing, and more.
Why It’s Important
It restores surfaces fast, improves curb appeal, and removes slippery residues that trip people up.
How to Improve Pressure Washing Skills
Match tool to task: PSI, GPM, and nozzle angle must fit the surface; start gentle, then dial up as needed.
Pre-treat when needed: Degreasers, detergents, or mild algaecides can shorten the fight.
Keep moving: Even strokes, consistent distance; test a small spot to avoid etching.
Protect surroundings: Cover outlets, plants, and sensitive finishes; mind splashback.
Safety matters: Eye and hearing protection, non-slip footwear, and no spraying near people or pets.
Maintain the machine: Flush detergents, check hoses and tips, change oil and filters on schedule.
How to Display Pressure Washing Skills on Your Resume
7. Inventory Management
Inventory management means tracking supplies and tools so the right items are on hand, not overstocked, and always ready.
Why It’s Important
Fewer emergencies, fewer wasted dollars, and no surprises mid-shift. It also supports consistent cleaning quality.
How to Improve Inventory Management Skills
Adopt a simple system: Spreadsheet, barcode app, or basic inventory software—whatever your team will actually use.
Set par levels: Minimums, maximums, and reorder points per location.
Cycle counts: Small, regular checks instead of rare, massive audits.
Standardize SKUs: Uniform names and units (case, bottle, pad) cut confusion.
Track usage by area: Reveals waste, theft, or seasonal swings.
Confirm deliveries: Check-in process with dates, lot numbers if relevant, and condition.
How to Display Inventory Management Skills on Your Resume
8. Equipment Maintenance
Equipment maintenance means cleaning, inspecting, and repairing tools and machines so they run safely and last.
Why It’s Important
Reliable gear works better, breaks less, and protects the people using it. Downtime plummets; results improve.
How to Improve Equipment Maintenance Skills
Post-use cleanup: Empty tanks, rinse lines, clear debris, wipe down exteriors.
Scheduled checks: Belts, cords, casters, filters, pads—quick weekly inspections catch problems early.
Follow the manual: Recommended parts, lubricants, and intervals aren’t guesses.
Store correctly: Dry, ventilated spaces; secure cords; keep chargers and batteries organized.
Train operators: Misuse kills equipment; short refreshers save money.
Log everything: Date, issue, fix, and parts used. Patterns will pop.
How to Display Equipment Maintenance Skills on Your Resume
9. Safety Compliance
Safety compliance is following health and safety rules for chemicals, equipment, signage, and incident response—every time, not just when someone’s watching.
Why It’s Important
It prevents injuries, avoids fines, and creates trust. People work better when they know they’re safe.
How to Improve Safety Compliance Skills
Train to the task: Hands-on demos for chemical handling, ladders, electrical, and machinery.
Refresh regularly: Short toolbox talks keep knowledge alive, especially after near-misses.
Provide proper PPE: Fit, comfort, and availability matter; replace when worn.
Use clear signage: Wet floor, closed area, chemical in use—simple signs prevent accidents.
Encourage reporting: Make it easy and blame-free to flag hazards.
Audit and act: Routine walkthroughs with quick fixes and follow-up.
How to Display Safety Compliance Skills on Your Resume
10. Space Organization
Space organization is arranging storage and work areas so supplies are visible, reachable, and not in the way.
Why It’s Important
Less time searching, less clutter, fewer injuries. The job moves faster when everything has a home.
How to Improve Space Organization Skills
Purge first: Remove duplicates, expired chemicals, and broken tools.
Label everything: Shelves, bins, bottles, and carts. Clear, large, consistent labels.
Go vertical: Shelving, wall racks, and hooks free up floor space.
Zone by task: Restroom, floor care, glass, and general cleaning kits kept together.
Set a reset: End-of-shift five-minute tidy keeps order from slipping.
Standardize carts: Same layout on every cart so any staffer can roll.
How to Display Space Organization Skills on Your Resume
11. Biohazard Cleanup
Biohazard cleanup removes and disinfects blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials using strict procedures and specialized PPE.
Why It’s Important
Protects staff and the public from exposure, stops pathogens from spreading, and meets legal and health standards.
How to Improve Biohazard Cleanup Skills
Get the right training: Understand bloodborne pathogen standards and site-specific procedures.
Wear full PPE: Gloves, eye and face protection, fluid-resistant gowns; upgrade protection based on risk.
Use registered disinfectants: Apply with correct dilution and contact time for the target organisms.
Contain and control: Isolate the area, use absorbents and red bags/rigid containers for regulated waste.
Prevent cross-contamination: Work clean-to-dirty, dispose of single-use items, and segregate tools by zone.
Document thoroughly: Record exposure incidents, products used, and disposal details.
Review after action: Debrief to improve the next response.
How to Display Biohazard Cleanup Skills on Your Resume
12. Window Washing
Window washing clears glass of dust, oils, and streaks using squeegees, scrubbers, and simple solutions.
Why It’s Important
More daylight, better views, longer window life. Clean glass changes the mood of a room—instantly.
How to Improve Window Washing Skills
Use pro tools: Quality squeegee, microfiber cloths, and a decent scrubber.
Keep it simple: Mild soap in water or a glass-safe solution; avoid residue-heavy mixes.
Nail the technique: Top to bottom with overlapping pulls; wipe the blade after each pass. Detail edges with a dry cloth.
Stay safe: Stable ladders, proper footing, and extension poles for height.
Schedule smart: Early morning or overcast days help prevent streaks; routine cleaning stops buildup.
How to Display Window Washing Skills on Your Resume
