Working in cleaning
A clean home, work and living environment. That is what more than 100,000 cleaning employees ensure every day. They work at one of the many cleaning companies in the Netherlands. This makes the sector one of the major employers in our country. But what exactly does cleaning involve? What does a cleaner do during his work and at which locations? Find out
"As a cleaner, you contribute to a clean home, work and living environment
What does a cleaner do?
As a cleaner in a cleaning company, you will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining different spaces, such as offices, schools, hospitals, hotels and many more. You ensure that these spaces look neat and fresh, so that people feel pleasant and comfortable. Your tasks as a cleaner may include vacuuming and mopping floors, cleaning windows, wiping furniture, disinfecting sanitary facilities and emptying bins. Indispensable and important work, therefore, because without their daily commitment, no clean locations!
When you start working
- Full-time
- Part-time (part-time)
- On-call basis
- Temporary worker
One of the great advantages of working as a cleaner is the flexibility of working hours. Many cleaning companies offer services outside regular office hours, such as nights, early mornings or weekends. This makes it attractive for people looking for work in the evenings or for those looking to generate a second income.
Where you can go to work
- Shops & catering
- Offices
- Hospitals & healthcare
- Stations & airports
- Schools & universities
- Hotels & holiday parks
Cleaners often work independently or in small teams. While the work can be physically demanding, it also offers the chance to work in a diverse working environment, from offices to industrial sites or healthcare facilities. This means you come into contact with different types of people and environments on a daily basis.
What you will do while working
- Vacuuming & mopping
- Emptying bins
- Window cleaning
- Sweeping desks
- Sanitary maintenance
- Dusting and polishing
The daily tasks of a cleaner can vary widely, depending on the type of customer being worked for and the nature of the building or facility. Some common tasks include:
- Office cleaning: This includes vacuuming, sweeping and mopping floors, wiping desks and cleaning kitchen facilities.
- Sanitary cleaning: Cleaning and disinfecting toilets, showers and other sanitary facilities is an important part of the job, especially in busy buildings.
- Window cleaning: This can be indoors or outdoors, depending on the height of the building.
- Maintenance of public areas: Keeping corridors, stairwells and meeting rooms clean is essential for the appearance of a building.
"It's great to be among people and being able to have a chat.
Interview - what does a working day look like?
"Via a friend who was already working in cleaning, I came into contact with my current employer. I had had several administrative jobs and was ready for something new. I have now been working at a national cleaning company for more than 10 years. Together with several colleagues, I work in an office department. During our work, we ensure that the department is neat and clean at the end of the office day, so that people can work there again the next day in a fresh environment. Besides cleaning the desks and emptying bins, we also vacuum and mop the floors in the building. It is great to be among people and to be able to have a chat now and then. Some I have known for years, which feels familiar."
Marleen - 45 years
How do you become a cleaner?
To get hired as a cleaner, you usually do not need to have completed a training course. It is often the case, however, that you have to take a course internally, before you start working with customers.
Advance
There are various career opportunities for cleaners. For example, you can take internal training courses and advance to supervisor of a cleaning team or specialise in a particular cleaning method.
Enthusiastic?
Are you ready for a varied job with good terms of employment? Where you can grow and follow internal training courses? Working with great colleagues at varied locations? Going home every day feeling satisfied because you make the Netherlands a little nicer and cleaner? Take a look at the cleaning vacancies and apply immediately!
