A Day in the Life of a Cleaner
Across the UK, more than 1.49 million people are working in the cleaning, hygiene, and waste management sector. The role of a cleaner is essential to keeping hospitals, schools, offices and public spaces hygienic and running smoothly every day, but it often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
As a trusted and leading Facilities Management recruitment partner, placing thousands of people into cleaning and hygiene roles each year, we understand the intricacies of cleaning work and what a real day in the life of a cleaner looks like - and it’s far more complex and vital than many realise…
Starting the Day
Whether it’s housekeeping, warehouse, or office cleaning, most shifts start bright and early around 6 am, and kick off by gathering cleaning supplies, putting on the appropriate PPE and checking that all equipment, from hoovers to floor cleaners, are in good working order before the busy day ahead.
The next step is to identify any high-traffic areas that need the most attention - such as lobbies, break rooms, and toilets. Common tasks will include:
Wiping down surfaces
Sanitising touchpoints (door handles, switches, lift buttons)
Emptying bins and replacing their liners
Refilling soap and hand towel dispensers
It’s not just solo work, either. Communication and teamwork are at the heart of every shift - cleaners often coordinate with supervisors and chat with the people who use the space daily. It’s this human side that keeps everything running seamlessly.
Breaks
After a busy morning, often on your feet, it’s time for a well-earned break. Cleaning can be physical work, so it’s important to take time to rest, rehydrate, and refuel before getting back to it.
Finishing Up the Day
As the day winds down and you head towards the end of your shift, depending on your role, some cleaners move on to more specialised tasks before clocking off for the day. These can include:
Medical Settings: In hospitals and clinics, cleaning staff must follow strict hygiene and infection control protocols to disinfect treatment rooms, wards, and medical equipment to keep patients and staff safe.
Retail and Commercial Spaces: In busy shops or shopping centres, a cleaner’s top priority is always keeping every area spotless to ensure customers enjoy a positive experience
Office Buildings: A tidy workspace makes a big impression - from freshly hoovered meeting rooms to gleaming kitchen counters and polished light switches. It’s not just about appearance, though; a clean, organised environment helps everyone feel more focused, comfortable, and proud of where they work.
Warehouses & Industrial Sites: Industrial cleaners play a vital role in keeping busy sites safe, efficient, and compliant. From deep-cleaning machinery to carefully managing waste and spillages, their work helps maintain smooth operations and protect everyone on site.
When the shift wraps up, cleaners take pride in seeing the transformation, so what started as a busy, messy site or office space is now spotless, tidy, and ready for a new day. With equipment stored safely and any maintenance issues reported, it’s a job well done and a real sense of achievement to finish on.
So, Why Choose Cleaning?
Cleaning might not sound glamorous, but it’s meaningful, rewarding work. Every day brings something new, from solving unexpected challenges to working as part of a close-knit team that keeps buildings running smoothly.
It’s a role that takes initiative to handle on-the-job challenges, attention to detail to spot things others might miss, and pride in a job well done. Many of the best in the industry start on the tools and work their way up to become Supervisors, Area Managers, Maintenance Operatives, or even HVAC Engineers. Others enjoy the flexibility of temporary work that fits around their lifestyle and often find it leads to long-term, permanent opportunities.
Above all, it’s a career that matters. Clean, safe spaces are essential for everyone - and knowing you’re the person who makes that happen every day brings a real sense of pride and purpose.
Plus, the demand for clean, safe spaces is constant – whatever the season. And in the winter months, when coughs and colds spread more easily, cleaners become even more essential. It’s a role that offers stability, flexibility, and real room to grow, all while making a visible difference every single day.
New to the industry or bringing years of experience? Find our latest cleaning positions here: www.thornbaker.co.uk/jobs/fm