Types of cleaning work
Cleaning covers several quite different kinds of work, from domestic housekeeping to specialist operations such as bio-hazard clean-up. Many agencies specialise in one or two, so knowing which type you need helps you choose the right agency.
For most homes, offices and public buildings, cleaning skills are learned on the job, so experience is what employers value most. Specialist roles need training, and pay generally rises with the level of specialism.
Commercial and office cleaning
Contract and in-house cleaners for offices, shops, schools and public buildings, often on early-morning or evening shifts. Cleaners working in schools or care settings are often asked for a DBS check. Many commercial cleaning roles are also filled by facilities management agencies.
Industrial cleaning
Cleaning in factories, food production sites and warehouses, sometimes including machinery, which usually needs training. Employers often look for COSHH training (safe handling of hazardous substances), and food sites may require food hygiene certificates.
Domestic and housekeeping
Housekeepers, domestic cleaners and private household staff, from regular cleans to live-in roles. References and background checks matter most here.
Construction site cleaning
Builders’ cleans, end-of-build cleans and keeping live sites safe and tidy. Site access usually needs a CSCS card.
Transport cleaning
Aircraft, airport, train and depot cleaning, usually on shifts around the timetable. Airport roles need an airside pass with background checks, and some rail roles may need track safety training.
Specialist cleaning
Bio-hazard, crime-scene, deep and high-level cleaning. These roles need specialist training, for example to leave a site free of biological hazards, and are among the better-paid cleaning jobs.
Employers: be clear which type of cleaning you need, the shift pattern and any checks the site requires (DBS, CSCS, airside pass). It helps agencies send suitable candidates first time.
Candidates: cleaning work is physical but can offer steady income, and specialist training opens up better-paid roles. An agency that specialises in your type of cleaning will usually have more relevant work. Have your ID, right-to-work documents and any certificates ready when you register.