Top 12 Cleaner Skills to Put on Your Resume
In today's job market, standing out as a cleaner takes more than knowing your way around a mop. A strong resume highlights a full range of cleaning skills, showing you can keep spaces spotless, healthy, and safe—day after day.
Cleaner Skills
- Sanitization
- Disinfection
- Vacuuming
- Dusting
- Mopping
- Polishing
- Carpet Cleaning
- Window Washing
- Pressure Washing
- Steam Cleaning
- Waste Removal
- Eco-Friendly Products
1. Sanitization
Sanitization reduces the number of microorganisms on a surface to levels considered safe by public health standards. It’s different from cleaning (which removes soils) and disinfection (which inactivates many pathogens). Think of it as making surfaces safer after they’ve been cleaned.
Why It's Important
Sanitization lowers the risk of illness by reducing germs on high-use surfaces, supporting healthier homes and workplaces.
How to Improve Sanitization Skills
Sharper results come from good products and better habits. Try this approach:
Pick appropriate products: Use sanitizers labeled for the surface and targeted microorganisms. Check the product label for scope and use cases.
Clean first, then sanitize: Dirt blocks effectiveness. Remove soil before applying a sanitizer.
Respect dwell time: Apply enough product to keep the surface wet for the full contact time listed on the label.
Target high-touch zones: Door handles, switches, railings, remotes, appliance pulls—hit them consistently.
Use basic PPE: Gloves and eye protection when labels advise it. Ventilate when needed.
Maintain tools: Launder cloths, rinse buckets, and clean spray triggers to avoid cross-contamination.
Consistency matters. Small habits stack up and keep spaces safer.
How to Display Sanitization Skills on Your Resume
2. Disinfection
Disinfection means using chemicals or devices to inactivate a broad range of microorganisms on surfaces (not spores to the level of sterilization). It’s the step after cleaning when you need a higher level of hygiene.
Why It's Important
It helps break chains of transmission, especially on frequently touched surfaces in shared spaces.
How to Improve Disinfection Skills
Choose the right disinfectant: Match the product to the surface and the organisms of concern. Verify compatibility with finishes.
Follow the label: Correct dilution, sufficient wet time, and proper ventilation make all the difference.
Clean then disinfect: Soil first, germs second. Skipping the clean step weakens results.
Protect yourself: Gloves, eye protection, and safe handling practices.
Train and standardize: Make a simple checklist for high-touch areas and frequency.
Store and date products: Keep containers sealed, note opening dates, and replace when expired.
How to Display Disinfection Skills on Your Resume
3. Vacuuming
Vacuuming removes dust, grit, hair, and allergens from carpets, rugs, upholstery, and hard floors using suction—and the right attachments.
Why It's Important
It improves air quality, preserves flooring, and stops dirt from grinding into fibers and finishes.
How to Improve Vacuuming Skills
Empty before it’s full: An overfilled bag or canister cuts suction. Keep airflow strong.
Dial in settings: Adjust height and suction for carpet pile vs. hard floors.
Use attachments: Crevice tools for edges, brushes for baseboards and vents, upholstery tools for furniture.
Slow, overlapping passes: Two directions on carpet lifts crushed fibers and pulls more soil.
Maintain the machine: Clear hair from brush rolls, check belts, replace filters as recommended.
Pre-pick debris: Grab larger items first to avoid clogs.
Set a routine: High-traffic areas need more frequent attention.
How to Display Vacuuming Skills on Your Resume
4. Dusting
Dusting removes fine particles from surfaces using microfiber cloths, dusters, or brushes so the air stays cleaner and surfaces don’t get grimy.
Why It's Important
Less dust means fewer allergens, better-looking spaces, and less wear on electronics and finishes.
How to Improve Dusting Skills
Go microfiber: It grabs and holds dust instead of pushing it around.
Work high to low: Start with vents, lights, and shelves, then move down so fallout gets captured at the end.
Lightly dampen when needed: A slightly damp cloth helps on sticky surfaces and trims static.
Declutter: Clear surfaces so dusting is quick and thorough.
Vacuum soft surfaces: Upholstery and drapes trap fine dust—use a HEPA-capable vacuum if available.
Finish with floors: Sweep or vacuum last to collect whatever drifted down.
How to Display Dusting Skills on Your Resume
5. Mopping
Mopping uses a damp mop and a suitable solution to lift soil, spills, and residues from hard floors without harming the finish.
Why It's Important
It prevents grime buildup, reduces germ load on floors, and cuts slip risks from sticky films.
How to Improve Mopping Skills
Match mop to floor: Microfiber for most tasks, flat mops for smooth floors, string or loop mops for textured areas.
Prep first: Sweep or vacuum to remove grit that scratches finishes.
Use the right dilution: Stronger isn’t better—follow the label to avoid residue.
Figure-eight or S-pattern: Efficient, ergonomic, and less likely to miss spots.
Change solution often: Dirty water just spreads dirt around.
Dry promptly: Use fans or a dry mop to reduce slip hazards and streaks.
Clean gear: Rinse and dry mop heads; launder microfiber separately to maintain performance.
How to Display Mopping Skills on Your Resume
6. Polishing
Polishing smooths and brightens surfaces—metal, wood, stone, glass—by gentle abrasion or with dedicated polishes, protecting finishes and improving appearance.
Why It's Important
It restores luster, hides minor marks, and adds a protective layer that repels soils.
How to Improve Polishing Skills
Identify the material: Wood, stainless, brass, marble, granite—use products made for that surface.
Less is more: Apply small amounts, buff in circles, and finish with straight strokes for a clean sheen.
Soft tools: Microfiber cloths and appropriate pads reduce swirls and haze.
Test first: Try products in an inconspicuous spot to confirm compatibility.
Maintain regularly: Light, frequent touch-ups beat heavy, infrequent scrubbing.
How to Display Polishing Skills on Your Resume
7. Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning removes embedded soil, stains, and odors using methods like vacuuming, spot treatment, hot water extraction, encapsulation, or dry compound cleaning.
Why It's Important
It extends carpet life, reduces allergens, and keeps spaces looking and smelling fresh.
How to Improve Carpet Cleaning Skills
Pre-vacuum thoroughly: Dry soil removal boosts every other step.
Identify fibers and stains: Wool vs. synthetics, oil-based vs. protein stains—treat accordingly.
Use the right chemistry: Choose detergents and spotters suited to the fiber and stain type; avoid over-wetting.
Mind temperature and pressure: Enough heat and extraction to clean well without damaging backing.
Rinse and neutralize: Reduce residue to prevent rapid re-soiling.
Speed up drying: Use fans, open airflow, and limit moisture. Aim for dry within 6–12 hours.
Protect high-traffic paths: Apply carpet protector when appropriate.
How to Display Carpet Cleaning Skills on Your Resume
8. Window Washing
Window washing clears dirt, film, and streaks from glass using squeegees, scrubbers, and lint-free cloths for a crisp, clear finish.
Why It's Important
Cleaner windows bring in more light, boost curb appeal, and prevent corrosive buildup from pollutants.
How to Improve Window Washing Skills
Gather the right kit: Squeegee, scrubber, bucket, mild detergent, microfiber or detailing towels.
Mix a simple solution: Cool water with a few drops of dish soap works well; avoid heavy suds.
Scrub evenly: Loosen grime across the whole pane, including corners and edges.
Squeegee like a pro: Start at the top, pull in smooth strokes, and wipe the blade after each pass.
Detail the edges: Use a dry microfiber to catch remaining drips and lines.
Time it right: Cloudy days reduce quick-drying streaks. Clean exterior glass at least twice a year; more often near roads or trees.
How to Display Window Washing Skills on Your Resume
9. Pressure Washing
Pressure washing blasts away grime, mold, and loose paint from concrete, siding, decks, and equipment using high-pressure water—fast but powerful.
Why It's Important
It restores surfaces, prevents damage from growths, and preps areas for sealing or painting.
How to Improve Pressure Washing Skills
Match the machine to the job: Choose suitable PSI and GPM; delicate surfaces need lower pressure and wider tips.
Pick the right nozzle: Wider angles for general cleaning, narrower streams for stubborn spots—test and adjust.
Pre-clean: Sweep debris and pre-treat stains so you’re not forcing grit into the surface.
Use detergents wisely: Apply, allow dwell time, then rinse thoroughly.
Control distance and angle: Usually 12–18 inches away, with a slight downward angle to avoid damage.
Think safety: Eye protection, gloves, non-slip footwear. Never point the wand at people, pets, or fragile finishes.
How to Display Pressure Washing Skills on Your Resume
10. Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning uses high-temperature vapor to loosen soil and reduce microbial loads on sealed hard surfaces and some textiles—often without added chemicals.
Why It's Important
Heat penetrates crevices, lifts grease, and can inactivate many microbes when used correctly, all while minimizing chemical residues.
How to Improve Steam Cleaning Skills
Pre-clean first: Remove loose debris so steam can reach the surface.
Use distilled water: Helps prevent scale buildup inside the machine.
Choose the right attachment: Brushes for grout, pads for floors, nozzles for tight spots.
Let it heat fully: Wait for stable temperature and pressure before starting.
Control moisture: Short passes and proper ventilation speed drying and reduce streaks.
Maintain equipment: Descale as recommended and replace worn pads/brushes.
How to Display Steam Cleaning Skills on Your Resume
11. Waste Removal
Waste removal covers collecting, sorting, and disposing of trash, recyclables, and special waste to keep spaces sanitary and compliant with local rules.
Why It's Important
It prevents odors and pests, protects health, and supports sustainability goals.
How to Improve Waste Removal Skills
Sort correctly: Separate recyclables, compostables, general waste, and hazardous items per local guidelines.
Right liners and bins: Use proper sizes and color-coding to reduce leaks and mistakes.
Secure and sanitize: Tie off bags, wipe bin rims and lids, and disinfect regularly.
Optimize routes and timing: Empty high-use bins before they overflow; align pickups with building schedules.
Handle hazards safely: Follow procedures for sharps, chemicals, batteries, and e-waste.
Educate and post signage: Simple labels and reminders cut contamination in recycling streams.
How to Display Waste Removal Skills on Your Resume
12. Eco-Friendly Products
Eco-friendly products use safer ingredients and smarter packaging to lower environmental and health impacts while still cleaning effectively.
Why It's Important
They reduce chemical exposure, improve indoor air quality, and shrink the footprint of everyday cleaning.
How to Improve Eco-Friendly Products Skills
Choose safer formulas: Look for plant-based, biodegradable ingredients and low-VOC options that match the task.
Use concentrates: Dilute correctly to cut plastic waste and storage space.
Match product to surface: Green doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all—verify compatibility to avoid damage.
Label and store: Keep original labels, note dilution ratios, and store away from heat and sunlight.
Train for efficacy: Even eco-products need proper dwell time and technique for great results.
Reduce single-use items: Reusable microfiber, refill systems, and bulk purchases lower waste.
How to Display Eco-Friendly Products Skills on Your Resume
