Fancy A Cleaning Job? How Much Can You Expect To Earn!

Cleaning Industry UK Statistics

Overview of Cleaning Industry Statistics in the UK The cleaning sector in the UK has a workforce comprising 1.47 million individuals.

The market size for this industry reached £59.8 billion in the year 2021.
By 2023, there were 75,565 cleaning enterprises operating within the UK, an increase from 73,655 businesses reported in 2022.
In January 2024, a new apprenticeship program for cleaning hygiene operatives was initiated. On average, cleaners across the UK can expect to earn salaries ranging from £17,000 to £24,000 based on their level of experience.
The vast majority of cleaning companies are small-scale operations; approximately nine out of ten employ fewer than ten staff members.
Nearly all cleaning firms (99%) are independently owned entities. In terms of gender distribution within the industry as a whole, there is a higher proportion of female workers at 56%, compared to male workers at 44%.

Nonetheless, significant disparities exist among various job roles; particularly within landscaping services and waste management sectors where male employees tend to predominate.

What Cleaning Sector Were You Looking For? We Have Them All:

17 of the most lucrative paying cleaning jobs

Domestic, Commercial, Ironing, Window, Mattress, Carpet, Rug, End of tenancy, Uniform, Dry, Builders (clean), Hotel, Hard floor, Air duct, Vehicle (engines), Car wash, Car valet, Medical (sterilization)

1. Domestic Cleaning

A domestic cleaner is someone who is hired to clean the inside of a person’s home. The duties of a domestic cleaner can vary depending on the agreement between the cleaner and the customer. However, there are some common duties that are typically carried out by domestic cleaners. These duties can include vacuuming, mopping, dusting, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, and taking out the rubbish.

Domestic cleaners can also be responsible for doing the laundry and ironing. In most cases, domestic cleaners are hired on a regular basis to come and clean the home on a weekly or fortnightly basis. However, there are also some cleaners who are hired for one-off jobs, such as cleaning before or after a party or event. £12.21 per hour-£17.50 per hour.

2. Commercial Cleaning

A commercial cleaner is responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of commercial buildings, such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, and retail stores. Commercial cleaners typically work on a contract basis with businesses or organizations.

The duties of a commercial cleaner include sweeping, mopping, dusting, and vacuuming.

They may also be responsible for cleaning restrooms, kitchens, and break rooms. In some cases, commercial cleaners may be responsible for setting up and breaking down events, such as conventions and weddings. Floor buffing is also an important element of commercial cleaners.

If you are thinking of hiring a commercial cleaner, it is important to know what they do and what to expect. £12.21 per hour

3. Ironing Service

Ironing is a chore that many people dread. It is time-consuming and often seen as a tedious task. However, there are ways to make ironing easier and even enjoyable. One way is to use a professional ironing service. A professional ironing service can take the hassle out of ironing.

They can do it quickly and efficiently, so you can have more time for the things you enjoy.

In addition, they can also take care of other chores, such as laundry. If you are looking for a way to make your life easier, then a professional ironing service is a great option. £12.21 per hour

4. Window Cleaning

Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you enjoy working with your hands? Are you looking for a job that is both physically and mentally demanding? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a career as a window cleaner might be right for you!

Window cleaners are responsible for cleaning the windows of both commercial and residential buildings. They also perform other related tasks, such as power washing. If you are interested in a career as a window cleaner, then read you could earn between £12.21 per hour

5. Mattress Cleaner

As a mattress cleaner, your duties will include regular cleaning and maintenance of all types of mattresses in households and commercial establishments. You will need to be physically fit and able to lift heavy mattresses, both sides of the mattress will need vacuumed and steam cleaned, and you’d need to carry a portable carpet cleaner upstairs.

You will also need to be able to work independently and be comfortable working in tight spaces. In addition to your cleaning duties, you will also need to perform in-depth inspections of mattresses and bedding to ensure that they are free of any bed-bugs or infestations. If you are interested in becoming a mattress cleaner then you can expect to earn £12.50 per hour

6. Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Carpet and upholstery cleaners are responsible for cleaning carpets, furniture, and upholstery in homes and businesses. They vacuum carpets, shampoo them, and spot-clean stains.

Carpet and upholstery cleaners may also apply deodorizers and disinfectants to fabrics. They typically work part-time or full-time, and some may work evenings and weekends. Some cleaners are self-employed and work as independent contractors. £12.21 per hour

7. Rug Cleaner

The rug cleaning industry has grown exponentially in recent years. As a result, the demand for qualified rug cleaners has also increased. If you are thinking of entering this field, then it is important to know what the job entails.

The duties of a rug cleaner include vacuuming, spot cleaning, and stain removal. They may also be responsible for shampooing and deep cleaning rugs. In some cases, they may also be required to pick up and return.

Rug cleaners must be knowledgeable about the different types of fabrics and materials used in rugs. They must also be familiar with the different cleaning methods and solutions. £12.21 per hour

8. End Of Tenancy Cleaning

When it comes to moving out of a rental property, most landlords and letting agents require that the property is left in a professional cleaned condition. This is where an end of tenancy cleaner comes in.

An end of tenancy cleaner is responsible for ensuring that the property is clean and presentable for the new tenants. They will typically have a checklist of tasks that need to be completed, such as cleaning the oven, mopping the floors, and dusting surfaces. £12.21 per hour

9. Uniform

As a uniform cleaner, you will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of uniforms worn by employees in an organization. This will include washing, ironing, and repair of the uniforms. In some cases, you may also be responsible for the distribution of uniforms to the employees.

You will need to have good organizational skills to keep track of the different uniforms and ensure that they are maintained in good condition. You should also be able to work quickly and efficiently to meet the needs of the employees. £12.21 per hour

10. Dry

An experienced dry cleaner knows there is more to the job than just pressing clothes and removing stains. In order to meet the needs of customers, a professional needs to fulfill a few essential duties. First and foremost, a dry cleaner must provide excellent customer service.

This means being able to answer customer questions, taking phone calls, taking care of special requests, and accommodating schedules.

In addition, a dry cleaner must have strong communication skills and be able to work well with others. As the liaison between the customer and the cleaning staff, it is important that the dry cleaner is able to relay instructions and ensure that the cleaning is done to the customer’s satisfaction.

Finally, a dry cleaner must be detail-oriented and organized. With so many customers and orders, it is essential that the dry cleaner is able to keep track of all the details and ensure that each order is completed correctly and on time. £12.50-£13 per hour.

11. Dry upholstery cleaner

As a dry upholstery cleaner, your duties will include cleaning and maintaining upholstered furniture and fabrics. This will involve vacuuming, dusting, shampooing, and spot-cleaning on a regular basis. You will need to be familiar with a variety of cleaning products and solvents, as well as have the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

You will also be responsible for ensuring that all health and safety regulations are followed. This includes using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and following all safety procedures.

In addition, you will need to keep an accurate record of all cleaning activities. £12.21-£14 per hour

12. Hard floor

When it comes to hard floor cleaners, there are a variety of duties that need to be performed on a daily basis. However, the most important duty of a hard floor cleaner is to ensure that the floors are clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris.

In addition to their daily duties, hard floor cleaners need to learn how to operate heavy machinery and also need to perform a variety of other tasks, such as sweeping, mopping, and sealing/polishing. They also need to be able to identify and remove stains.

If you are thinking about becoming a hard floor cleaner you may also need an accreditation from BICs. £12.50-£17.50 per hour.

13. Air duct

An air duct cleaner is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the ductwork in buildings. Ductwork consists of the vents, fans, and other equipment used to circulate air in a building.

Air duct cleaners use a variety of tools to clean ductwork, including vacuums, brushes, and air compressors. Air duct cleaners must be able to safely operate at height. They must also be able to work in confined spaces.

In addition, air duct cleaners must have knowledge of the building codes and regulations that govern ductwork in their area. £17-21 per hour

14. Vehicle (engines)

A vehicle engine cleaner’s duties include cleaning the engine bay of a vehicle, as well as the engine itself. They may also be responsible for other maintenance tasks, such as checking fluid levels and changing filters. Engine cleaners typically work in automotive repair shops or auto detailing businesses.

If you are interested in a career as a vehicle engine cleaner you can expect to earn £12.21-£14 per hour

15. Car wash

A car wash is a parking facility where vehicles are cleaned. Car washes can be either self-service or full-service. Full-service car washes offer cleaning services that are done by attendants, while self-service car washes allow customers to wash their own vehicles.

There are a number of different services that car washes offer. These services can include everything from simple exterior washes to complete detailing services. Car washes can be either drive-through or in-bay. Drive-through car washes offer customers the convenience of being able to wash their vehicles without leaving their car.

In-bay car washes require customers to park their vehicle in a stall where it can be accessed by the car wash attendants. £12.21 per hour

16. Car valet

A car valet is responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of a customer’s car. A valet typically works at a car wash or dealership, but can also be employed by a car rental agency, a car detailer, or a private individual.

The duties of a car valet include vacuuming the interior, washing the exterior, and cleaning the windows. A detail valeter may also be responsible for polishing the car’s chrome and cleaning the engine.

Valets may work on an as-needed basis or have a regular schedule. Some valets may work only when the weather is good, while others may work in all kinds of weather. £12-£13 per hour

17. NHS Medical (sterilization)

A medical sterile processing technician (SPT) is a vital member of the healthcare team who cleans, sterilizes, and prepares surgical instruments and equipment for safe use. This important role requires SPTs to have a keen eye for detail and excellent manual dexterity.

The SPT role is a great entry-level position for those interested in a career in the medical field. It is also a great role for those who are looking for a career change. As an SPT, you will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: –

Inspecting and testing surgical instruments and equipment for cleanliness and proper function –
Cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment –
Operating and troubleshooting autoclaves and other sterilization equipment –
Maintaining sterilization records –
Packing and labeling sterilized instruments and equipment If you are detail-oriented, have good manual dexterity.

£12.21 per hour

Conclusion

Now that we understand the different roles of cleaners, let’s discuss how to find you the best cleaning job. One of the easiest ways is to search online job portals that specialize in cleaning jobs. You can find a variety of options, including part-time and full-time positions, as well as jobs in different industries that require cleaning services, as you’ve seen above you have a multitude of different sectors to choose from.

Another option is to network with industry professionals and attend job fairs, where you can meet potential employers face-to-face and discuss job opportunities. You can also reach out to cleaning companies directly and inquire about current job openings or submit your resume for them to keep on file.

It’s essential to remember that the cleaning business is unique, and finding the right cleaning job that aligns with your skills and expertise is crucial.

For example, some cleaning jobs require specialized training/knowledge or accreditation, such as medical cleaning or industrial floor cleaning. Identifying your strengths and areas of expertise can help you find the perfect cleaning job that utilizes your skills

How Much Can You Expect To Earn From A Cleaning job?