What does a janitor do?

What is a Janitor?

Janitors keep office buildings, schools, hospitals, retail stores, hotels, and other places clean, sanitary, and in good condition. Some do only cleaning, while others have a variety of duties. In addition to keeping the inside of buildings clean and orderly, some janitors work outdoors, mowing lawns, sweeping walkways, or shovelling snow. Some janitors may also monitor the heating and cooling systems, ensuring that they function properly.

Janitors typically do the following:

Gather and empty trash and trash bins
Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming them
Clean bathrooms and stock them with soap, toilet paper, and other supplies
Keep buildings secure by locking doors
Clean spills and other hazards using sponges and squeegees
Wash windows, walls, and glass
Order cleaning supplies
Change light bulbs
Notify managers when the building needs major repairs

Janitors use a variety of tools and equipment. Simple cleaning tools may include mops, brooms, rakes, and shovels. Other tools may include snow blowers and floor buffers. Some janitors may be responsible for small electrical or plumbing repairs, for example, repairing a leaky faucet.

Are you suited to be a janitor?

Janitors have distinct personalities. They tend to be realistic individuals, which means they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty. They like tasks that are tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical. Some of them are also conventional, meaning they’re conscientious and conservative.

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What is the workplace of a Janitor like?

Most janitors work in servicing buildings and dwellings. Many are also employed in servicing elementary and secondary schools.

Most janitors and building cleaners work indoors, but some do work outdoors part of the time, sweeping walkways, mowing lawns, or shovelling snow. They spend most of the day standing, sometimes moving or lifting heavy supplies or equipment. As a result, the work may be strenuous on the back, arms, and legs. Some tasks, such as cleaning bathrooms and trash rooms, can be dirty and unpleasant.

Most janitors work full time, but some can work part time. Because office buildings are usually cleaned while they are empty, many cleaning workers work evening hours. Janitors in schools, however, usually work during the day. When there is a need for 24-hour maintenance, janitors may work in shifts. This is particularly true in hospitals and hotels.

Janitors are also known as:
Custodian Cleaner Custodial Worker Building Custodian Plant Custodian School Janitor Hospital Janitor Store Janitor Hotel Janitor Office Janitor