11 Formal Job Titles for a Cleaning Person

There is nothing wrong with cleaning jobs. Still, some people might worry about “cleaner” as an offensive title. There are plenty of polite synonyms out there to describe someone who cleans. This article will explore another word for a cleaning person that works as a professional name.

The best job titles for a cleaning person are “cleaner,” “janitor,” and “maid.” These words work well in most situations. They show that someone gets paid to clean properties or businesses. There is nothing offensive or rude about using any of these terms.

1. Cleaner

“Cleaner” is already a good job title for a cleaner. It is not offensive, and most people’s official job title is “cleaner” when hired for cleaning positions. You should not worry about using “cleaner” when referring to something someone does.

“Cleaner” is not offensive. Some people might look down on cleaning positions, but that’s because they think they’re better than everyone else. The same people would probably look down on a job in a fast-food restaurant or office, too.

As long as you are not using “cleaner” in a spiteful way, there’s no reason why you can’t use it.

• I am a cleaner for a local company. I work full-time hours, and I’m very proud of all the work I do for the office.
• You should be a cleaner. I hear they get paid more than most people realize. I think it’ll be worth your time to check it out.

2. Janitor

“Janitor” is another official term to refer to someone’s job when they clean things. It’s a great term to use within institutions like schools and hospitals. Most institutions hire “janitors” to look after the cleanliness of the building.

“Janitor” is a very polite term in most cases. You should use it if you don’t know how else to refer to someone’s cleaning job.

• The school’s janitor is working his last shift today. It’s going to be so sad to see him go. He was always so nice to me.
• I’m a janitor. I’m good friends with the principal. I can get you an interview for the other position if you’re interested.

3. Maid

“Maid” is an old-fashioned word, but it is still commonly used to refer to cleaning positions. It is gender neutral, meaning it can refer to men or women by today’s standards.

“Maid” can be a bit offensive to some people because of the connotations that only women can be maids. This is a very outdated thought process, though. Most people accept that anyone who cleans a building is a “maid,” as long as they’re paid for it.

Some companies will list you as a “maid” by default. You will also apply for the ” maid ” job before receiving the position.

• You should become a maid for the company. They hire people regardless of gender. Yes, it’s possible to have a male maid.
• I think it would be good to go back to my maid job. I enjoyed myself and felt like I got the most out of it.

4. Custodian

“Custodian” is synonymous with “janitor.” It’s common for schools to have custodians who clean as the day goes on. “Custodian” is a professional title used to refer to anyone who cleans on a daily basis and gets paid for it.

Some people might take offence at “custodian,” but most of the time, it’s acceptable to use. After all, most job titles that require cleaners in schools and other institutions name their cleaners “custodians.”

• He is a custodian during the day. That’s what pays the bills. You really shouldn’t take the mickey out of him for it.
• You should try to become a custodian. There’s no shame in it. In fact, it’s quite a respectable job, as long as you do it right.

5. Caretaker

“Caretaker” is another great term that comes across as polite and respectful. You can call someone a “caretaker” if it’s their duty to care for something and ensure it is kept to a high standard.

This is a fairly common job title for anyone who cleans for a living. It’s popular for institutions to have either janitors, custodians, or caretakers.

The good thing about being a “caretaker” is that it allows you to do other things. Your job isn’t limited to cleaning. You might be in charge of fixing electrical issues or checking water supplies (and other facility duties).

• I’m the local caretaker. I get most of the jobs done early in the day so that I don’t have to step on anyone’s toes when things get busy.
• We’re both caretakers, and we love what we do. If you want to get into our company, we’d happily give you a reference.

6. Maintenance Worker

“Maintenance worker” is an umbrella term to refer to anyone who works as part of a maintenance team. This can relate to technicians, electricians, and janitors.

You can use “maintenance worker” as a professional term for a cleaner. Even if they only clean (and don’t do any of the other technical things), they are still part of the “maintenance” team.

Cleaning a building means you are maintaining a building. It’s a good term to use to show that you respect someone’s role in an organization.

• You should try being a maintenance worker for a day. Then, you’ll see how hard it is for people like me. It’s no cakewalk.
• I’m a maintenance worker because that’s what I fell into after college. It made the most sense to me, and I enjoyed myself.

7. Facilities Staff

“Facilities staff” is another good umbrella term you can use. It shows that a cleaner is part of the “facilities” team, meaning they work behind the scenes to ensure everything in the building runs smoothly.

Facilities staff can include anything from “maintenance men” to “cleaners” to “painters.” As long as someone’s job involves the facilities of the building and keeping it in top shape, they can be part of the facilities team.

• We are part of the facilities staff at the school. We don’t get a lot of money for it, but it’s still a good starting salary.
• I thought you had joined the facilities staff. That’s why I asked you to clean up this mess. I didn’t mean to insult you.

8. Facilitator

“Facilitator” is a slight variation of “facilities staff.” It shows that someone facilitates a building, meaning they are responsible for a lot of the cleaning duties around it.

This is a great phrase when referring to someone in a professional context. If they clean a lot, you could use this phrase.

It’s rare to come across “facilitator” as an official job title. Most companies would stick to one of the options higher on this list because they are more familiar. It helps the applicant know what role they’re applying for.

• I am a facilitator. I get most of the menial cleaning jobs done for the school when they need me. For the most part, I get to sit around all day.
• You should become a facilitator for that branch. It’s a well-paid job, and it would be a shame to let it go to waste.

9. Housekeeper

“Housekeeper” means that someone cleans or does chores for a household. It can also be used to refer to small offices or businesses that require cleaning.

It’s a good term, but it’s fairly outdated. It’s similar to using “maid.” Some companies will continue to use it, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most popular choice out there.

• If you’re not going to become a housekeeper, why did you apply for a role in this company? Those are the only jobs we’re offering.
• I’m a housekeeper, and I take great pride in the things I do. Maybe you should come along someday to see how I work.

10. Floor Manager

“Floor manager” is a great term to refer to someone who cleans professionally. This works for anyone who doesn’t want “cleaning” to be the main focus of their job role.

Instead, it allows them to focus on “managing” the “floor.” The implication is that they still clean everything that is needed, but they don’t have to be referred to as “cleaners.”

• Are you the floor manager around here? I spilt something, and I could really do with your help to clean most of it up.
• I’m not the floor manager, but I can find her. She’ll be around here somewhere, and she can help you sort it.

11. Cleaning Operative

“Cleaning operative” is a unique choice that you might come across. It is a long-winded way to refer to someone who cleans for a living. “Operative” is used as an extra fancy word to add to the job title.

This is only done by companies who want to entice people to work for them. Sometimes, jobs are described in special ways like this to make them sound more appealing than they are.

• We need to hire more cleaning operatives to help with the daily tasks. There’s a lot more to this than I realized at first.
• She wanted to become a cleaning operative at the company to climb the ladder. She’s already reached a supervisor role.