Directory of Semiskilled Trades

Sector : 07 - Buildings and Public Works Info

8774 Residential Cleaner

M774
Field of application Residential cleaners work for companies offering residential cleaning services that are commonly referred to as heavy cleaning. In some companies, a team does the work. The workplaces are varied and include such residences as single-family homes, condominiums, rental units in apartment buildings and cottages.
Other job titles Carpet or furniture cleaning specialist

570 - Prepare for the service visit to the client’s residence 2

Performance criteria

  • Compliance with the terms and conditions of the service agreement
  • Concern for company profitability
  • Concern for client satisfaction.
  • Appropriate attire
  • Demonstration of good organizational skills
  • Punctuality
  • Honesty
  • Discretion

Tasks

  • Receive instructions from the person in charge (client names and addresses, terms of the contracts covering the specified work and the time allotted for it, etc.).
  • Check the schedule.
  • Make certain to have the material required (vacuum cleaner, brushes, mop, pail, work gloves, etc.).
  • Make certain to have the household cleaning products (regular or environmentally-friendly).
  • Consult a road map. Optional task or competency
  • Upon arrival at the premises, unload the products and materials from the vehicle and take them to the residence.
  • Ring the doorbell or unlock the door.
  • Deactivate the alarm system. Optional task or competency
  • Greet the client and confirm the work to be done. Optional task or competency
  • Follow the client’s instructions concerning domestic animals. Optional task or competency
  • Detect any problems and notify the person in charge.

827401 - Clean walls and ceilings 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with the terms and conditions of the service agreement
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Compliance with the steam equipment manufacturer’s specifications, if applicable
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment and cleaning products
  • Precautions taken to avoid disturbing the client, if applicable
  • Proper time management
  • Care taken with the different surfaces
  • Meticulous work
  • Cleanliness

Tasks

  • Read the cleaning chart prepared by the person in charge and accepted by the client with respect to the recommended methods and products selected for the type of surface covering (paint, wall paper, wood panelling, etc.).
  • Take down objects hung on the walls or from the ceilings (picture frames, clocks, plants, mirrors, etc.).
  • Protect the furniture by covering it with a drop-sheet or moving it.
  • Prepare the cleaning materials, equipment and products.
  • Carry out wet, dry or steam cleaning.
  • Remove stains on radiators, door and window frames, light switches, etc.
  • Check the quality of the work, noting imperfections and correcting them.

827402 - Clean floors 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with the terms and conditions of the service agreement
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Compliance with the steam equipment manufacturer’s specifications, if applicable
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment and cleaning products
  • Precautions taken to avoid disturbing the client, if applicable
  • Proper time management
  • Care taken with the different surfaces
  • Meticulous work
  • Cleanliness

Tasks

  • Read the cleaning chart prepared by the person in charge and accepted by the client with respect to the recommended methods and products selected for the type of floor covering (hardwood, slate, ceramic, tile, etc.).
  • Move the furniture and other objects.
  • Vacuum.
  • Prepare the cleaning materials, equipment and products.
  • Remove stains on floors and radiators.
  • Use a mop or steam cleaner to wash the floors.
  • Wax and polish the floors. Optional task or competency
  • Check the quality of the work, noting imperfections and correcting them.

827403 - Clean carpets or rugs Optional task or competency 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with the terms and conditions of the service agreement
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Compliance with the steam equipment manufacturer’s specifications, if applicable
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment and cleaning products
  • Precautions taken to avoid disturbing the client, if applicable
  • Proper time management
  • Care taken with the floor coverings
  • Meticulous work
  • Cleanliness

Tasks

  • Read the cleaning chart prepared by the person in charge and accepted by the client with respect to the recommended methods and products selected for the type of carpets or rugs (shag or plush, type of fibre, etc.).
  • Move the furniture and other objects.
  • Vacuum.
  • Prepare the wet or steam rug cleaning machine.
  • Apply the cleaning product and brush the surfaces.
  • Use the rug cleaning machine.
  • Let the carpet or rug dry.
  • Apply a protective product. Optional task or competency
  • Put the furniture and other objects back in their places.
  • Check the quality of the work, noting imperfections and correcting them.

827404 - Clean upholstered furniture 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules
  • Compliance with the terms and conditions of the service agreement
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Compliance with the steam equipment manufacturer’s specifications, if applicable
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment and cleaning products
  • Precautions taken to avoid disturbing the client, if applicable
  • Proper time management
  • Care taken with fabrics and other materials
  • Meticulous work
  • Cleanliness

Tasks

  • Read the cleaning chart prepared by the person in charge and accepted by the client with respect to the recommended methods and products selected for the type of upholstery.
  • Prepare the cleaning materials, equipment and products.
  • Vacuum.
  • Prepare the steam cleaning machine.
  • Apply the cleaning product and brush the surfaces.
  • Use the steam cleaning machine on fabric upholstery or use a cleaning product on leather upholstery.
  • Apply a protective product. Optional task or competency
  • Check the quality of the work, noting imperfections and correcting them.

827405 - Clean windows 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with the terms and conditions of the service agreement
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment and cleaning products
  • Precautions taken to avoid disturbing the client, if applicable
  • Proper time management
  • Meticulous work
  • Cleanliness

Tasks

  • Read the cleaning chart prepared by the person in charge and accepted by the client.
  • Prepare the cleaning materials, equipment and products.
  • Remove drapes, curtains, hanging plants, decorative objects, etc.
  • Protect the furniture by covering it with a drop-sheet or moving it.
  • Put up the ladder.
  • Wash the blinds, let them dry and put them back. Optional task or competency
  • Wash the inside and outside of the glass with soapy water; a squeegee may be used for hard-to-reach places.
  • Wash window frames and sills.
  • Rinse with vinegar water; a squeegee may be used for hard-to-reach places.
  • Wipe the window to make it shine.
  • Put the drapes, curtains, hanging plants, decorative objects, etc. back in place.
  • Check the quality of the work, noting imperfections and correcting them.

827406 - Clean closets and cupboards Optional task or competency 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with the terms and conditions of the service agreement
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment and cleaning products
  • Precautions taken to avoid disturbing the client, if applicable
  • Proper time management
  • Meticulous work
  • Cleanliness

Tasks

  • Read the cleaning chart prepared by the person in charge and accepted by the client.
  • Put up the ladder.
  • Empty the closets and cupboards (food, kitchen items, clothes, shoes, sports equipment, etc.) and put the items in the designated place.
  • Prepare the cleaning materials, equipment and products.
  • Wipe off the shelves using a damp cloth.
  • Remove stains.
  • Let dry and then put items back in their original places in the closets or cupboards.
  • Check the quality of the work, noting imperfections and correcting them.

827407 - Clean the stove and refrigerator Optional task or competency 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Observance of hygiene and cleanliness rules
  • Compliance with the terms and conditions of the service agreement
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment and cleaning products
  • Precautions taken to avoid disturbing the client, if applicable
  • Proper time management
  • Meticulous work
  • Cleanliness

Tasks

  • Read the cleaning chart prepared by the person in charge and accepted by the client.
  • Prepare the cleaning materials, equipment and products.
  • Take the necessary steps to protect the floors or walls.
  • Spray the cleaning product in the oven or start the automatic cleaning cycle.
  • Remove and soak the racks, trays, drip bowls under the elements, etc., then rinse and dry them.
  • Clean the stove inside and out.
  • Clean the stove hood. Optional task or competency
  • Empty the refrigerator, then wash and dry the shelves.
  • Empty the freezer, then wash and dry it inside.
  • Defrost the freezer if ice has formed inside it. Optional task or competency
  • Check the quality of the work, noting imperfections and correcting them.

572 - Finish the work 2

Performance criteria

  • Compliance with the terms and conditions of the service agreement
  • Accurate calculations
  • Demonstration of a keen sense of observation
  • Honesty
  • Courtesy

Tasks

  • Inspect each room.
  • Close the windows and French doors and turn off the lights, as applicable.
  • Fill out a time sheet or bill: count the hours worked, enter them, calculate the costs, etc.
  • Submit the quality of service evaluation form, promotional items and invoice, as applicable.
  • Note any problems and inform the client as well as the person in charge (water leak, presence of insects, broken object, etc.).
  • Carry the products and equipment to the vehicle.
  • Make sure not to leave anything behind.
  • Take leave of the client. Optional task or competency
  • Activate the alarm system. Optional task or competency
  • Lock the door.
Info Optional competency or task. Competencies or tasks marked with this symbol are not required in all workplaces. They could be included in a student’s training plan if the practicum setting offers the opportunity for the student to apply them.