What they do
Domestic cleaners tidy and clean the private homes of their clients. Their duties usually include vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, mopping and emptying bins, sanitising bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, and maintaining cleanliness in other areas of the household as defined by their client. The specific cleaning tasks they undertake will depend on their clients’ needs and requirements.
Domestic cleaners may provide cleaning services for a range of residential clients, such as people with busy lifestyles or who work long hours, the elderly or people with disabilities.
Working conditions
Domestic cleaners may work alone or as part of a team. They may work for large national cleaning companies or small family-operated companies. Domestic cleaners may have consistent work with regular clients daily, weekly or fortnightly, or they may have one-off placements, such as rent inspections or end-of-lease cleaning. They travel from one residence to the next, and their working hours may be irregular.
Tools and technologies
Domestic cleaners use appliances and implements such as vacuum cleaners, mops and dusters. They may use chemical cleaning agents and are required to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves and facemasks.
Domestic cleaners generally use mobile phones to make their work arrangements. They also need to know how to use house alarms and security systems.
How do I become one?
Education and training
It is possible to work as a domestic cleaner without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in cleaning or cleaning operations.
The Certificate II in Cleaning and Certificate III in Cleaning Operations are offered at registered training organisations throughout Western Australia. Search on the My Skills website to find a registered provider near you.
You can also undertake a traineeship in cleaning operations (level 2 or level 3). The traineeships usually take between 6 and 12 months to complete, and the level 2 traineeship is available as a school-based traineeship.
Required registration and licensing
To work as a domestic cleaner you usually need to obtain a National Police Certificate. You may also need to hold a current drivers licence and possess your own vehicle.