Steps to Hire the Right Employees for Your Cleaning Business

Running a cleaning business can be rewarding and profitable, but at some point, you cannot handle everything alone. Whether you are servicing homes, offices, or specialized facilities, growing your company means hiring reliable cleaners who represent your brand well. The process is not just about filling a position, it is about building a dependable team that clients trust.

This guide walks you through the cleaning business hiring process, highlights common challenges, and provides cleaning staff hiring tips to help you attract, train, and retain the right people. With a structured approach, you can avoid costly mistakes and build a workforce that supports long-term growth.

Key Takeaways

• The way you hire cleaners can directly impact client satisfaction and business growth.
• Writing clear job descriptions sets expectations early.
• Screening, background checks, and proper interviews prevent costly turnover.
• Training and onboarding improve professionalism and service consistency.
• Retention strategies and workforce management software streamline operations.

Did you land on the blog because you searched “how to hire cleaning employees?” Well then let me tell you, you have come to the right place. To build a successful cleaning business, the cleaning staff is your backbone. If you have been in the cleaning industry for long, you know that finding good and reliable staff is not an easy task. In this competitive market, making a good staff stay is as difficult as hiring a new one. 

In this blog, we will explore how to hire and train employees for cleaning business. 

Why Hiring the Right Cleaning Staff Matters

The employees you bring on board will be the face of your company. Clients often judge your service based on the professionalism, reliability, and courtesy of your staff, not just the quality of cleaning.

High turnover is a major issue in the industry. Research shows that janitorial services experience turnover rates as high as 200% annually. Every time you replace an employee, you spend money on recruiting, onboarding, and training. A poorly managed hiring process can cost thousands each year.

A solid cleaning business hiring process helps you:

• Build trust with clients.
• Reduce turnover and costs.
• Free up your time to focus on scaling.
• Create a team that grows with your business.

There will be many things you need to take care of before you start the actual process. So worry not, you will find all of that here. So now let’s dive into the main thing: how to hire staff for your cleaning business?

How to hire staff for your cleaning business, Here are the following steps mention below:

• Identifying Your Hiring Needs
• Define Job Roles and Responsibilities
• Where to Find Potential Cleaning Employees
• Crafting an Effective Job Posting

Before The Hiring Process 

1. Identifying Your Hiring Needs

You will know when it’s time to get new cleaners into the business. If you were a one-man army in your business then it’s the right time. Although you might think that you can handle it, you might be missing the bigger picture. Go with your gut feeling, but there are other factors you might notice is 

1. Your schedule is always busy
2. You cannot handle the flow of new clients and providing services to the old ones is getting difficult too.
3. You can handle the expense of hiring new cleaners (salaries, taxes, etc)
4. You have the time to train the new cleaners properly

You know that getting the new cleaner will help your commercial cleaning service grow and provide new cleaning services that you were not able to before. Searching for how to hire employees for cleaning business is easy. But when you actually start the process you will find that it is actually more difficult than it seems. 

2. Define Job Roles and Responsibilities

With the passage of time you have noticed different types of cleaners, both good and bad. Before you actually post an opening in your company you need to define what you need. 

• Do you need a cleaner?
• Or a manager?
• Or hiring someone for administrative task

As you see your cleaning company grow, you will need to add new departments that will handle different parts. These things are important to consider before. Be specific about the skills and experience required for each role. A well-defined job description helps attract suitable staff and sets clear expectations from the start. This will help you avoid confusion for the HR department as well so that they can shortlist the apt option. 

Before you start recruiting, clearly define what type of cleaner you need. Roles vary across residential, commercial, and specialized services.

• Residential cleaners – Focus on homes and apartments. Clients expect trust, attention to detail, and good communication.
• Commercial cleaners – Handle offices, retail stores, or warehouses. May require handling large spaces, specialized equipment, or night shifts.
• Specialized cleaners – Work in medical facilities, post-construction sites, or industrial zones. Often require certifications or additional safety training.

Writing a Job Description

A strong job description is the foundation of hiring success. Include:

• Job title and type (full-time, part-time, or contract).
• Responsibilities (vacuuming, sanitizing, carpet cleaning, etc.).
• Work schedule and flexibility.
• Pay range and benefits.
• Expectations around reliability, professionalism, and safety.

This clarity helps attract candidates who understand exactly what the job requires.

3. Where to Find Potential Cleaning Employees

Finding the right candidates can be challenging, but there are several effective channels you can use:

• Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.

• Local Community Boards: Posting in local community centers or libraries.

• Social Media: Using platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

• Employee Referrals: Asking current employees for recommendations.

  To stand out, highlight what makes your business attractive: weekly pay, flexible shifts, growth opportunities, or a supportive work culture. Employer branding, even simple social media posts or staff testimonials, can improve your hiring results.

4. Crafting an Effective Job Posting

To find the right cleaning staff for your cleaning company is selling yourself to the right candidate. Your job posting is what anyone will see first. It builds an image for the potential employees. The perfect job posting will be concise, clear, and easy to understand. It should leave an impression on the viewer and not confuse them when they read through the job posting. It should also set clear expectations for the new hires so that they know what they are signing up for. 

The Actual Hiring Process 

Step 1 - Writing a Clear and Compelling Job Description

While advertising about an opening in your company you need to take some steps into consideration as well. There will be many cleaning companies hiring as well. What will make you stand out? An attractive and attention-grabbing job description is the right answer. 

Your job description should include:

1. Job Title: Clear and specific, such as “Residential Cleaner” or “Commercial Cleaning Technician.”
2. Responsibilities: List daily tasks and expectations.
3. Requirements: Specify necessary skills and experience.
4. Benefits: Highlight what you offer, like competitive pay, flexible hours, or training programs.
5. Call to Action: Provide clear instructions for applicants to submit their resumes.

Step 2 - The Interview Process for a Commercial Cleaning Service

Now your real work has started. After putting in the job description you will start getting inquiries and people will start signing up. But not everyone will be the right candidate right? To find the ideal candidate for your cleaning company you need to interview. Moreover, there will be many options to choose from, but it might be the case that the job opening is only one. 

Screening is where you prevent future issues. A rushed decision often leads to unreliable employees.

Look for:

• Consistent work history.
• Service industry or cleaning experience.
• References you can verify.
• Availability that matches your needs.

Red flags include frequent job changes, no references, or vague resumes. A careful screening process protects your reputation and ensures client trust.

Step 3 - Conducting Effective Interviews

Start with a thorough screening of resumes and applications. Look for relevant experience, stability in previous jobs, and any red flags. Prepare a set of standard questions to ensure consistency. Ask about their previous cleaning experience, their approach to customer service, and how they handle difficult situations. Practical tests, like cleaning a sample area, can also be helpful.

The interview is your chance to go beyond resumes. Ask practical and situational questions that reveal reliability, problem-solving, and professionalism.

Some effective interview questions for cleaners include:

• How do you handle a client who is unhappy with your work?
• Walk me through your process for cleaning a kitchen or office.
• How do you prioritize tasks if you’re given multiple responsibilities?
• Do you have experience with eco-friendly or specialized cleaning products?
• What steps do you take to stay safe when using chemicals?

These questions test both technical skills and customer service ability, which are equally important in cleaning roles.

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Step 4 - Checking References and Backgrounds

This might be a simple task, but often overlooked by many cleaning companies. Running a basic background check is important by all means. This ensures that nothing will hamper their performance or create any issues. Taking reference from their previous work experience is beneficial because it authenticates their work. 

Since cleaners often work in private spaces, background checks are essential for security and trust.

• Background checks – Criminal history, employment verification, and identity checks.
• Worker classification – Decide if you’ll hire employees or contractors. Employees offer loyalty but require payroll and benefits. Contractors are flexible but harder to control.
• Contracts – Protect your business by outlining pay, duties, and policies clearly.
• Insurance – Liability and workers’ compensation coverage are must-haves to avoid legal risks.

Skipping compliance might save time short-term, but it can ruin your business long-term.

You might find out if they have the relevant experience you are looking for or if are they a team player. These findings will help you make a decision. You might also need to check for the physical stamina and attention to detail they might have.

Step 5 - Onboarding Your New Cleaning Employees

Once you have found the right employee for your cleaning business, the next part starts immediately. A smooth onboarding experience is essential as it gives the new cleaners confidence. It also helps new employees feel welcome and sets them up for success. You will need to brief the staff on the company’s policy, procedures, and protocols. Give them hands-on training to help them understand the procedure better. And yes, do not forget the documentation!

Training ensures every cleaner meets your standards, even if they have prior experience.

What to Include in Training

• Cleaning checklists and job expectations.
• Proper handling of chemicals and equipment.
• Customer interaction guidelines.
• Use of any company apps or scheduling systems.

Onboarding should make employees feel supported. Pairing new hires with experienced staff during their first week reduces mistakes and builds confidence.

Step 6: Cleaning Staff Hiring Tips for Retention

Hiring does not end once someone accepts the job. Retaining your cleaners saves time and money while building client trust.

Retention Strategies

• Offer fair wages and pay on time.
• Allow flexible schedules where possible.
• Recognize and reward good work.
• Provide advancement opportunities (e.g., supervisor roles).
• Maintain open communication and respect.

Retention is often about culture, not just pay. Employees who feel valued stay longer.

Step 7: Technology in the Cleaning Business Hiring Process

Managing schedules and staff manually is overwhelming. Workforce management software helps you:

• Assign shifts digitally.
• Track attendance via GPS check-ins.
• Share job checklists instantly.
• Collect client feedback in real time.
• Automate payroll and reports.

Adopting tools like this not only improves efficiency but also shows professionalism to clients and staff.

The actual hiring process ends here, but your work doesn’t. You will need to retain your cleaning employees as well. Hiring does not mean that you can let go of the previous employees. And you need strategies to retain the new hires as well, as the market is getting very competitive. 

Pro Tip - Are you struggling to retain your cleaning staff? We have strategies that might help. Click here to know more.

If you aim to provide exceptional services and an experience to your clients then having the perfect cleaners is what you should aim for. 

The big giants in the industry know that once the business starts blooming and you start getting more cleaning contracts, then that means it’s time to hire new cleaners. But it is not as easy as it might seem. There is a whole process that needs to be followed if you want to build an ideal team. Your cleaners are going to be the face of your cleaning company. They will be interacting the most with your clients. 

Why Hiring the Right Employees is Crucial for Your Cleaning Business

Quality employees lead to satisfied clients, which means repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. On the other hand, poor hiring decisions can result in below-average work, customer complaints, and even damage to your business reputation. But if you have prioritized the hiring process then you will see -

1. Reduced client turnover: Happy staff provides good services and that means happy clients. If you leave a client satisfied with your service, they will return to get business from you. This way you build a community of loyal customers. 
2. Improved efficiency and quality: Motivated employees will work efficiently and you can see that in results. A motivated staff will aim to provide good services which will increase operational efficiency. 
3. Reduced costs: The whole process of hiring and training new staff is time-consuming. And not to mention that it costs the company. If you have a reliable team, then you can save training costs and lower the chance of re-hiring due to turnover.
4. Enhanced brand reputation: A reliable team becomes the face of the company. It builds a brand for your company and increases a positive reputation. A good image in the cleaning industry means more organic growth and sales.

Retaining Your Cleaning Staff

Retention is just as important as hiring. Happy employees are more likely to stay with your company. Consider the following tips for retaining your staff:

• Competitive Pay and Benefits: Ensure your compensation packages are attractive.
• Positive Work Environment: Foster a supportive and respectful workplace.
• Growth Opportunities: Provide opportunities for advancement and additional training.
• Regular Feedback: Give constructive feedback and recognition for good work.

But sometimes knowing something and actually implementing it might be a different scenario. And you might need the help of some tools to get a grip on the process before you become a pro. 

That is when you can count on Novagems to help you and your employees.

How Novagems Helps In Retaining The Employees?

Novagems is a smart solution for your cleaning company that will help you retain the cleaning employees better. 

Streamlined Communication 

Novagems offers you a central place to communicate with your employees. The managers can send real time notifications to cleaner without having to worry about connectivity. No you do not have to worry about any missed messages and the employees will enjoy the benefits of clear, crisp and concise reminders when they are working. 

Efficient Scheduling 

Create week’s worth of schedules easily and on the go! Create, send and check the schedules without the hassle of being stuck. Novagems offers a user friendly interface where last minute changes are done within minutes. Now the cleaning services will not suffer from overscheduling or underscheduling. This helps in preventing burnout and you have happy satisfied employees. 

Payroll Management 

Accurate and timely payroll is critical for employee satisfaction. Novagems simplifies that for you so that the employees are paid in timely manner. This reliability builds trust and reduces any financial stress employees might face.

Enhancing Work Life Balance 

By providing flexible scheduling options and the ability to manage work-life balance more effectively, Novagems helps create a more satisfied and loyal workforce. Employees can easily ask for changes in schedules or request time off, which helps them manage their personal commitments better.

FAQs on Hiring Cleaners

How do I hire cleaners for my small business? 

Start with part-time or contract workers, use local job boards, and ask for referrals. Focus on reliability and attitude over experience.

What are the best cleaning staff hiring tips? 

Write clear job descriptions, screen applicants thoroughly, ask practical interview questions, and train consistently.

How much does it cost to hire employees for a cleaning business? 

On average, cleaners earn $12–$20 per hour in the U.S., plus costs for insurance, payroll, and training.

Should I use contractors or employees in my cleaning business hiring process? Contractors give flexibility but less control. Employees require more management but provide loyalty and consistency.

What are the most important interview questions for cleaners? 

Ask about cleaning methods, handling feedback, customer service, and chemical safety practices.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Some employee hiring tips for cleaning companies. But first, congratulations on the cleaners hiring! It’s the simple steps that you need to celebrate. These steps might seem lengthy and time-consuming. But trust me, the end result will be worth it. By following these tips you can build a dream team that will help your cleaning business grow to new heights. And who knows, now you will not need to search “how to hire cleaning employees” on Google again.

Learning how to hire cleaners the right way is essential for any cleaning business owner. The hiring process, from job descriptions to interviews, background checks, and training, directly impacts your company’s growth. Reliable staff means happier clients, stronger reviews, and more referrals.

By following a structured cleaning business hiring process and applying these cleaning staff hiring tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and build a loyal, professional workforce.