Top 44 Cleaner Interview Questions and Answers

Before you appear for an interview for a cleaner position, make sure that you find out what kind of questions will possibly be asked.

During the interview, you will be tested on your knowledge of the cleaning process, and the type of materials and equipment you can use.

Also, the interviewer will test your ability to work well with other people, as well as independently.

The following set of interview questions and answers for a cleaner position will help you:

44 Interview Questions and Answers for Cleaner Position

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Well, first of all, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed for this cleaner position today. I describe myself as a hardworking cleaner who worked in the cleaning and housekeeping field for 10+ years in schools, residential and corporate settings, and businesses. I offer exceptional skills in performing cleaning tasks by using the right chemicals, materials, and equipment. I love my work and continuously strive to make a difference and learn more to excel further.

2. What are some of the duties that you have performed in a cleaner role?

As a cleaner, I had been busy performing many duties such as sweeping and mopping, cleaning counters, and washing carpets and drapes.

In addition, I have handled duties including performing and documenting routine inspection and maintenance activities. Also, my work involves stocking and maintaining supply rooms and handling trash management duties.

3. How did you find out about this job?

A friend who works as a cleaner at your company mentioned that you were looking for more cleaners to complete the team.

4. What kind of cleaning equipment are you familiar with?

I am well-versed in using vacuum cleaners, dust extractors, floor buffers, utility carts, and automatic floor scrubbers.

5. What are some of the qualities that make you the right candidate for this position?

I am a well-experienced cleaner and have a deep understanding of advanced cleaning procedures. I have excellent communication skills, and I get along well with others.

I’m fully capable of taking and following instructions. Moreover, I am very punctual and possess a track record of maintaining high standards of sanitation and cleanliness at my previous workplaces.

6. What kind of behavior from others irritates you most, and how do you handle it?

In fact, I do not get irritated when somebody uses inappropriate language. Therefore, I usually don’t respond to such situations. I stay silent and keep doing my work.

7. Have you ever taken out the trash and cleared snow? What methods do use for these?

I am trained in taking out and safely disposing of trash in an environmentally friendly manner. I am skilled in clearing snow off pavements using snow blowers and shovels.

8. How do you react when somebody criticizes you?

I always work with dedication and am willing to improve my work quality, so I usually take instructions and criticism very positively and make changes in my service quality accordingly.

9. Are you comfortable working independently or in a group?

I have previously worked in a group setting for a large organization. I enjoyed that type of arrangement since we could exchange shifts or duties conveniently if someone needed to take leave. Also, I have a verifiable record of working individually with no supervision.

10. What do you like best about cleaning work?

I love physically challenging work, which is why I love cleaning tasks.

11. What do you dislike most about working as a cleaner?

I love all aspects of my work, and cannot think of a single thing that I dislike about it.

12. What kind of cleaning tools and products are you familiar with?

I am well-versed in using a wide variety of tools and equipment including cleaning agents, disinfection liquids, mops, brooms, vacuum cleaners, and industrial sweepers.

13. Do you like working in a team environment or independently?

I feel that cleaning is teamwork, so working in a team environment is important. However, if I am asked to work independently, I can manage that quite effectively as well.

14. How often do you think cleaning tools and equipment should be cleaned?

I believe in cleaning the tools and equipment that I work with on a daily basis. I feel that preventative maintenance is better than having to replace equipment often.

15. What is your approach to cleaning when there are people around?

I firmly believe that a cleaner’s work should be seen, but a cleaner shouldn’t. When I have to work around people, I make sure that I keep a low profile and wait until a certain area is vacant. I also put up signs when the floor is wet so that people can stay safe.

16. Do you have any experience in cleaning equipment such as computer screens?

Yes. My present place of work requires that I clean computers and peripheral devices. I know which cleaning agents to use to clean them, and can carefully and effectively use specially designed cloths to clean such equipment.

17. What is your experience with outdoor cleaning?

I am competent in cleaning indoors and outdoors. I can effectively clean and wash driveways, paths, and grounds. Ground maintenance in alignment with gardeners and landscape artists is also an area of strength.

18. Is there any specific cleaning task that you do not like doing?

No. I am alright with doing all sorts of cleaning tasks.

19. If you found a personal item when cleaning, and did not know who it belonged to, what would you do?

I would give it to my supervisor, and tell them where I found it so that it becomes easy for them to find the owner.

20. Have you ever seen a coworker stealing? What would you do in such a situation?

I have not come across such an incident yet. However, if I do come across something like this, I would stop them, and report them immediately.

21. When you work on multiple cleaning projects, how do you manage them?

I set my priorities in a way that I do the most important ones first. And then tackle the rest.

22. What would you do if someone kept spilling products that were difficult to clean?

It is my job to clean, no matter how many times someone has spilled something.

23. What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength is my ability to handle multiple cleaning projects at the same time.

24. What is your biggest weakness?

There are times when I just do not know how to stop. I feel that I need to give myself more breaks so that I do not burn out quickly.

25. How do you handle trash management?

I take out the trash on a daily basis, sometimes more than one time. I make sure that I separate metals, paper, and plastic, and place them in the right receptacles. And then I ensure that trash is properly disposed of, and does not pose a threat to anyone.

26. Have you ever quit a job? Tell me why.

I have quit 2 jobs. The first one was because I had to move to a different city. The other one was because I felt that I was not learning much.

27. How do you feel about working in an environment where you have to be on your feet at all times?

I do not mind working on my feet, as I am physically dexterous and strong. In fact, working on my feet all day means a great night’s sleep!

28. Apart from standard cleaning procedures, what other works have you performed?

Apart from the usual cleaning processes, I have been involved in polishing furniture, fixtures, and room accessories.

29. How do you feel about moving heavy furniture around?

I feel that if one wants to clean properly, moving furniture is all part of the game. I do not mind it one bit and feel that it is all an important part of the work.

30. Why do you want to leave your current job?

The company that I am working for is undergoing some structural changes. I feel that once these changes are complete, my work won’t remain as challenging as it is now. Hence, I want to move on to a place where I can learn more, and eventually contribute more as well.

31. What do you consider your biggest professional achievement?

My biggest professional achievement is streamlining a trash disposal system for ABC Hospital, hence, reducing the threat to human life.

32. Tell me about the last time a coworker got angry with you? What happened?

I was once working alongside another cleaner who insisted on using a dangerous cleaning chemical. I expressed my concern since we were working in a school, and there were children to look out for. He got quite antsy and raised his voice. I tried to reason with him but to no avail. Eventually, I had to report the incident to my manager, as I could not let anyone suffer from the possible effects of the chemicals.

33. Describe your dream job.

My dream job is one where I make the most of my potential.

34. What kind of environment do you like the best?

I love working in environments that teach me continuously. Also, I thrive in challenging environments.

35. Tell me about the toughest decision that you have had to make in the last few months.

Deciding to change jobs was probably the toughest decision I have had to make in quite some time.

36. What is your leadership style?

I feel that I am a great leader, as I teach by example. I lead my team to success, by constantly encouraging and motivating them.

37. How do you think other people will describe you?

I am sure that people would say that I am an excellent worker, who is self-motivated, and exceptionally talented. I also expect them to tell you that my work speaks for itself.

38. What do you like to do outside of work?

I do not like sitting idly. I love watching movies and listening to great music. And I am also a seasoned guitar player and often get together with my friends to jam.

39. What makes you unique?

The fact that I can fit into any work environment, and with people from all walks of life makes me a unique individual.

40. How do you handle stress?

I do a lot of meditation and breathing exercises, which help me in handling stress effectively.

41. Do you think it is necessary to possess customer service skills in your job?

Absolutely. I feel that customer service skills are important no matter which position you are working in.

42. Did you ever quit a job? Why?

I did once since my family was moving to another city.

Tip: Never say anything negative about your previous employer.

43. What are your 5-year plans?

My future plan is to work in a supervisory capacity, where I have the chance to mentor and lead cleaners, and housekeeping staff members.

44. Do you have any questions for me?

Yes. I would love to know more about your training methods and retention policies.

See also

• Cleaner Resume Sample
• Cleaner Cover Letter Sample