Cleaner CV example

A Cleaner CV for South African employers: what to write, the duties and skills to list, a cover letter and tips.

Updated 29 October 2026 · By Tumelo Vincent Tau

1. An example profile

A short profile at the top of your CV says who you are and what work you want. Change it to fit your own experience:

Thorough and trustworthy cleaner with four years of experience in offices and a clinic. I work neatly without supervision and know how to use cleaning chemicals and machines safely.

2. Duties to list

Under each job like this in your work experience, list three to five of the duties you really did:

Clean offices, toilets, kitchens and public areas
Sweep, mop, vacuum and polish floors
Empty bins and take out refuse
Restock toilet paper, soap and hygiene products
Use cleaning chemicals safely and correctly
Report damage and maintenance problems
Keep a record of cleaning materials used

3. Skills and certificates

Skills employers look for in this job:

Attention to detail
Safe use of cleaning chemicals
Time management
Reliability

Also list, if you have them:

Machines you can use (floor polisher, scrubber, vacuum)
Training in cleaning chemicals or infection control
The kinds of places you cleaned (offices, clinic, school, factory)

4. Tips for Cleaner jobs

Trust is important for cleaners: references from supervisors or clients who can vouch for you make a big difference.
Hospitals and clinics value infection-control experience. If you have it, list it clearly.
Mention the size of the areas you cleaned and any machines you can operate.

5. An example cover letter

Send a short cover letter with your CV, naming the post and the reference number from the advert:

Dear Hiring Manager

Re: Application for the post of Cleaner

I would like to apply for the post of Cleaner, as advertised. Please find my CV attached.

For four years I cleaned offices and a clinic for a cleaning company, including toilets, kitchens and patient rooms. I can use a floor polisher and scrubber, I follow the rules for cleaning chemicals, and my supervisor trusted me to work alone.

I am available for an interview at any time and can be reached on 072 123 4567. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours faithfully
Thabo Mokoena

More help: how to write a cover letter, a CV with no work experience and job interview tips.