cleaning techniques
Various techniques and tools used to clean different types of surfaces to achieve a certain degree of cleanliness such as sweeping, vacuuming, degreasing and wet cleaning.
Domestic cleaners perform all necessary cleaning activities in order to clean their clients' houses. They vacuum and sweep floors, wash dishes, launder clothes, dust, scrub and polish surfaces and disinfect equipment and materials.
Competences and skills
35 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 1 competence
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
1 competenceEssential skills and competences 19 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
11 competencesclean household linens
Wash linens such as sheets, towels and table cloths with water and soap or detergent. Clean linens by hand or by the use of a washing machine.
clean toilet facilities
Clean the toilets and wipe the sinks, mirrors and cubicle furniture according to the required standards, providing special attention to details.
ensure cleanliness of food preparation area
Guarantee the continuous cleanliness of kitchen preparation, production and storage areas according to hygiene, safety and health regulations.
maintain inventory of cleaning supplies
Follow the stock of cleaning materials, order new material when the stock is empty and follow their usage to maintain a constant supply.
maintain personal hygiene standards when cleaning
Make sure to keep yourself clean and tidy and wear protective equipment when performing cleaning activities, as required by the health and safety procedures of the task or the organisation.
make the beds
Clean sheets, turn mattresses, plump pillows and change cushions.
remove dust
Remove dust from furniture, blinds and windowsills using specialised dust cloths or hand-cleaning items.
restock toilet facilities' supplies
Make sure that toilet supplies such as soap and toilet paper are always available for customer use.
vacuum surfaces
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and small particles from floors, drapes, carpets or furniture.
wash the dishes
Wash plates, glasses, silverware and cooking gear used for a meal, by hand or by use of a dish washer. Put everything back in its place afterwards.
wash the laundry
Wash or clean clothes by hand or by use of a washing machine.
Cross-sector
8 competencesclean glass surfaces
Use cleaning products to clean any surface covered by glass.
clean rooms
Clean rooms by cleaning glasswork and windows, polishing furniture, vacuuming carpets, scrubing hard floors, and removing garbage.
clean surfaces
Disinfect surfaces in accordance with sanitary standards.
- Scope note
- Including walls, floors, tables, kitchen and service equipment
handle chemical cleaning agents
Ensure proper handling, storage, management and disposal of cleaning chemicals (CIP) in accordance with regulations.
- Scope note
- The chemicals include hazardous materials.
iron textiles
Pressing and ironing in order to shape or flatten textiles giving them their final finishing appearance. Iron by hand or with steam pressers.
maintain cleaning equipment
Clean and preserve the equipment and material used for cleaning purposes in a proper state.
perform cleaning duties
Perform cleaning duties such as waste removal, vacuuming, emptying bins, and general cleaning of the working area. Cleaning activities should follow health and safety regulations if required.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Optional skills and competences 15 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
8 competencesbuy groceries
Purchase ingredients, products and tools that are necessary for daily housekeeping activities.
- Scope note
- Also online purchases are included.
clean vehicle exterior
Wash, clean, polish and wax vehicle's exterior glass and chrome parts.
clean vehicle interiors
Remove dirt, rubbish or impurities of the interior of vehicles, including consoles and dashboards; vacuum car seats and carpets; clean hinges and door trims.
feed pets
Make sure that pets are given appropriate food and water on time.
maintain wardrobe
Manage the client's wardrobe for laundry, dry cleaning, mending, steam press, seasonal catalogue and changes for closets, inventory of wardrobes and accessories.
provide dog walking services
Provide dog-walking services, including activities such as agreement of services with the customer, selection and use of handling equipment, interaction with the dog, and safe and responsible dog walking.'
wash costumes
Make sure that costumes are clean and ready for use when required. Take care to preserve the costumes in good condition as long as possible.
wash vehicles
Wash and dry vehicle and ensure that paint is kept intact by waxing and polishing vehicle using the appropriate tools.
Cross-sector
7 competencescarry out pressure washing activities
Use high pressure equipment in order to clean areas, surfaces and materials.
handle linen in stock
Manage laundered items and store them in safe and hygienic conditions.
lift heavy weights
Lift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.
maintain a safe, hygienic and secure working environment
Preserve health, hygiene, safety and security in the workplace in accordance with relevant regulations.
perform outdoor cleaning activities
Adapt the cleaning working methods and procedures to the environmental conditions and adapt to weather conditions such as rain, strong wind or snow, when this affects the performance of the equipment or machinery that is being used.
sort waste
Manually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.
supervise children
Keep the children under supervision for a certain period of time, ensuring their safety at all times.