What Does a Janitor Do?

You might see them early in the morning or late at night—cleaning floors, emptying trash, or wiping tables. Janitors often work quietly in the background, but their job is one of the most important in any building.

A janitor is someone who keeps places clean, safe, and in good shape. They work in schools, offices, hospitals, stores, and many other places. Their work helps everyone stay healthy and comfortable.

In 2025, the janitorial services market in the US is worth more than $108 billion, and it's still growing. That's because more and more places need regular, professional cleaning.

Janitors do more than just clean. They help buildings run smoothly and safely. In this blog, we'll explain what janitors do, where they work, and why their job matters so much.

What Janitors Do Every Day?

Janitors handle a wide range of tasks that are essential to keeping a building clean, safe, and functional. Their daily work often includes more than people realize. Here's a breakdown of what their job typically involves:

Cleaning and Sanitizing

A major part of a janitor's role is to maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the facility. This includes:

• Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors
• Dusting and wiping down surfaces
• Cleaning and disinfecting restrooms
• Washing windows and glass surfaces
• Emptying trash and recycling bins

Maintenance and Minor Repairs

Janitors are often the first to notice small issues around the building. They may:

• Replace light bulbs
• Unclog drains or toilets
• Do basic touch-up painting
• Report larger maintenance problems to the right team

Inventory and Restocking

Janitors also keep track of cleaning supplies and restock essential items. This includes:

• Monitoring supplies like soap, toilet paper, and paper towels
• Refilling dispensers as needed
• Making sure cleaning equipment is working properly

Health and Safety

Keeping the environment safe is just as important as keeping it clean. Janitors help by:

• Identifying and addressing potential hazards such as wet floors
• Using cleaning chemicals according to safety guidelines
• Following proper cleaning protocols, especially in places like hospitals, schools, or kitchens

Support for Events and Daily Operations

In some workplaces, janitors also help set up rooms for meetings, move furniture, or assist with cleaning up after events.

Where Do Janitors Work?

Janitors are needed in almost every type of building. You'll find them working in offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, malls, warehouses, factories, and public facilities like libraries or government buildings.

While the core duties are similar, the specific tasks can vary depending on the type of place:

• In schools, janitors may clean classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, and gymnasiums, often working around children and school staff.
• In hospitals, they follow strict cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of germs and keep environments sterile.
• In offices, the focus may be on shared spaces like break rooms, restrooms, and workstations, often outside of business hours.
• In hotels, janitors may work alongside housekeeping teams to maintain lobbies, hallways, and service areas.
• In industrial settings, janitors may also be responsible for cleaning machinery or workspaces with specific safety requirements.

Wherever they are, janitors play a key role in keeping the environment clean, safe, and ready for use.

The Importance of the Role: Why Janitors Matter

Health and Hygiene

Janitors help stop the spread of germs by regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Their work supports a healthier environment for everyone in the building.

Safety and Well-being

By cleaning up spills, keeping walkways clear, and spotting hazards early, janitors help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

First Impressions and Aesthetics

A clean building creates a positive impression. Whether it's a school, office, or store, cleanliness reflects professionalism and care.

Operational Efficiency

When a space is clean and well-maintained, it's easier for everyone to do their job. Productivity improves, and the overall atmosphere becomes more positive and comfortable.

Skills and Qualities That Matter

To do their job well, janitors need a mix of physical ability, responsibility, and attention to detail. Important qualities include:

• Attention to detail - noticing what needs cleaning or fixing before it becomes a problem
• Reliability and time management - being consistent, efficient, and dependable
• Physical stamina - staying active and on their feet for long periods
• Knowledge of cleaning equipment and chemicals - knowing how to clean safely and effectively
• Ability to work independently - managing tasks with little supervision

Why the Janitor's Role Is So Important?

The work janitors do directly supports hygiene, health, and safety. By cleaning surfaces, removing waste, and keeping spaces organized, they help prevent illness and create environments where people feel comfortable and productive.

Janitors also contribute to the professional appearance of a space, which matters in settings like businesses, schools, and hospitals. Often, they work outside of regular hours to make sure everything is ready before the day begins.

Conclusion

Janitors are an essential part of any workplace or facility. Their responsibilities—cleaning, restocking, making small repairs, and ensuring safety—keep buildings running smoothly. They do much more than clean; they create environments where people can work, learn, and feel safe.

Whether it's in an office, school, hospital, or hotel, janitorial work is vital and deserves recognition.

If you're looking to hire janitorial staff or find cleaning jobs near you, AnyShift makes it simple. Our platform connects workers and businesses quickly and easily—helping people find reliable jobs in their area and allowing businesses to keep their spaces clean and efficient.