How to Stand Out as an Office Cleaner in the UK – Real Success Stories & Hiring Tips
In the UK, office cleaning jobs are in high demand，but getting hired by top companies requires more than just basic cleaning skills. Employers seek trained, reliable, and efficient cleaners who understand industry standards and workplace safety.
If you're looking for a stable job with growth potential, You need to know some real success stories and practical solutions!
Hourly rates and working hours make office cleaning stand out from other jobs
Salary:
-New or entry-level cleaners: about £7.49 to £9.00 per hour**.
-General office cleaners: about £10.42 to £12.31 per hour on average**.
-Experienced or senior cleaners: may reach £15.00 to £18.50 per hour**.
-In large cities such as London, due to the high cost of living, cleaners may have higher hourly wages, usually between £15.00 and £25.00
Working hours:
Usually depends on the specific work environment and employer requirements. Depending on the needs of the office, cleaners may need to clean multiple times a day, especially in areas with high traffic, such as sales offices or shopping malls
Real Stories: How These Office Cleaners Got Hired & Succeeded
** Case Study 1: James – From Part-Time Cleaner to Team Supervisor**
James moved to London looking for work but had no formal qualifications. He started applying for cleaning jobs online but received no responses. After researching employer requirements, he:
Completed a COSHH safety course (for handling chemicals)
Updated his CV to highlight efficiency and attention to detail
Applied through Indeed UK and contacted local cleaning agencies
Within two weeks, he landed a job at a major office cleaning company. After six months, he was promoted to a supervisor role because of his efficiency and knowledge of cleaning safety.
Solution: If you're struggling to find a job, get certified in COSHH and Health & Safety training. It shows employers you’re serious and can work safely.
Find online COSHH courses here: British Safety Council COSHH Training
** Case Study 2: Maria – Securing a Job Without Work Experience**
Maria, a recent immigrant, had no prior experience in cleaning and was worried about her limited English skills. She needed a job fast but found it difficult to pass interviews. After speaking with a friend, she:
Practiced common interview questions using BBC English Learning
Applied for jobs that offered training instead of requiring experience
Used referrals from a local job agency
She landed a cleaning job within a week at a corporate office in Manchester. Her employer valued her willingness to learn and her strong work ethic over prior experience.
Solution: If you don’t have experience, apply for entry-level cleaning jobs that offer training. Also, improving basic workplace English helps during job interviews.
Check job listings on: Indeed UK | Totaljobs
5 Key Skills That Employers Look For in Office Cleaners
Even if you don’t have experience, developing these skills will increase your chances of getting hired:
1. Attention to Detail
Employers prefer cleaners who don’t just “surface clean” but ensure spotless desks, sanitized restrooms, and dust spaces.
Pro Tip: When applying, mention your eye for detail and efficiency in your CV.
2. COSHH Knowledge (Safe Chemical Handling)
Using the right chemicals safely is crucial. Employers prefer candidates who know how to handle cleaning products without health risks.
Get a guide on COSHH here: HSE UK COSHH Guide
3. Time Management & Efficiency
Most office cleaning jobs require completing tasks within a limited time frame. Showing you can work quickly without missing important cleaning tasks makes you more hireable.
Solution: Follow an office cleaning checklist for better workflow.
Office Cleaning Checklist: Cleaning Matters UK
4. Health & Safety Compliance
Cleaners must follow UK workplace safety laws to prevent accidents. Some key regulations include:
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Workplace safety rules.
DBS Check – Required for school or hospital cleaners.
Apply for a DBS check here: Gov UK DBS Check
5. Basic English & Communication Skills
Cleaners often receive specific instructions from managers, so basic English skills are needed.
Solution: Improve workplace English with resources.
BBC English Lessons: BBC Learning English
How to Apply for Office Cleaning Jobs in the UK (Step-by-Step)
1️Update Your CV – Highlight attention to detail, efficiency, and safety knowledge.
2️Get Basic Training – Take COSHH or Health & Safety courses.
3️Apply Online – Use trusted job boards:
4️Prepare for Interviews – Practice simple English phrases for job interviews.
5️Consider Working with an Agency – Many cleaning agencies hire year-round.
Bonus Tip: Some cleaning jobs offer training—so apply even if you’re new!
Start your journey today and secure a well-paying office cleaning job in the UK!