A cleaner is a type of industrial or domestic worker who cleans homes or commercial premises for payment. Cleaners may specialise in cleaning particular things or places, such as window cleaners. Cleaners often work when the people who otherwise occupy the space are not around. They may clean offices at night or houses during the workday.
The 2000 film Bread and Roses by British director Ken Loach depicted the struggle of cleaners in Los Angeles, California to fight for better pay and working conditions, and the right to join a union. In an interview with the BBC in 2001, Loach stated that thousands of cleaners from around 30 countries have since contacted him with tales similar to the one told in the film.
The cleaning industry is quite big as there are different types of cleaning required depending on the shape and size of object or property. If you want to get an office space cleaned then you would require the services of a commercial cleaner whereas if you want to clean your house then you would require domestic cleaning services. Depending on the task, even these categories can be sub divided such as Bond cleaners, carpet cleaners, upholstery cleaners, window cleaners, car cleaning services etc. Different types of cleaners specialize in their own industry, you cannot ask a window cleaner to do a marvelous job at carpet cleaning. Some of the types of cleaners are mentioned below.
These cleaners are quite easy to find due to their large numbers, they are usually denoted as maid service providers, janitors and domestic cleaners. These type of cleaners specialize in house cleaning services such as spring cleaning, bond (damage deposit) cleaning etc. Most of the house cleaners are known to give good attention to details, but due to their large numbers it can be quite hard to find the right cleaner who is trustworthy and works effectively. The cost of this type of service depends on the demand for the service and the number of providers. In Australia, you can hire a household cleaner from anywhere between $20–$30 an hour. In countries like India, China, Philippines etc., where the labor rates are quite low, people can afford a full-time maid or domestic cleaner.