Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Cleaner

💰 $ - $

LogisticsFacilitiesJanitorialWarehouse Operations

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Cleaner is responsible for maintaining a safe, sanitary and organized warehouse environment by performing comprehensive cleaning and basic maintenance tasks across production and storage areas. This role requires consistent attention to safety protocols (PPE, MSDS), operation of industrial cleaning equipment (floor scrubbers, pressure washers, vacuums), and collaboration with warehouse operations to minimize disruption while ensuring compliance with company cleanliness and regulatory standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Janitor / Custodial Associate with general cleaning experience
  • Production Associate or Materials Handler seeking facility-focused role
  • Seasonal or contract clean-up staff in warehousing or distribution centers

Advancement To:

  • Lead Warehouse Cleaner / Custodial Lead
  • Facilities Technician / Maintenance Technician
  • Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Coordinator or Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping & Receiving Associate
  • Inventory Control or Material Handler roles

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform thorough daily cleaning of warehouse floors, aisles and staging areas using industrial ride-on and walk-behind floor scrubbers, buffers and sweepers to maintain slip-resistant, debris-free surfaces that meet operational safety standards.
  • Sweep, vacuum and mop high-traffic zones, loading docks and racking areas, removing dust, dirt, grease and debris to prevent product contamination and ensure safe forklift and pallet jack operations.
  • Empty, sort and dispose of trash, recycling and cardboard compacting in accordance with company recycling and hazardous waste procedures; maintain labeled waste streams to support sustainability and compliance.
  • Clean and sanitize employee break rooms, cafeterias and locker rooms, including wiping down surfaces, cleaning tables, replenishing disposables and sanitizing vending areas to protect employee health.
  • Maintain and sanitize restroom facilities (toilets, sinks, partitions, mirrors) using approved cleaning chemicals and following MSDS guidance, with attention to restocking paper goods and soap dispensers.
  • Conduct routine pressure washing of exterior loading docks, ramps and curbs to remove oil, grease and buildup, ensuring safe ingress/egress for drivers and equipment.
  • Respond immediately to spill incidents (oil, chemical, product) by containing, cleaning and documenting the event using proper PPE, absorbents and spill kits to mitigate hazards and downtime.
  • Follow lockout/tagout and hot work protocols when cleaning near energized equipment or conveyors; coordinate with maintenance to secure equipment before performing deep cleaning or repairs.
  • Perform regular cleaning and basic maintenance of warehouse equipment (pallet jacks, hand trucks, garbage compactors), including wiping, degreasing and reporting mechanical issues to maintenance.
  • Clean and dust high surfaces, mezzanines and overhead beams using extension tools or lifts (as authorized), removing cobwebs and accumulated dust to maintain air quality and fire safety.
  • Operate and maintain industrial vacuum systems and HEPA vacuums for fine dust control in sensitive storage or manufacturing adjacency areas to meet internal cleanliness standards.
  • Strip, seal and recoat warehouse and office floors on a scheduled basis, including application of floor finish and slip-resistant coatings, documenting before-and-after condition and maintenance dates.
  • Maintain accurate logs of cleaning schedules, chemical usage, equipment maintenance and incident reports in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Assist warehouse operations during seasonal or inventory activities by performing pre- and post-event cleaning, pallet staging, aisle clearing and temporary waste management to support efficient workflows.
  • Follow all PPE requirements (gloves, eye protection, respirators when required) and ensure safe handling, labeling and storage of cleaning chemicals, consulting Safety Data Sheets (SDS) prior to use.
  • Conduct routine inspections of assigned areas and report hazards, structural damage, pest activity or sanitation concerns to the supervisor and EHS team for prompt corrective action.
  • Perform targeted deep cleaning of racking systems, refrigeration units, conveyors and packaging stations during planned maintenance windows to prevent contamination and extend equipment life.
  • Assist in maintaining inventory of cleaning supplies and chemicals, rotating stock according to FIFO principles and submitting supply requests to prevent shortages.
  • Support the safety culture by participating in toolbox talks, safety trainings and periodic competency assessments on equipment operation and hazardous materials handling.
  • Provide on-the-job training and guidance to temporary or new cleaning staff on company cleaning standards, safe equipment operation and emergency response procedures.
  • Secure cleaning closets and equipment storage areas at the end of each shift, ensuring chemicals are locked and equipment is charged, serviced and returned to proper locations.
  • Coordinate with facility management for pest control, HVAC filter changes and building maintenance to ensure a holistic approach to warehouse cleanliness and environmental quality.
  • Execute ad hoc deep-clean projects, including post-construction cleanup, storm recovery cleaning and remediation after equipment malfunctions, delivering results under tight deadlines.
  • Maintain a professional, customer-service oriented demeanor while interacting courteously with warehouse staff, supervisors and external vendors during cleaning operations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support periodic audits for cleanliness and regulatory compliance and implement corrective actions as directed by supervisors.
  • Assist facilities team with light maintenance tasks (changing light bulbs, replacing filters, basic caulking) to keep workspaces operational.
  • Help coordinate with third-party cleaning or sanitation vendors for specialized services (duct cleaning, hazardous waste pickup).
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to standardize cleaning checklists and reduce cleaning time without compromising quality.
  • Provide input to supervisors on supply cost-saving measures and safer chemical alternatives based on frontline observations.
  • Temporarily fill support roles in materials handling during peak periods when needed and as qualified.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient operation of industrial cleaning equipment, including ride-on and walk-behind floor scrubbers, sweepers, buffers and burnishers.
  • Hands-on experience with pressure washers, HEPA vacuums and commercial-grade carpet extractors and the ability to select correct nozzles/settings for surfaces.
  • Knowledge of janitorial chemicals, dilution rates, labeling requirements and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) interpretation for safe handling and storage.
  • Familiarity with waste segregation, recycling programs, and safe disposal protocols for general and regulated wastes.
  • Ability to perform basic preventive maintenance on cleaning machines (battery charging, brush replacement, filter cleaning) and report repair needs.
  • Understanding of OSHA warehouse safety standards, PPE requirements, hazard communication and spill response procedures.
  • Competence in performing manual material handling safely, including proper lifting techniques and using pallet jacks and hand trucks.
  • Experience using handheld tools and extension cleaning tools for high-reach dusting, gutter cleaning and racking cleaning.
  • Basic recordkeeping and log maintenance for cleaning schedules, chemical inventories and incident reports (paper or digital).
  • Ability to follow written cleaning checklists, SOPs and perform quality inspections to ensure standard compliance.
  • Authorized operation of powered access equipment or lifts (if required and certified by employer).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering consistent, high-quality cleaning results in industrial environments.
  • Reliable and punctual work ethic with the ability to complete repetitive tasks to schedule and follow shift routines.
  • Effective verbal communication for coordinating with warehouse staff, supervisors and vendors.
  • Team-oriented attitude with willingness to collaborate across shifts and support colleagues during peak operations.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing priorities, emergency cleanups and scheduled deep-clean projects.
  • Positive attitude and professional demeanor when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Good time management skills to balance routine cleaning schedules and unexpected sanitation needs.
  • Safety-first mindset with the initiative to report hazards and suggest improvements to reduce risk.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED or equivalent work experience in custodial or warehouse environments.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate in custodial services, facilities maintenance, industrial cleaning or OSHA 10/30 training.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facilities Management
  • Occupational Health & Safety
  • Environmental Services / Janitorial Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 to 3 years of custodial, janitorial or warehouse cleaning experience; entry-level applicants considered with strong work history and safety awareness.

Preferred:

  • 1+ years of experience operating industrial floor-care equipment and working in warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing facilities; demonstrated familiarity with SDS and spill-response procedures.
Explore More Careers