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Cleaner Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Cleaner

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Cleaner role is essential in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment across various facilities. This position involves performing a wide range of janitorial and maintenance tasks to ...

Cleaner

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Cleaner role is essential in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment across various facilities. This position involves performing a wide range of janitorial and maintenance tasks to ...

Window Cleaner

Saco, ME ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We clean glass from 1 to 3 stories at commercial and residential locations including retail locations, office buildings and malls. Some ladder work but no high-rise work; travel between jobs; and ...

Cleaner

South Portland, ME ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17/hr

Cleans the property business office, restrooms, laundry rooms, model apartments and property common areas on a defined schedule * Cleans vacant apartment units in preparation for showing and ...

General Cleaner

Portland, ME

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

Cleaning of a medical office * Refill dispensers, toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, hand sanitizer * Cleaning restrooms and break-rooms * Dusting * Trash removal * Sweeping, mopping and vacuum

Commercial Cleaner

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Free uniforms * Paid time off Join ServiceMaster Clean as a Commercial Cleaner - Where We Value YOU! Why You'll Love Working With Us: * Competitive Pay: Your hard work deserves fair rewards.

Commercial Cleaner

Topsham, ME ยท On-site

$20/hr

Then don't miss your chance to join our team as a Commercial Cleaner. In this position, you will be making a difference each and every day. We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make ...

General Cleaner

Portland, ME

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

Cleaning of a medical office * Refill dispensers, toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, hand sanitizer * Cleaning restrooms and break-rooms * Dusting * Trash removal * Sweeping, mopping and vacuum

General Cleaner

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

Cleaning of a medical office * Refill dispensers, toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, hand sanitizer * Cleaning restrooms and break-rooms * Dusting * Trash removal * Sweeping, mopping and vacuum

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Cleaner information

See Portland, ME salary details

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$15

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How much do cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cleaner in Portland, ME is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is $20 an hour good for house cleaning?

For a house cleaner, earning $20 an hour is generally considered above the national average in many regions and reflects a competitive rate, especially for experienced workers or those with specialized skills. Rates can vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the cleaning tasks, but $20 per hour is often seen as a solid wage in the cleaning industry.

How much should I pay a cleaner per hour?

The hourly pay for a cleaner typically ranges from $10 to $25, depending on location, experience, and the complexity of the cleaning tasks. Rates may be higher for specialized cleaning or for services requiring additional skills or equipment. It's common to pay more in urban areas or for professional cleaning services that include background checks and insurance.

What Is a Cleaner?

While there are different types of cleaners, they are all professionals who clean homes or businesses. They may be domestic workers who live in, or on the same property as, the house they clean. They may offer cleaning services as an individual or through an agency. Cleaners may clean (kitchens, bathrooms, floors, windows), change sheets, make beds, vacuum, and do general tidying-up. Responsibilities vary depending on the employer and the needs of the space.

What are some common challenges faced by cleaners, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cleaners often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently to complete all assigned tasks, dealing with varying cleanliness standards, and working with potentially hazardous cleaning chemicals. Effective communication with supervisors and team members can help clarify expectations and priorities. Using proper safety equipment, following established protocols, and staying organized can minimize risks and improve workflow, making the role more manageable and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cleaner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cleaner, you need attention to detail, basic knowledge of cleaning techniques, and familiarity with health and safety standards, often supported by prior experience or on-the-job training. Comfort with cleaning machinery, such as floor scrubbers and vacuum cleaners, and safe handling of chemicals is typically required. Reliability, time management, and strong communication are valuable soft skills for working independently or as part of a team. These skills ensure that spaces are maintained to a high standard, promoting health, safety, and a positive environment for occupants.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Cleaner jobs typically do not pay $3,000 a month without additional experience or specialization. However, some skilled trades like commercial cleaning, industrial cleaning, or starting a cleaning business can reach or exceed that income level with experience, management skills, or expanding operations. These roles often require physical stamina, reliability, and sometimes certifications or licenses.

What is the difference between Cleaner vs Housekeeper?

AspectCleanerHousekeeper
CredentialsNone typically required, on-the-job training commonMay require experience or certification in cleaning or hospitality
Work EnvironmentCommercial, residential, or industrial spacesPrivate homes, hotels, or resorts
Job DutiesBasic cleaning tasks like sweeping, mopping, dustingCleaning plus additional tasks like laundry, organizing, guest services
Employer & IndustryCleaning companies, property management, facilitiesHotels, private households, hospitality industry

While both cleaners and housekeepers perform cleaning tasks, housekeepers often have broader responsibilities including laundry and guest services, and may require more experience or certifications. Cleaners typically focus solely on cleaning tasks across various environments.

What are cleaners and what do they do?

Cleaners are professionals responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in various environments, such as homes, offices, schools, and public spaces. Their duties typically include dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, sanitizing surfaces, and disposing of trash. Cleaners may also be responsible for specialized tasks like window washing or deep cleaning carpets, depending on the needs of the employer. Their work helps ensure a safe and pleasant environment for everyone who uses the space.

Is $50 an hour good for house cleaning?

For a house cleaner, earning $50 an hour is considered above average in many regions, where typical rates range from $15 to $30 per hour. High-end or specialized cleaning services, such as deep cleaning or commercial cleaning, may command higher rates, but $50 per hour generally indicates a premium or experienced level of service. Factors like location, experience, and the scope of work influence the appropriate rate.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cleaner jobs in Portland, ME? The most popular types of Cleaner jobs in Portland, ME are:
What are popular job titles related to Cleaner jobs in Portland, ME? For Cleaner jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cleaner jobs in Portland, ME look for? The top searched job categories for Cleaner jobs in Portland, ME are:
What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Cleaner jobs? Cities near Portland, ME with the most Cleaner job openings:
Infographic showing various Cleaner job openings in Portland, ME as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,206 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Cleaner

Benchmark Cleaning & Supply

Portland, ME โ€ข On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

About the Role:

The Cleaner role is essential in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment across various facilities. This position involves performing a wide range of janitorial and maintenance tasks to ensure all areas meet high standards of cleanliness and functionality. The successful candidate will contribute to the overall appearance and upkeep of indoor and outdoor spaces, supporting the health and safety of all occupants. This role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to operate various cleaning and maintenance equipment effectively. Ultimately, the Cleaner helps create a positive impression for visitors and a comfortable environment for employees and residents.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in janitorial or cleaning services.
  • Ability to operate floor care machinery safely and effectively.
  • Basic knowledge of landscaping and general maintenance tasks.
  • Understanding of safety protocols related to cleaning and maintenance work.
  • Physical capability to perform manual labor and operate equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Certification in occupational safety or related training.
  • Experience with cleaning techniques.
  • Knowledge of environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices.
  • Ability to work independently or in a team setting and manage time efficiently.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform routine janitorial duties including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting floors and surfaces.
  • Operate heavy machinery such as floor scrubbers and buffers to maintain floor care standards.
  • Adhere strictly to safety procedures to ensure a hazard-free work environment for self and others.

Skills:

The required skills such as janitorial duties and floor care are applied daily to ensure all indoor spaces are clean and well-maintained. Operating heavy machinery safely is critical for efficient floor maintenance and other cleaning tasks. Adherence to safety procedures is paramount throughout all activities to protect both the cleaner and others in the environment.


Full Time: 3pm-11pm
Part Time: 5pm-9pm
Full Time: 40 Hours per week
Part Time: 20 Hours per week