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Cleaner Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Teammate

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$12/hr

Professionally clean customer homes using Merry Maids' unique cleaning procedures and products. Overall objectives are to leave the home looking and smelling freshly cleaned and groomed. ESSENTIAL ...

Janitorial

Oelwein, IA · On-site

$14/hr

This individual will be responsible for standard industrial janitorial cleaning in a production and office environment. * Post offer physical and substance testing is required. ** Selected candidate ...

Trinity Industries is hiring a Railcar Senior Chemical Cleaner at our Shell Rock, IA plant. As a member of the Railcar Chemical Cleaning team at Trinity, you'll determine and complete appropriate ...

Showing results 21-40

Cleaner information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$8

$14

$20

How much do cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cleaner in Waterloo, IA is $14.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 do cleaners 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cleaner jobs in Waterloo, IA? The most popular types of Cleaner jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Cleaner jobs in Waterloo, IA? For Cleaner jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Cleaner jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Cleaner job openings:
Infographic showing various Cleaner job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,039 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

$12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Merry Maids rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 59 rated cleaning companies


Job description

SUMMARY: Professionally clean customer homes using Merry Maids' unique cleaning procedures and products. Overall objectives are to leave the home looking and smelling freshly cleaned and groomed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Uses Merry Maids' cleaning products and procedures to clean, dust cobwebs, cleaning all hanging light fixtures and dusting baseboards and windowsills each cleaning.
  • Uses Merry Maids' cleaning products and procedures to clean, sanitize, and deodorize all bathroom fixtures, showers, tubs, toilets, sinks, mirrors and vanities.
  • Uses Merry Maids' cleaning products and procedures to clean kitchen appliances, counters, cabinets, tables and chairs.
  • Vacuum stairways and vacuum or sweep and then wash all hard surface floors on hands and knees using Merry Maids' products and procedures.
  • Moves all reasonably moveable furniture in rooms to clean under and behind. Vacuums all upholstered furniture, including under all cushions each cleaning.
  • Carries cleaning products and equipment to and from office, vehicle, and customers' homes.
  • Assists in maintaining clean and fresh appearance of the office.
  • Assists Team Captain in refilling cleaning kit and performs required equipment maintenance at the end of the workday.
  • Contributes to a positive work climate with a pleasant attitude and contributes to the overall team effort of the company including being in uniform, dependable and on time.
  • Has respect and understanding for co-workers.
  • Contributes to the overall goal of maintaining quality customer service.
  • Attends and participates in weekly staff meetings.
  • Performs other reasonable, related duties as assigned or requested.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The attributes listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability preferred for the position.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND/OR TRAINING:
  • Ability to differentiate between variously colored cleaning products by identifying the color or product name.
  • Ability to define specific uses of cleaning products.
  • Ability to read cleaning instructions indicated on customized service reports.
  • Ability to communicate with the Team Captain to ensure the customers' expectations are met.

PRIMARY REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to drive to and from various job sites as needed.
  • Ability to withstand regular physical contact with dog and cat hair, mold, dust, mildew and cleaning solutions
  • Ability to lift and carry 20 pounds of equipment in and out of an average of 4 homes a day, but as many as 6 homes a day. This may include climbing stairs while carrying equipment. Ability to load and unload equipment from cars.
  • Ability to perform wet-work on the knees 60% of working time to clean kitchen and bathroom floors, showers and tubs; wipe countertops at waist height 20% of the time; bend for toilets and finishing showers and tubs at knee height 10% of the time; and reach shoulder height or above 10% of the time to finish the rooms.
  • Perform dry-work with the ability to reach, pull, and stoop to make beds 5% of the time; reach, lift and pull to operate a vacuum cleaner that weighs up to 12 pounds 60% of the time; carry and operate a portable vacuum that weighs 6 pounds (and can be strapped diagonally across the shoulder) 15% of the time; dust furniture from floor to overhead 20% of the time. Dusting will involve bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, and moving small furniture.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Valid driver's license
  • Current liability insurance on automobile

OTHER CRITIERIA:
  • Ability to pass criminal background check
  • Ability to pass motor vehicle records check
  • Ability to pass drug screening

This Job Description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by those assigned to this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, and conditions associated with this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this description in the future, with or without notice to the employee. This Job Description does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and employment with the Company remains at will. These responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Compensation: Paid Training @ $12/hour.
Looking for a fun place to work, with a flexible schedule and competitive pay? Then come live the Merry Maids™ life!
As a Merry Maids team member, you would belong to an award-winning company and be a part of our close-knit team - a team that works together to provide the best cleaning solutions and customer service to our clients. We offer paid training, excellent work/life balance and real opportunities for advancement. You may start off as a team member, but you are then able to tailor a career path that matches your interests and goals - including becoming a team captain, trainer, quality assurance supervisor or manager.
We take pleasure in improving our clients' lives by allowing them to spend more time with family or doing activities they enjoy. As trusted in-home professionals, we form strong relationships with our clients and are often considered part of their extended families.
Ready to create brighter days for you and our customers?
Apply today!
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a Merry Maids® franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this location should be made directly to the franchisee, and not to The ServiceMaster Company, LLC.

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