MaViAl

Cleaner - Residential Jobs in Canada

Sector: Hospitality, Cleaning & Services · Typical gross pay: 16–26 CAD/hour · Typical locations: British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador

CV REQUIRED: candidates without a CV are not considered. Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
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Hiring story Pay Tasks Requirements & documents Work conditions Candidate fit Related roles FAQ

Hiring story: where residential cleaners are needed

Why these roles open up (real-world context)

Residential cleaning demand in Canada typically spikes around tenant turnover (move-in / move-out), short-term rentals, and seasonal schedules in high-traffic cities. Many employers hire cleaners for recurring home visits, condo common areas tied to residential buildings, or “turnover cleans” with tighter deadlines.

Employers differ: some provide supplies and a route plan; others expect you to work in a small crew and follow a checklist. In all cases, reliability, respectful conduct inside clients’ homes, and consistent quality are core.

Pay (gross): what to expect

Typical gross pay for residential cleaning roles is 16–26 CAD/hour. Actual rates depend on province, experience, client complexity (deep clean vs. maintenance), and overtime rules.

Province / city demand Union / non-union (where applicable) Experience & speed-to-quality Overtime / weekend premiums
Practical guidance: If you can reliably complete bathrooms + kitchen to spec, follow a checklist, and keep pace without cutting corners, you typically progress faster to higher-paying assignments.

Pay ranges are indicative and shown as gross. Net pay depends on deductions and the payroll model used by the employer.

What you’ll do: day-to-day tasks

Residential cleaning scope (varies by client and employer)

Core tasks

  • Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and surface sanitation (living areas, bedrooms, hallways)
  • Kitchen cleaning: counters, sink, exterior appliances, stovetop, cabinet fronts (as specified)
  • Bathroom cleaning: toilets, showers/tubs, mirrors, floors; restocking basics if required
  • Laundry handling, bed making, and basic organization (only when included in the checklist)
  • Waste removal and simple staging (especially for turnover cleans)
  • Reporting issues: damage, missing items, hazards, or supply shortages

A “typical shift” snapshot

  1. Arrive & prep: confirm scope, ventilate spaces, set PPE, stage supplies.
  2. Bathrooms first: chemicals dwell time while you handle mirrors, sinks, then floors.
  3. Kitchen focus: grease points, high-touch surfaces, then final wipe-down.
  4. Rooms & floors: dust → vacuum → mop (sequence reduces rework).
  5. Final check: photos (if required), lock-up protocol, notes to supervisor/client.
Quality standards: Residential cleaning is judged by consistency. Employers commonly use checklists and spot checks. You should expect rework requests if results are not to spec—especially on deep-clean or turnover projects.
Tools & supplies (typical): vacuum, mop system, microfiber cloths, basic cleaners/disinfectants, gloves, and shoe covers. Some employers provide supplies; some require you to bring basics depending on the contract.

Chemical handling must follow label instructions. Employers may require WHMIS awareness depending on product set and site rules.

Requirements & documents (Canada)

General guidance for legal employment (employer policies vary)

Skills & experience

  • Reliability, punctuality, and respectful conduct in clients’ homes
  • Ability to follow a checklist and maintain pace without sacrificing quality
  • Basic English (A2+ preferred) for site notes, safety instructions, and client communication
  • Physical stamina (standing, bending, repetitive motion, lifting light-to-moderate loads)

Certifications / checks (when required)

  • Background checks may be required for private residences or high-trust environments
  • WHMIS awareness/training may be requested depending on chemicals and contract standards
  • Valid driver’s license can be an advantage for route-based work (not always required)
Work authorization principle: In Canada, employers generally hire candidates who can work legally under the appropriate authorization (for example, an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit, depending on the person’s status).
What helps your application: a clear CV with cleaning experience (homes, hotels, rentals), availability, and any proof of reliability (references, tenure, repeat clients).

This page provides general information and does not replace employer onboarding instructions or legal advice.

Work conditions: schedule, overtime, safety, PPE

What you should be ready for on real assignments

  • Schedule: morning starts are common; weekends may be required in busy turnover periods.
  • Overtime: depends on province and employer policy; peak demand can extend shifts (especially turnovers).
  • Safety: slip/trip prevention, chemical label compliance, safe lifting, and secure lock-up procedures.
  • PPE: gloves are standard; masks/eye protection may be required for stronger products or dusty environments.
  • Travel: route-based teams may move between homes; travel time handling varies by employer.
  • Probation: many employers evaluate performance in the first weeks (quality + reliability).
  • Deductions: payroll deductions and any agreed tool/supply handling depend on employer setup (avoid assumptions; confirm during onboarding).
Residential cleaning rewards consistency: if you communicate clearly, keep to a checklist, and avoid rework, you tend to access better routes and more stable hours.

Candidate fit

Quick self-check before you apply

You are a good fit if you…

  • can follow a checklist and keep a steady pace without cutting corners
  • are comfortable working inside clients’ homes with professional conduct
  • have basic English for instructions, notes, and simple client interaction
  • can handle physical work (bending, lifting, repetitive motion) consistently
  • show up on time and communicate early if anything changes
  • pay attention to details (bathrooms and kitchens especially)
  • can work some weekends or peak turnover periods when needed
Tip: quality + reliability = better routes

This role is not for you if you…

  • prefer slow-paced work or dislike repetitive tasks
  • are uncomfortable working in private residences
  • cannot follow safety rules for chemicals and wet floors
  • expect guaranteed hours without flexibility during peak periods
Avoid mismatch: it saves time

FAQ

Is a CV required?

Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.

What pay should I expect for residential cleaning in Canada?

Typical gross pay is 16–26 CAD/hour. Rates depend on province, experience, the type of cleaning (maintenance vs deep/turnover), and overtime rules.

Do I need experience?

Experience is preferred, but some employers train reliable candidates. Your CV should clearly show any cleaning-related work (homes, hotels, rentals) and your availability.

What documents are typically needed to work legally?

Employers generally require valid identity documents and evidence of legal work authorization (for example, an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit, depending on your status).

Is the job physically demanding?

It can be. Expect standing, bending, repetitive motion, and carrying supplies. Good technique and pace management matter.