Keeping a restaurant clean is about more than appearances. A spotless dining area, restrooms, and kitchen are critical for guest satisfaction, food safety, and health compliance. That’s why hiring a reliable restaurant cleaner is essential.
A clear restaurant cleaner job description not only helps attract qualified candidates but also ensures your staff understands expectations. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need: responsibilities, skills, physical requirements, sample job descriptions, and tips for hiring and retaining top cleaners in your restaurant.
What Is a Restaurant Cleaner?
A restaurant cleaner is responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment for guests and staff. Their role is crucial to the overall dining experience, among a smooth running restaurant.
Difference Between Cleaners, Dishwashers, and Bussers
- Restaurant Cleaner: Focuses on overall sanitation — dining areas, bathrooms, floors, and sometimes kitchen equipment.
- Dishwasher: Primarily handles cleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchenware.
- Busser: Assists servers by clearing tables and resetting dining areas.
Understanding these distinctions helps you write a precise job description that attracts the right applicants.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Cleaners
Some restaurants need part-time cleaners for after-hours or weekend shifts, while others may require full-time staff to maintain consistent cleanliness throughout operating hours. Be specific in the job posting.
Why a Restaurant Cleaner Job Description Matters
Attract Qualified Candidates
A detailed job description ensures applicants know exactly what’s expected. This reduces unqualified applications and speeds up hiring.
Reduce Turnover
Clear responsibilities and expectations reduce confusion and frustration on the job, which in turn lowers turnover rates.
Support Compliance
Restaurants are subject to health and safety inspections. A structured cleaner role ensures compliance with OSHA, FDA, and local regulations.
Enhance Guest Experience
Cleanliness directly impacts guest satisfaction, repeat visits, and online reviews. A dedicated cleaner ensures high standards are consistently met.
Key Responsibilities in a Restaurant Cleaner Job Description
A comprehensive job description should include these duties (at the minimum):
- Sanitize Dining Areas: Wipe tables, chairs, booths, and high-touch surfaces regularly.
- Maintain Restrooms: Clean toilets, sinks, mirrors, floors, and replenish supplies.
- Sweep, Mop, and Vacuum Floors: Daily maintenance of front-of-house and back-of-house areas.
- Waste Management: Empty trash bins, sort recycling, and dispose of waste properly.
- Deep Cleaning: Periodically clean kitchen equipment, vents, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Windows and Entryways: Keep glass doors and windows streak-free.
- Supply Management: Monitor cleaning product inventory and request replacements as needed.
- Follow Safety & Sanitation Guidelines: Adhere to company policies, OSHA standards, and health codes.
- Support Team: Assist front-of-house and back-of-house staff with cleaning tasks as required.
Including these aspects is crucial to outline the responsibilities of a cleaner. If there is any confusion, you’ll result in losing the employee hence increasing turnover rates.
Essential Skills for Restaurant Cleaners
Top candidates usually have a mix of technical and soft skills:
- Attention to Detail: Cleanliness requires noticing small imperfections.
- Time Management: Complete assigned tasks efficiently within shift hours.
- Knowledge of Cleaning Products & Safety Procedures: Use chemicals safely and effectively.
- Self-Motivation: Work independently with minimal supervision.
- Physical Stamina: Stand, bend, lift, and perform repetitive motions.
- Communication: Report issues to management clearly.
- Reliability: Consistent attendance and punctuality.
Physical Requirements
Including physical expectations helps set realistic candidate expectations. Back to reducing turnover, specially in roles with higher turnover rates when compared to servers or bartenders.
- Ability to lift 25–50 lbs.
- Standing for long periods.
- Repetitive bending, reaching, and wiping.
- Comfortable working with cleaning chemicals.
- Flexibility to work in warm kitchens or cool storage areas.
Restaurant Cleaner Job Description Template
Here’s a sample job description you can use as a base:
Job Title: Restaurant Cleaner
Location: [Insert City, State]
Job Type: Full-time / Part-time
Salary: [Insert Hourly Rate]
Job Summary:
We are looking for a reliable Restaurant Cleaner to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of our dining and kitchen areas. You will ensure guests and staff experience a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment.
Responsibilities:
- Clean and sanitize all dining areas, bathrooms, and high-touch surfaces.
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors daily.
- Empty trash and manage recycling.
- Perform deep-cleaning tasks weekly or monthly.
- Replenish cleaning supplies and report low inventory.
- Follow all safety and sanitation protocols.
Requirements:
- Previous cleaning experience preferred.
- Ability to lift 25–50 lbs. and stand for long periods.
- Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and safety procedures.
- Punctual, reliable, and detail-oriented.
Benefits:
- Competitive hourly rate
- Flexible scheduling
- Positive work environment
CTA: Apply now on StaffedUp to join a growing restaurant team!
Short Version for Job Boards
Restaurant Cleaner – Flexible Shifts
Maintain dining and kitchen areas, restrooms, and floors. Follow safety protocols. Apply now via StaffedUp!
How Much Do Restaurant Cleaners Make?
National Average
- $12–$16/hour, depending on location and experience.
Factors That Affect Pay
- Experience: Experienced cleaners may earn higher rates.
- Shift Type: Night or weekend shifts often pay more.
- Region: Urban areas usually offer higher wages.
- Scope of Responsibilities: More duties (kitchen deep-cleaning) can increase pay.
Offering competitive wages helps attract and retain high-quality staff, reducing costly turnover.
When Should Your Restaurant Hire a Cleaner?
Signs You Need a Dedicated Cleaner
- Persistent complaints about cleanliness.
- Staff cleaning during peak service hours, reducing efficiency.
- Failed health inspections or recurring hygiene issues.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
- A dedicated cleaner is often cheaper than having servers, cooks, or managers handle cleaning while losing productivity.
- Improves guest satisfaction, reducing negative reviews and lost revenue.
How to Find and Hire the Best Restaurant Cleaners
Where to Post Your Job
- Hospitality-specific platforms like StaffedUp
- Local job boards
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram)
- In-store signage for walk-ins
Screening Applicants
- Pre-screen for reliability, availability, and experience
- Check references if possible
Interview Questions
- Experience with restaurant cleaning
- Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and sanitation
- Availability and flexibility
- Scenario: “What would you do if a spill happened during a busy dinner service?”
What now? Post your restaurant cleaner job on StaffedUp to receive pre-screened, qualified candidates fast.
Why Using an Applicant Tracking System Helps
An ATS streamlines hiring by:
- Automating job posting to multiple boards (Tip: make sure to do your research on which job board your ATS integrates with)
- Centralizing applications on one dashboard
- Screening candidates with custom questions
- Mobile-friendly applications
- Tracking time-to-hire and candidate progress. An ATS with hiring metrics can provide this info in an easily digestible format
StaffedUp is built specifically for restaurants, helping you hire cleaners quickly and efficiently without administrative headaches.
Sample Cleaning Checklist for Restaurants
Daily Opening Checklist:
- Sanitize all tables, chairs, and high-touch surfaces
- Sweep and mop floors
- Clean restrooms
- Restock cleaning supplies
Daily Closing Checklist:
- Deep clean dining area and kitchen
- Empty trash and recycling
- Clean windows and entryways
Weekly/Monthly Deep-Clean Checklist:
- Clean vents, hoods, and filters
- Scrub kitchen equipment
- Deep clean restrooms
Providing checklists helps standardize cleaning routines and improve team accountability. Leverage digital checklists for a centralized approach that allows visibility for all team members.
Tips for Managing and Retaining Restaurant Cleaners
- Onboarding & Training: Provide clear expectations and safety guidance
- Checklists & Standard Operating Procedures: Ensure consistency
- Equipment & Supplies: Provide high-quality, safe tools
- Scheduling: Offer consistent, predictable hours
- Recognition: Appreciate hard work to boost retention
A structured approach reduces turnover and helps maintain high hygiene standards.
Conclusion: Hire Smart and Keep Your Restaurant Clean
A well-written restaurant cleaner job description attracts the right talent, reduces turnover, and ensures your restaurant stays clean and safe.
With clearly defined responsibilities, skills, and physical expectations, you’ll find candidates who meet your standards and fit your culture.Post your restaurant cleaner job on StaffedUp today to reach qualified, ready-to-work candidates. Streamline your hiring process and keep your restaurant spotless with the right team in place.
