Drapery and carpet cleaner
Also known as: drapery cleaner, carpet and drapery cleaner, carpet cleaner, carpet cleaning technician, rug cleaner
About this occupation
Drapery and carpet cleaners clean draperies and carpets for their clients by removing stains, dust or odors. They do this by applying chemical and repellent solutions and with the use of brushes or mechanical equipment.
Essential skills and knowledge
- handle chemical cleaning agents
- use solvents
- operate floor cleaning equipment
- types of staining
- rinse cloth articles
- maintain a safe, hygienic and secure working environment
- operate carpet centrifugal machine
- groom carpets
- perform dusting activities
- maintain customer service
- guarantee customer satisfaction
- maintain cleaning equipment
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (O*NET 37-2012.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Keep storage areas and carts well-stocked, clean, and tidy.
- Carry linens, towels, toilet items, and cleaning supplies, using wheeled carts.
- Clean rooms, hallways, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, corridors, elevators, stairways, locker rooms, and other work areas so that health standards are met.
- Empty wastebaskets, empty and clean ashtrays, and transport other trash and waste to disposal areas.
- Sweep, scrub, wax, or polish floors, using brooms, mops, or powered scrubbing and waxing machines.
- Replenish supplies, such as drinking glasses, linens, writing supplies, and bathroom items.
- Typical education (US)
- Less than a High School Diploma
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Service Orientation, Coordination, Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, Speaking
US median pay: US$35,510 a year (2025), 860,670 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Less than a High School Diploma
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Dishwashers
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
- Fast Food and Counter Workers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.