Cleaning and housekeeping jobs are among the most popular and accessible jobs for foreigners, especially Africans looking for a new beginning in the United Kingdom.
These jobs are easy to learn, do not require much education or experience, and are always in high demand. Offices, hotels, hospitals, schools, shopping malls, and private homes all need cleaners and housekeepers to keep their spaces neat and tidy.
If you are willing to work hard, be reliable, and follow instructions, cleaning and housekeeping can be a great way to enter the UK workforce and build a better life.
In this guide, you will learn what the work involves, how much you can earn, what visa you need, where to apply, and tips to succeed.
What is the Work Like?
Cleaners and housekeepers perform basic but very important jobs to keep places clean, safe, and welcoming. Your daily tasks may include:
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Vacuuming carpets
- Dusting furniture and surfaces
- Cleaning toilets, bathrooms, and kitchens
- Washing windows
- Making beds and changing linens
- Washing clothes and ironing
- Restocking toiletries and supplies
- Emptying rubbish bins
You may work in different settings such as:
- Hotels and guest houses
- Office buildings
- Private homes
- Hospitals and clinics
- Schools and universities
- Shopping centres
The job is usually physical because you are always on your feet, bending, lifting, and moving items. However, it is simple and straightforward once you get used to it.
Why the UK Needs Cleaners and Housekeepers
The United Kingdom is a busy and developed country with millions of offices, businesses, schools, and homes. Cleanliness is very important for public health and business image.
Many British citizens prefer not to work as cleaners because they see it as low-status or physically hard. Therefore, there is always a strong demand for reliable foreign workers who are ready to do the job well.
Hotels, hospitals, and companies especially depend on cleaners and housekeepers to meet hygiene standards.
How Much Can You Earn?
The pay for cleaning and housekeeping jobs is reasonable, and you can live a decent life if you manage your expenses well.
- Hourly Wage: The average pay is between £10 and £13 per hour.
- Full-Time Salary: Working 35–40 hours per week, you can earn between £1,400 and £2,000 per month before taxes.
- Extra Hours: Some employers offer overtime pay for weekend or evening shifts.
- Private Housekeepers: If you work for rich families or small offices, you might also get tips or bonuses.
In cities like London, the pay may be higher, but living costs are also higher. Smaller towns may pay a little less but living costs are cheaper.
Requirements to Work as a Cleaner or Housekeeper in the UK
The good news is that cleaning and housekeeping jobs do not have difficult requirements. You simply need:
- Age: Must be 18 years or older
- Physical Fitness: Able to lift, bend, and work on your feet
- Basic English: To understand instructions and communicate with supervisors
- Attention to Detail: Clean spaces properly and notice small things
- Right to Work: You must have a visa that allows you to work
Some employers may ask for a background check (to confirm you have no criminal record), especially if you work in schools, hospitals, or private homes.
Experience as a cleaner or housekeeper is a plus but not necessary — many employers are willing to train you.
Visa Options for Cleaners and Housekeepers
As of now, cleaning jobs are not officially on the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa list. However, there are still legal ways for foreigners to get cleaning and housekeeping jobs:
1. Health and Care Worker Visa
- Some hospitals and care homes also need domestic assistants (cleaners for patients’ rooms).
- If you are employed by a hospital or care facility, you might qualify under the Health and Care Worker Visa.
2. Temporary Worker Visa (Charity or Religious Sector)
- Some churches, mosques, temples, and charities may sponsor cleaners under a Temporary Worker Visa.
- Usually short-term (up to 12 months).
3. Family Visa
- If you have relatives already living in the UK (British citizens or residents), they can sponsor you, and you can then work any job legally, including cleaning.
4. Student Visa (Work Permit)
- Students in the UK can work part-time (20 hours per week) during school terms and full-time during vacations. Many international students do cleaning jobs to support themselves.
Important: Many African workers come to the UK through education routes, family visas, or care worker sponsorship, and then work part-time as cleaners or housekeepers.
How to Apply for Cleaner and Housekeeper Jobs
You can apply for cleaning and housekeeping jobs from your country or once you are in the UK.
1. Online Job Sites
Some of the best websites for cleaning jobs include:
- Indeed UK (indeed.co.uk)
- TotalJobs (totaljobs.com)
- Reed UK (reed.co.uk)
- Gumtree Jobs (jobs.gumtree.com)
- CV-Library (cv-library.co.uk)
Use search keywords like:
- “Cleaner jobs with visa sponsorship”
- “Housekeeping jobs UK”
- “Domestic worker jobs UK”
2. Cleaning Agencies
Register with professional cleaning agencies that help place workers:
- Maid2Clean
- Housekeep
- Fantastic Services
- Blue Arrow
These agencies may help you find a job faster.
3. Apply Directly to Hotels, Hospitals, and Care Homes
Some big companies hire cleaners and housekeepers directly. Examples:
- Premier Inn Hotels
- NHS Hospitals
- Hilton Hotels
- Travelodge Hotels
Visit their career websites and submit your application.
Documents You Will Need
- Valid Passport
- Visa or Permit (showing you can work in the UK)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- References (if available)
- Basic English certification (optional but helpful)
- Police Clearance Certificate (especially for hospital or school jobs)
Tips for Success
- Be Punctual: Always show up on time.
- Dress Neatly: Some jobs require uniforms, but always look clean and tidy.
- Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to supervisors and ask if unsure.
- Be Honest: If you break something, report it immediately.
- Work Quickly and Carefully: Time management is important.
- Be Respectful: Treat customers and fellow staff with respect.
- Learn Basic Cleaning Techniques: YouTube has many free training videos.
Pros and Cons of Cleaning and Housekeeping Work
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to get started | Physically tiring |
| No education needed | Some people may look down on cleaners |
| Decent wages | Shifts may include nights, weekends, or early mornings |
| High demand | Limited career progression (unless you move to supervisor roles) |
Conclusion
Cleaning and housekeeping jobs in the UK offer a great entry point for foreigners, especially Africans looking for better opportunities.
While it is not glamorous work, it is honest, respected, and pays well enough to support yourself and your family back home.
Many people have started with cleaning jobs and later moved into better opportunities after gaining experience and understanding the UK system.
If you are hardworking, reliable, and patient, the door to a brighter future is open for you.
Start preparing your documents, improve your basic English skills, and apply today. Your future awaits!
