What is COSHH and should it be on my CV?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, which cover using cleaning chemicals safely. If you have had COSHH training or follow it at work, say so.

Can I put self-employed cleaning on my CV?

Yes. List it like any other job, with the dates and what you did. Regular clients trusting you with their homes is worth mentioning.

How long should a cleaner's CV be?

One page is usually plenty. Focus on where you have cleaned, what you did and any training.

CV guide

Cleaner CV example

Cleaning employers look for people who are thorough, trustworthy and safe with cleaning products. Here is what to put on a cleaner's CV, the words cleaning adverts use and a full example.

What employers look for

Thorough cleaning to a schedule or checklist
Using cleaning products safely (COSHH)
Trustworthiness, especially in homes or offices
Working on your own and managing your time
Using equipment such as floor scrubbers or buffers
Reliability for early, late or split shifts

Words to use from the advert

These come up again and again in adverts for this kind of job. Use the advert's own words on your CV, but only where they are true for you.

Cleaning schedule
COSHH
Colour-coded cleaning
Commercial / domestic cleaning
Floor scrubber / buffer
Attention to detail
Work independently
Trustworthy

Make each line show what you did

The examples below are invented. Yours should describe what you really did.

Weaker

Did cleaning at an office.

Stronger

Cleaned a three-floor office each evening to a set schedule, including kitchens, toilets and meeting rooms.

Weaker

Know about chemicals.

Stronger

Used cleaning products safely in line with COSHH guidance and the colour-coded system for each area.

Example cleaner CV

A made-up example. The person, employers and dates are invented, and every line is something that could be backed up.

Alex Morgan

Birmingham · 07700 900123 · alex.morgan@example.com

Profile

Reliable and thorough cleaner with three years' experience in offices and homes. Works well alone to a schedule and uses cleaning products safely in line with COSHH.

Experience

Office Cleaner, Brightway Cleaning Services, Birmingham, 2023 to present
Clean a three-floor office each evening to a set schedule, including kitchens and toilets.
Use the colour-coded system and follow COSHH guidance for every product.
Operate a floor scrubber in reception and corridors.
Domestic Cleaner, self-employed, Solihull, 2021 to 2023
Cleaned homes for regular clients who trusted me with their keys.

Training

COSHH awareness, 2023

Education

Hillcrest Academy, Birmingham: 4 GCSEs including English

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Questions about cleaner CVs

What is COSHH and should it be on my CV?: COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, which cover using cleaning chemicals safely. If you have had COSHH training or follow it at work, say so.
Can I put self-employed cleaning on my CV?: Yes. List it like any other job, with the dates and what you did. Regular clients trusting you with their homes is worth mentioning.
How long should a cleaner's CV be?: One page is usually plenty. Focus on where you have cleaned, what you did and any training.