Furniture washer

What does a furniture cleaner do? – Tasks and work environment

A furniture cleaner works with cleaning and maintenance of furniture, primarily regarding textiles and upholstered surfaces. The work involves treating sofas, armchairs, carpets, and other interior details with specialized machines and chemicals to remove dirt, stains, and allergens. Tasks also include assessing the material condition, choosing the right cleaning method, and performing finishing treatments to protect fabric quality. The work environment varies between visits to private homes, companies, and public spaces, which means both indoor work and sometimes working in customers' premises. Heavy lifting and working in awkward positions may occur, along with the need for good knowledge of chemical handling and ergonomics.

Salary development over time

The salary for furniture cleaners has shown a relatively stable development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,600 SEK per month, with a slight change to 26 500 SEK the following year. In 2024, the average salary has increased to 27 800 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 4.9% compared to the previous year. This increase can partly be explained by increased demand for cleaning services and general wage adjustments within service occupations. It is also noteworthy that the wage gap between women and men is very small, with women earning slightly more on average than men in the profession. The trend indicates positive development for the occupational group, although salary levels still remain in the lower range compared to many other professions within industry and service sectors.

Furniture cleaner salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 30,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 167 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 27 900 SEK, men 27 700 SEK
• Regional differences: No data available on geographic variation

Education and qualifications

To work as a furniture cleaner, no extensive formal education is usually required, but basic high school education in fields such as hospitality and tourism, or craft programs, are common. Employers often provide on-the-job training and instruction, with particular emphasis on machine and chemical handling as well as work environment and safety. Certifications in chemical handling and ergonomics can be advantageous, and internships or trainee positions provide valuable experience before employment.

• High school education: Hospitality and tourism, craft programs, or equivalent
• On-the-job training: Training at the workplace is common
• Certifications: Courses in chemical handling and ergonomics can be advantageous
• Practical experience: Valued highly during recruitment
• Prerequisites: Precision, service-mindedness, and good physical condition are important qualities

Common benefits and compensations

Furniture cleaners often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothes, and sometimes subsidized lunches. Some employers also offer insurance, opportunities for further training, and extra compensation for unsocial hours. Many workplaces prioritize a good working environment and ergonomic aids to reduce the risk of strain injuries.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession of furniture cleaners is generally low, as there is steady demand for services related to cleaning and maintenance of furniture, from both private individuals and companies. Challenges may arise from physically demanding tasks and exposure to chemicals, which require good health and attention to detail. Since many tasks are performed on-site at customers’ premises, high service skills and flexibility are necessary. Limited opportunities for specialization and advancement within the profession also influence the competitive situation. Nevertheless, there are available jobs in the occupational group, indicating some demand for labor.

Tips for aspiring furniture cleaners

To succeed as a furniture cleaner, it’s good to combine thoroughness with a desire to provide excellent service. Flexibility makes it easier to handle different customer needs and varying work environments, while physical endurance helps manage heavy lifting and repetitive movements. Being solution-oriented is also advantageous, as unexpected problems and difficult stains often need to be addressed on-site. Demonstrating responsibility and following safety routines reduces risks when working with chemicals. Finally, maintaining a positive attitude and patience is important, as some tasks can be time-consuming and require great precision.

Key facts about furniture cleaners

• Education level: High school education is most common
• Work environment: Varies, often at customer sites or in public spaces
• Typical employment: Full-time or hourly employment
• Demand: 1,437 job openings within the occupational group (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Equal wages between women and men

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a furniture cleaner, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as supervisor, quality manager, or trainer in cleaning techniques. Some also choose to start their own business in the field. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, it is not possible to make a definitive assessment of the future prospects due to limited data, but the relatively high number of job openings suggests some demand for workers in related fields such as machine operators for bleaching, dyeing, and washing. Furniture cleaners who develop skills in chemical handling or machinery may also find career opportunities in adjacent industries.

Frequently asked questions about furniture cleaners

• What does a furniture cleaner earn?
  - The average salary for a furniture cleaner is 27 800 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Salaries are equal, with women earning an average of 27 900 SEK and men 27 700 SEK.
• What education is required to become a furniture cleaner?
  - High school education and internal training are most common, often supplemented with practical experience.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - There is some demand for labor, but no precise forecast can be provided due to limited data.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Cleaning furniture, stain removal, material assessment, and customer contact.
• Are there opportunities for further training?
  - Yes, some employers offer training in chemical handling and ergonomics.
• What is the lowest and highest salary for a furniture cleaner?
  - The lowest salary is 23,400 SEK and the highest is 30,000 SEK per month.