Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Industrial Cleaning Operator
What industrial cleaning operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an industrial cleaning operator?
Check tank levels. From there, the day usually includes load parts washers, run pickling lines, and control chemistry. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an industrial cleaning operator working full time.
- Check tank levels.
- Load washer baskets.
- Run the pickling line.
- Test acid strength.
- Inspect parts.
- Skim oil.
- Log data.
Where industrial cleaning operators work
Operators work in metal plants with chemical tanks.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Load parts washers
- Run pickling lines
- Control chemistry
- Monitor temperatures
- Inspect cleanliness
- Change solutions
- Record data
Tools you’ll use every day
- Parts washers
- Ultrasonic cleaners
- Pickling tanks
- Titration kits
- Hoists
- pH meters
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No degree needed
- Average growth
- Steady work
- Training provided
What’s hard
- Chemical exposure
- Wet work
- Fumes
- Shift work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I follow safety rules
- I don’t mind wet work
- I like process work
- I can work shifts
- I want steady work
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Industrial Cleaning Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear chemical PPE
- Know eyewash stations
- Ventilate
- Never mix chemicals