Janitors Janitors Janitors keep office buildings, hospitals, apartment houses, stores, and hotels clean and in good shape. Janitors are also called building custodians. They have duties that include emptying wastebaskets, sweeping, mopping, dusting, waxing, and polishing surfaces and furniture. Some mow lawns, clear snow and ice, tend furnaces and boilers, and get rid of insects and rodents.
Some janitors specialize in one part of the work, such as window cleaning.
Many make sure heating and air-conditioning systems are working. They may fix leaky faucets, change light bulbs, and paint walls. Cleaning supervisors coordinate the activities of janitors. They assign tasks and inspect to see that work has been completed. They also hire and train new employees.