What Does a Cleaner Do in the Aged Care and NDIS Sector?

Cleaning in the aged care and disability sector differs from commercial or residential cleaning. You enter a client’s home regularly over months or years and your work is part of a broader care arrangement that helps them live independently.

The routine tasks include vacuuming, mopping, bathroom and toilet cleaning and sanitising, kitchen surface and appliance cleaning, laundry, bed changing, and general tidying. Some clients have specific product or routine preferences, and part of the role is learning and respecting those preferences.

Because you often are the only regular visitor, you may notice changes in a client’s condition or potential safety risks. Passing that information to the appropriate person is a key part of the job.

Who You Would Support

You will support older Australians with Home Care Packages or Support at Home funding and NDIS participants whose plans include assistance with household tasks. Clients range from those who are largely independent but need help with physically demanding cleaning to those with significant support needs who receive multiple services from a wider care team.

What Checks You Will Need

- Current National Police Check
- NDIS Worker Screening Check for NDIS‑funded clients
- First Aid certificate (often valued or required)

Required Qualifications

- Experience in residential or home cleaning, preferably with elderly or disability sector clients
- Knowledge of safe chemical use,



including appropriate products for different surfaces and infection control
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to work to a client's individual preferences
- Reliability and positive time management across multiple client locations
- Comfortable working independently in clients' homes with minimal supervision
- Physical fitness to complete a full cleaning schedule efficiently
- Reliable transport and a current Australian driver's licence
- Sensitivity when working in a client's personal space, particularly where they have health or mobility challenges

Checks and Credentials

- Police Check: $110–$160, valid 5 years, 4–8 weeks to process
- NDIS Worker Screening Check: $50–$80, valid 3 years, often issued within days
- First Aid Certificate: $90–$160, 1‑day course, valid 3 years (refresh CPR every 12 months)
- Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S;): Free to $150 (often provided by employer), half‑day to 1‑day course, refreshed annually

What Cleaner Pay Looks Like

Pay is largely governed by the SCHADS Award (home care) and the Aged Care Award. Indicative rates are:

- Weekday: $27‑$32 per hour
- Saturday: $40‑$48 per hour
- Sunday: $53‑$63 per hour
- Public Holiday: $66‑$79 per hour
- Casual loading: 25% on top of these rates (often quoted as $34‑$40 per hour)

Rates are reviewed annually and may be influenced by provider contracts or enterprise agreements.

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📌 Cleaner (Australia)
🏢 MD Homecare
📍 Australia