I’ve been in the professional cleaning business for 37 years. That’s almost four decades of early mornings, late nights, and weekends spent sweeping floors, scrubbing restrooms, buffing marble, and making buildings shine before most people even walk through the door. It’s not glamorous, but it’s good and honest work. And for those of us who’ve made it our profession, we carry it with pride. The floors are clean. Most people never stop to think about who made the floors clean, who made the lobby smell fresh, and the mirrors shine. And it’s understandable. Life is busy, and cleaning just usually fades into the background. But I want to put those in the spotlight for a moment because in our busy world focused on speed, metrics, and technology, we shouldn’t overlook the people whose daily work holds it all together.

So today I want to honor the janitors. 

This Work Takes Skill 

It’s easy to assume that janitorial work is “low-skill.” That anyone can do it. That it’s just mopping or wiping things down. But the truth is, good janitorial work is skilled labor. It requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and strong time management. It also requires an understanding of science. Take cleaning chemicals, for example. A professional custodian selects the right product for the surface and uses it correctly. We’re trained to understand chemical pH, dilution ratios, dwell times, and surface compatibility. Using the wrong product on marble or wood can cause permanent damage. 

Using the wrong chemicals can release toxic fumes. Using disinfectants the wrong way creates a false sense of safety. A trained janitor knows how to clean safely and correctly. We know which products to use and how long they need to work. We know how to strip and refinish floors without damaging the surface. We know how to deep clean carpets without leaving residue behind. We clean for health, not just appearance. 

This work is also physically demanding. We are on our feet for eight to ten hours a day. We lift, bend, scrub, haul, and polish. That level of effort requires strength and stamina. This is not unskilled work. It is skilled labor that demands both knowledge and endurance. 

The Best Janitors Care Deeply 

In all my years in this field, I’ve learned something important: the best janitors aren’t just doing a job. They care. They care about the people who walk into that building

tomorrow morning. They care about making someone’s day a little better. They care about keeping others safe, healthy, and comfortable. At Personal Touch, we hire people for their hearts first. We can train the skills. But we can’t train compassion. Or integrity. Or the quiet drive that leads someone to go the extra mile when no one is watching. That’s why the best janitors are the ones who over-clean. They don’t just check boxes — they see what others miss. A coffee spill under a chair. A smudge on a glass door. Dust collecting on a vent. They clean it because it’s right, not because it was assigned. Because someone might notice — or someone might not. But they’ll know. This work, when done well, is an act of service. It’s care made visible. 

Custodians Are the First Line of Defense 

The global pandemic reminded many people of something those of us in the cleaning industry already knew: cleaning can be life-saving. Custodians and janitors are not just maintaining appearances. 

They are the front line of defense between the public and infectious disease. Viruses, bacteria, allergens, and contaminants live on surfaces and in the air. How a space is cleaned determines whether it’s truly safe. But here’s the catch — it’s not just about whether a space was cleaned. It’s about how it was cleaned. Did the disinfectant have enough dwell time? Was the right product used for the surface? Were high-touch areas like doorknobs, elevator buttons, and shared equipment given special attention? Were cross-contamination protocols followed? Were gloves changed between restrooms and break rooms? The answers matter. Because one janitor doing their job well could mean fewer people calling in sick. Fewer germs spread. Fewer children missing school. Fewer immunocompromised people at risk. We don’t talk about it often. But janitors are part of the public health system. Quietly. Consistently. Reliably. 

A Friendly Reminder of Worth 

I’m not trying to guilt-trip anyone. I know most people are kind, appreciative, and respectful. But it’s easy to forget that there are people behind the scenes keeping your workplace clean, your restrooms stocked, your offices disinfected, and your floors safe. So this is just a friendly reminder that appreciation matters. It doesn’t take much. A “thank you.” A kind word. A genuine compliment. Those things go a long way in a job that’s often done in silence and solitude. Recognizing the value of a janitor isn’t just about being polite. It’s about honoring the reality that every role matters. Every person matters. The people who empty your trash and sanitize your phone are just as important as the people who write your checks or close your deals. They’re part of your team,

even if they’re contracted. They’re part of your culture, even if you don’t see them daily. They’re part of your building’s success, even if they clock in after hours. 

Why We Built Personal Touch on Heart 

At Personal Touch, our entire company was built on one simple truth: people matter. That means we don’t hire just anyone. We look for people who are kind. Thoughtful. Quietly proud of their work. We can train the technical side — how to use a floor buffer, how to mix chemicals, how to clean a space to high standards. But the heart? That has to already be there. When our team members show up at a client site, they’re not just checking off tasks. They’re showing up with a sense of care. With dignity. With a desire to serve and leave the space better than they found it. We hold that standard because we know the difference a good janitor makes. It’s more than clean. It’s personal. It’s excellence in action. 

The Ripple Effect of Clean 

People often assume that janitorial work sits at the bottom of the ladder, but when you look at the impact, it becomes clear how foundational this work truly is. 

On a human level, these details matter. A clean restroom, a fresh breakroom, or a dust-free windowsill can change how someone feels during the day. That impact is real. It affects how people work, interact, and show up. 

A Word to Business Owners and Building Managers 

If you make decisions for a building, take time to know the people who clean it. Learn their names. Notice their work. Encourage your team to do the same. Offer feedback when something needs attention, but also acknowledge good work when you see it. That recognition matters more than most people realize. 

If you are responsible for hiring a cleaning service, choose carefully. Look for a company that values training, consistency, and accountability, not just the lowest price. 

Because the cheapest quote may save you a dollar today—but a high-integrity, well-trained janitor will protect your facility, your people, and your reputation in ways you may never fully see. 

Final Thoughts 

Janitors aren’t just cleaners. They’re protectors, stewards, caretakers, and healers in their own quiet way. They’re people with families, dreams, and stories—people who take pride in work that many overlook. 

I’ve been in this industry for 37 years, and I can tell you with certainty: good janitors make the world go round. And they deserve to be seen. So the next time you walk into a freshly cleaned office, pause for a moment. Look around. Breathe in. And whisper a quiet “thank you” to the hands that made it feel safe, welcoming, and whole. It matters more than you know. 

We learned about gratitude and humility – that so many people had a hand in our success, from the teachers who inspired us to the janitors who kept our school clean… and we were taught to value everyone’s contribution and treat everyone with respect. –Michelle Obama 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why does Personal Touch emphasize janitorial work as skilled labor? 

At Personal Touch, we believe janitorial work is highly skilled and deeply important. Professional cleaning requires knowledge of surfaces, chemistry, safety protocols, and health standards. Our team is trained to clean for health, safety, and long-term facility care, not just appearance. The right techniques protect your people, your building, and your investment. 

2. How does Personal Touch protect the health and safety of our workplace?

Our custodial teams follow proven cleaning and disinfecting protocols that focus on high-touch surfaces, proper dwell times, cross-contamination prevention, and surface-appropriate products. We clean with intention and precision, understanding that our work plays a quiet but essential role in supporting public health, reducing illness, and maintaining safe environments. 

3. What makes Personal Touch different from other cleaning companies? 

We build our team on heart, integrity, and pride in work. While many companies focus solely on speed or price, we focus on people. We hire individuals who care deeply about the spaces they clean and the people who use them. Skills can be taught—but compassion, accountability, and attention to detail come from within. 

4. How does janitorial work impact employee morale and workplace culture? 

A clean, well-maintained environment affects how people feel, think, and perform. Clean spaces support focus, reduce stress, and communicate respect for employees and visitors alike. Our work helps create environments where people feel valued, comfortable, and supported—every single day. 

5. Why should businesses choose quality janitorial services over the lowest price? 

Choosing the lowest bid often leads to shortcuts, inconsistent service, and long-term damage to facilities. A well-trained, high-integrity janitorial team protects your building, reduces health risks, and upholds your professional image. With Personal Touch, you’re investing in reliability, care, and excellence—not just cleaning, but stewardship.