The Difference Between Day Porters and Janitorial Service

The terms janitor and porter are sometimes used interchangeably but porter services and janitorial services are not the same things. While both positions focus on the cleaning of commercial property, there are distinct differences between the two. This variance includes the unique responsibilities and duties that accompany each role. 

What is a janitor? 

A janitor is a professional who focuses on the cleanliness of a facility; a retail store, bank, health care facility, public space, school and/or office building. Janitors undertake a range of cleaning tasks and generally perform their duties after the employees/customers/users have left the building. They may work as a team or individually, depending upon the scope of cleaning needed and the size of the facility. 

What are the duties of a janitor?

Janitors generally work after regular business hours and are responsible for maintaining a clean and presentable building. They have a variety of duties.

• Washing windows and mirrors.
• Taking out the trash and recycling.
• Wiping down and sanitizing surfaces.
• Cleaning, sanitizing, and stocking restrooms.
• Handling leaf and snow removal, as needed.
• Sweeping, mopping, polishing, and vacuuming floors.
• Mowing lawns, watering plants, and removing litter.
• Using cleaning tools and outdoor power equipment.
• Organizing the janitor closet and storing all supplies and tools.
• Completing minor repairs (switching light bulbs, unclogging toilets).
• Notifying the head janitor when major repairs are needed.
• Filling out janitorial checklists at the end of every shift.
• General cleaning of the building and keeping it maintained and in good condition.

What is a day porter?

A day porter is a skilled employee who is responsible for conducting daily cleaning and maintenance to ensure your building looks presentable at all times. They are your first line of defence against daily grime, germs and debris. Though a day porter is present during the day shift, they work in conjunction with the night cleaning team to help provide continuity.

What are the duties of a day porter?

Porters work during normal business hours when employees or customers are in the facility. A day porter’s responsibilities are flexible as they depend upon the needs of each day. They may include: 

• Ensuring your facility is clean and presentable to staff, tenants, and visitors during business hours.
• Providing assistance with the operations of a facility.
• Checking visitors into the facility.
• Greeting guests.
• Running facility-related errands. 
• Keeping the facility presentable between nightly cleanings. 
• Pointing out maintenance or security needs to management.
• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces throughout the workday.
• Maintaining the lobby.
• Inspecting, cleaning and disinfecting common areas (kitchen, cafeteria, patio, break room)
• Overseeing entrances so they always look their best.
• Monitoring, servicing and restocking restrooms.
• Removing trash and debris. 
• Meeting and event setup/teardown.
• Keeping drinks and food items stocked in a break room.
• Additional small tasks.

The responsibilities of a day porter and a janitor are similar, but precise job duties vary depending on your property needs. Most building managers are aware of the need for and hire janitorial services. Few understand the benefits of a day porter. If you have a large daily volume of customers moving through your facility, hold numerous business meetings and/or VIPs regularly visit, day porter services are a good choice for you. Day porters are an integral part of a well-managed facility service. They’re the unseen heroes! With the help of a day porter, you can make a great impression, keep your building running smoothly and provide a high level of hospitality and service to your customers, users, employees or tenants. Ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of your facility by engaging janitorial and day porter services for your building. 

Need a day porter for your facility? Looking for a reliable cleaning company to help keep your business shining? Call Strathcona Cleaners Ltd at 403-237-8355 or email us at info@strathconacleaners.com. Our Calgary-based business provides janitorial services to an array of industries. We custom tailor our cleaning and maintenance plans to suit your specific needs. You can even choose non-toxic products and eco-friendly equipment. Depend on us for quality janitorial and office cleaning services. Contact us today!