Janitor vs. Custodian: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A "janitor" primarily focuses on cleaning tasks, while a "custodian" often has a broader role that includes maintenance and security responsibilities.
Key Differences
A janitor typically concentrates on cleaning tasks, like mopping floors and sanitizing restrooms. In contrast, a custodian may also handle maintenance duties, like minor repairs and overseeing building security.
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Nov 17, 2023
Janitors are often found in various settings, from schools to office buildings, mainly performing cleaning. Custodians, however, might work in settings requiring more comprehensive care of the premises, including schools, hospitals, and public buildings.
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Nov 17, 2023
Janitors primarily deal with the cleanliness of a building. Custodians, besides cleaning, might also be responsible for the general upkeep, including maintenance of equipment and managing supplies.
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Nov 17, 2023
While janitors generally need skills centered around cleaning techniques and tools, custodians might require a wider range of skills, including basic repair work, safety protocols, and sometimes administrative tasks.
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Nov 17, 2023
The term janitor is often used interchangeably with custodian, but the latter can imply a greater level of responsibility and authority, sometimes including managerial duties over other staff.
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Nov 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Typical Duties
Sanitizing, Mopping, Trash Removal
Repairing, Supervising, Sanitizing, Safety Monitoring
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Required Skills
Cleaning Techniques, Use of Cleaning Equipment
Repair Skills, Safety Knowledge, Administrative Tasks
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Work Environment
Office Buildings, Schools, Hospitals
Schools, Public Buildings, Corporate Facilities
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Level of Responsibility
Focused on Cleaning Tasks
Broader including Oversight of Building Security and Maintenance
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Janitor and Custodian Definitions
Janitor
A janitor is a professional responsible for cleaning buildings.
The janitor cleans the office every evening.
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Custodian
A custodian is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of buildings.
The custodian fixed the leaky faucet in the restroom.
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Janitor
A janitor is often tasked with maintaining the hygiene of a facility.
Our school's janitor ensures the classrooms are spotless.
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Custodian
Custodians often oversee the security and safety of facilities.
Our custodian conducts regular safety inspections.
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Janitor
A janitor may handle waste disposal and recycling in buildings.
The janitor collects and separates the recycling bins regularly.
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Custodian
A custodian is integral to maintaining a building’s overall functionality.
The custodian ensured the heating system was working efficiently.
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Custodian
A custodian manages both cleaning and minor repair tasks.
The custodian repainted the classroom after cleaning it.
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Custodian
Custodians can have administrative roles in facility management.
The custodian scheduled the next fire drill.
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Janitor
Someone who looks after the maintenance and cleaning of a public building.
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Custodian
One that has charge of something; a caretaker
The custodian of a minor child's estate.
The custodian of an absentee landlord's property.
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Janitor
(Scotland) A caretaker or custodian; someone who maintains a school building specifically and may serve other administrative roles.
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Custodian
A person entrusted with the custody or care of something or someone; a caretaker or keeper.
After their parents' death, their aunt became the children's custodian.
The building's custodian could fix nearly anything. The place always looked great!
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Oct 19, 2023
Custodian
A janitor; a cleaner
The custodian does such admirable work, deftly wielding a mop to keep our hallways and sidewalks free of buai pekpek left by people who chew betelnuts to be "cool" but don't even bother finding a rubbish bin or spit cup to dispose of the pekpek with.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custodian
One who has care or custody, as of some public building; a keeper or superintendent.
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Oct 19, 2023
Janitor
One who is employed to care for a public building, or a building occupied for offices, suites of rooms, etc.; a caretaker; - the duties may include removal of trash, cleaning of the rooms and public areas, and minor repairs.
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Oct 19, 2023
Janitor
Janitors often manage the stock of cleaning supplies.
The janitor ordered more cleaning agents for the hospital.
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Janitor
A janitor can be part of a maintenance team in larger facilities.
The janitor collaborated with the maintenance team for the annual deep clean.
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Nov 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do janitors work outside the building?
Janitors typically work inside but may handle some outdoor areas.
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What is the main role of a janitor?
Janitors primarily focus on cleaning activities in buildings.
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Is a custodian responsible for security?
Custodians can be responsible for building security and safety.
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Can a custodian perform repairs?
Yes, custodians often handle minor repairs.
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What kind of buildings do custodians work in?
Custodians work in a variety of buildings, including schools, hospitals, and office buildings.
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Are janitors required to use specific cleaning products and equipment?
Yes, janitors use various cleaning products, tools, and equipment to perform their tasks efficiently.
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Do janitors need special certifications?
Usually, janitors do not need special certifications, but they may need training in specific cleaning methods.
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Do janitors interact with the public?
Janitors might have limited interaction with the public.
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Can janitors manage other staff?
Generally, janitors focus on cleaning rather than staff management.
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Are custodians involved in administrative tasks?
Custodians may have administrative duties, like scheduling maintenance.
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Do janitors work during specific hours or shifts?
Janitors may work during non-business hours, such as evenings or weekends, to avoid disrupting regular operations.
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Can custodians work in residential settings, such as apartment complexes?
Yes, custodians can also be employed in residential settings to oversee building maintenance and cleanliness.
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Are custodians required to have specialized training or certifications?
The specific qualifications for custodial roles may vary, but training in maintenance and safety is often beneficial.
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Are janitors responsible for maintenance tasks beyond cleaning?
Janitors primarily handle cleaning tasks and may report maintenance issues to specialized technicians or custodial staff.
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Is janitorial work physically demanding?
Yes, janitorial work often involves physical labor, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
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Do custodians typically work alone or with a team?
Custodians may work independently or as part of a larger facilities management team.
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Nov 17, 2023
Is there a gender-specific term for a female custodian?
No, like "janitor," "custodian" is a gender-neutral term applicable to both males and females.
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Nov 17, 2023
Can custodians be responsible for building security?
Yes, some custodians may have security-related duties, such as locking and unlocking doors or monitoring access.
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Nov 17, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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