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Sanitizer vs general cleaner

The differences between sanitizers and general cleaners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a sanitizer has an average salary of $35,199, which is higher than the $27,205 average annual salary of a general cleaner.

The top three skills for a sanitizer include food safety, production equipment and power washers. The most important skills for a general cleaner are cleanliness, break rooms, and light fixtures.

Sanitizer vs general cleaner overview

SanitizerGeneral Cleaner
Yearly salary$35,199$27,205
Hourly rate$16.92$13.08
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs60,21196,320
Job satisfaction53
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 54%
Average age4949
Years of experience--

What does a sanitizer do?

It is the job of a sanitizer to clean, disassemble, and reassemble processing equipment. Sanitizers clean based on the established specifications and guidelines and make certain that the equipment is operational in the production. They prepare and manage the equipment and chemicals used for sanitation. Their job entails the creation and maintenance of extensive databases to determine raw materials, release finish product testing, and in-process testing results.

What does a general cleaner do?

General cleaners are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of all the facilities of the company premises. A general cleaner also monitors the adequacy of cleaning materials in the storage area. They also respond to the visitors' inquiries and concerns, directing them to the appropriate personnel and department for their business needs. A general cleaner must be highly-organized, ensuring the safety of the establishment by following strict sanitary standards and cleaning procedures. They report defective items, inspect office equipment, and request additional supplies.

Sanitizer vs general cleaner salary

Sanitizers and general cleaners have different pay scales, as shown below.

SanitizerGeneral Cleaner
Average salary$35,199$27,205
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $43,000Between $21,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAPortland, OR
Highest paying stateAlaskaWashington
Best paying companyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBoston Medical Center
Best paying industryManufacturingConstruction

Differences between sanitizer and general cleaner education

There are a few differences between a sanitizer and a general cleaner in terms of educational background:

SanitizerGeneral Cleaner
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 54%
Most common majorBusinessGeneral Studies
Most common college--

Sanitizer vs general cleaner demographics

Here are the differences between sanitizers' and general cleaners' demographics:

SanitizerGeneral Cleaner
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 80.9% Female, 19.1%Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.7% Asian, 5.0% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 4.0% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between sanitizer and general cleaner duties and responsibilities

Sanitizer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the receipt and tracking of control substances as well as the DEA biennial inspection.
  • Clean grinders, augers, line equipment for raw meat processing for pet food products.
  • Follow all GMP and FDA rules and regulations to ensure food contamination/ cross contamination doesn't occur
  • Assure quality, complete all paper work, and comply with all safety and GMP standard.
  • Clean and prepare mixers and production lines, food allergen cleaning for dairy and nut allergen.
  • Confirm that lines are cleaned in accordance with USDA and proper chemicals are used on specific equipment.
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General cleaner example responsibilities.

  • Operate a forklift for logistic, to manage and relocate BMW's fixture material.
  • Service, supply and clean restrooms including all fixtures; toilets, urinals, partitions, walls, vents and mirrors.
  • Disinfect equipment and supplies, using germicides, orStream operate sterilizers.
  • Utilize a variety floor care tools including vacuums, steamers, buffers etc.
  • Used hand and power tools such as floor polishers, ladders, vacuum cleaners and mops.
  • Assign to the Honda plant, cleaning body repair booths, paint booths, sludge pits and paint ovens.
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Sanitizer vs general cleaner skills

Common sanitizer skills
  • Food Safety, 12%
  • Production Equipment, 7%
  • Power Washers, 5%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • GMP, 4%
  • Cleanliness, 4%
Common general cleaner skills
  • Cleanliness, 14%
  • Break Rooms, 8%
  • Light Fixtures, 6%
  • Safety Regulations, 5%
  • Mop Floors, 5%
  • Trash Removal, 5%

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