Equipment and Vehicle Cleaner
Equipment and Vehicle Cleaners, commonly referred to as detailers, are professionals who specialize in cleaning a variety of vehicles and machinery across several industries. They utilize a range of tools, including hoses, power washers, and cleaning chemicals, to ensure that vehicles and equipment are not only clean but also free from damage and compliant with safety standards. This role often requires teamwork, as cleaners collaborate with coworkers and supervisors to complete tasks efficiently, and may also involve minor maintenance duties, such as lubricating machinery.
The work environment for these cleaners can vary greatly, spanning from outdoor car washes to indoor facilities for larger equipment like airplanes or trucks. While formal education is not typically required, a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred, and vocational training in related fields can enhance job prospects. Equipment and vehicle cleaners can expect to earn an average yearly salary of around $36,770, with job growth projected to be faster than average in this field. Overall, this profession appeals to individuals who enjoy hands-on work and are comfortable in diverse and often physically demanding settings.
Equipment and Vehicle Cleaner
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Human Services
Interests: Machinery, working with your hands, working with a team
Earnings (Yearly Average): $36,770 per year $17.68 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 5% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education No formal educational requirements.
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Equipment and vehicle cleaners, also known as detailers, work in a variety of industries. They use water, cleaning chemicals, brushes, and various other instruments to clean a wide range of vehicles, machines, and other parts. During cleaning, a worker will also inspect all of the parts for damage and ensure that they comply with standards and regulations. This is a collaborative profession, as cleaners work together to be sure the job is done correctly. Sometimes cleaners are also asked to paint equipment or vehicles.
Work Environment. Equipment and vehicle cleaners work in a variety of environments, including residential, commercial, and industrial ones. They often work with other cleaners, supervisors, and clients to reach their goals. A cleaner typically works outside, but some jobs may require a cleaner to work indoors where a vehicle or a piece of equipment is being stored. Cleaners are frequently exposed to possibly harmful or toxic materials and fumes, so proper safety precautions must be followed.
Occupation Interest. Equipment and vehicle cleaners work on many different machines, parts, and vehicles, so those entering the profession should be comfortable around this type of equipment. Cleaners commonly come from diverse employment backgrounds. They should enjoy physical labor and be able to work for long periods on their feet while performing repetitive tasks. This profession attracts people who appreciate working with their hands and with a team of people.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Equipment and vehicle cleaners are team players. Whether cleaning a box truck or an airplane, cleaners work with others to get the job done quickly and accurately. The focus of their work is on the inspection and cleaning of parts, vehicles, and equipment to ensure that everything continues to run smoothly. Before any deep cleaning is performed, a cleaner will usually inspect the vehicle or machine being cleaned and look for any damage or warning signs. If the cleaner notices anything, he or she will document it and report the problem to a superior.
To clean equipment and vehicles, workers use hoses, commercial sponges, power washers, and other industrial tools. They are responsible for monitoring the pressure and flow of water during the process. Cleaners also use smaller tools such as rags, vacuums, and brushes to remove grease and grime from components. Different cleaning liquids are used depending on what the job calls for; these may include disinfectants, abrasive compositions, and polish. These liquids are sometimes mixed and tested by the cleaners. When necessary, a cleaner may perform minor preventative tasks such as lubricating machinery and topping off liquids.
During the cleaning process, workers collaborate with each other and their clients and supervisors to make sure the job is being done correctly and that safety standards are being followed.
Car Scrubbers. Car Scrubbers clean surfaces of railroad cars preparatory to painting.
Tank Cleaners. Tank Cleaners clean interiors of boilers, storage tanks, kilns and refrigerator railroad cars to remove emulsion and incrustations, using shovels, squeegees, brooms, scrapers, hoses, water, and solvents.
Freight Car Cleaners. Freight Car Cleaners clean freight cars at a central cleaning station by activating automatic systems; removing doors, nails, cleats, bracings and shipping paper; sweeping out debris and incinerating it; vacuuming the floor; and washing the ceiling and walls.
Used-Car Lot Attenders (915.687-022). Used-Car Lot Attenders clean and service used cars at used car lots.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Equipment and vehicle cleaners work in a variety of different environments, including car washes, truck rental businesses, airplane hangars, docks, and equipment shops. The environment is frequently dirty, wet, and noisy due to the cleaning machinery used.
Human Environment. Cleaners work closely with their coworkers and supervisors as well as with repair technicians and clients to ensure that cleaning jobs are completed properly and on time. The profession requires strong collaboration skills and the ability to work alone or as part of a team.
Technological Environment. Cleaners use a wide range of cleaning equipment and liquids, including power washers, hoses, vacuums, brushes, abrasive compositions, polishes, sponges, and more. They also work closely with the vehicles and equipment they clean, which may include everything from cars and buses to airplanes and boats.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Employers are generally more likely to hire an equipment and vehicle cleaner who has a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school students interested in the profession can prepare by taking basic courses in subjects such as chemistry, mechanical drawing, and machinery.
Many high schools also offer automotive courses. These courses provide hands-on training in automotive repair that will provide a student with a strong background in basic repair, mechanics, and maintenance. Some high schools have automotive clubs, which may also provide future equipment and vehicle cleaners with valuable experience.
Postsecondary. Most employers do not require equipment and vehicle cleaners to have any postsecondary education, but individuals interested in the profession would benefit from related courses and programs offered by technical and vocational schools. These schools typically offer formal classroom instruction and hands-on training in an assortment of vehicle- and machinery-related applications. Such courses provide students with a strong background in vehicle and equipment repair, the tools of the trade, and safety practices. Upon completion of these courses, a student will have the skills and education needed for an entry-level position.
Many vocational and technical schools offer job-placement programs designed to help graduates enter their chosen fields. These schools also provide students with the opportunity to network with experienced professionals in the industry.
Related Occupations
− Construction Laborers and Helpers
− Janitor
Bibliography
“Hand Laborers and Material Movers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/hand-laborers-and-material-movers.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.