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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Typical Duties
Sanitizing, Mopping, Trash Removal
Repairing, Supervising, Sanitizing, Safety Monitoring
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Required Skills
Cleaning Techniques, Use of Cleaning Equipment
Repair Skills, Safety Knowledge, Administrative Tasks
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Work Environment
Office Buildings, Schools, Hospitals
Schools, Public Buildings, Corporate Facilities
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Level of Responsibility
Focused on Cleaning Tasks
Broader including Oversight of Building Security and Maintenance
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Janitor and Custodian Definitions
Janitor
A janitor is a professional responsible for cleaning buildings.
The janitor cleans the office every evening.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Custodian
A custodian is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of buildings.
The custodian fixed the leaky faucet in the restroom.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Janitor
A janitor is often tasked with maintaining the hygiene of a facility.
Our school's janitor ensures the classrooms are spotless.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Custodian
Custodians often oversee the security and safety of facilities.
Our custodian conducts regular safety inspections.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Janitor
A janitor may handle waste disposal and recycling in buildings.
The janitor collects and separates the recycling bins regularly.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Custodian
A custodian is integral to maintaining a building’s overall functionality.
The custodian ensured the heating system was working efficiently.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Custodian
A custodian manages both cleaning and minor repair tasks.
The custodian repainted the classroom after cleaning it.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Custodian
Custodians can have administrative roles in facility management.
The custodian scheduled the next fire drill.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Janitor
Someone who looks after the maintenance and cleaning of a public building.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Janitor
(Scotland) A caretaker or custodian; someone who maintains a school building specifically and may serve other administrative roles.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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!
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Custodian
One who has care or custody, as of some public building; a keeper or superintendent.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Janitor
Janitors often manage the stock of cleaning supplies.
The janitor ordered more cleaning agents for the hospital.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do janitors work outside the building?
Janitors typically work inside but may handle some outdoor areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
What is the main role of a janitor?
Janitors primarily focus on cleaning activities in buildings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Is a custodian responsible for security?
Custodians can be responsible for building security and safety.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Can a custodian perform repairs?
Yes, custodians often handle minor repairs.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
What kind of buildings do custodians work in?
Custodians work in a variety of buildings, including schools, hospitals, and office buildings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Are janitors required to use specific cleaning products and equipment?
Yes, janitors use various cleaning products, tools, and equipment to perform their tasks efficiently.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Do janitors need special certifications?
Usually, janitors do not need special certifications, but they may need training in specific cleaning methods.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Do janitors interact with the public?
Janitors might have limited interaction with the public.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Can janitors manage other staff?
Generally, janitors focus on cleaning rather than staff management.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Are custodians involved in administrative tasks?
Custodians may have administrative duties, like scheduling maintenance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Are janitors responsible for maintenance tasks beyond cleaning?
Janitors primarily handle cleaning tasks and may report maintenance issues to specialized technicians or custodial staff.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Is janitorial work physically demanding?
Yes, janitorial work often involves physical labor, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Do custodians typically work alone or with a team?
Custodians may work independently or as part of a larger facilities management team.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
