Politer word to refer to a 'cleaner'

Is there a polite way to refer to someone who is responsible for cleaning at work?

Solution 1:

Some people might find it subtly insulting if you call them "custodians" or "facilitators", or whatever, when they are really cleaners, as if their true job were shameful. If you clean, you're a cleaner, and there is nothing embarrassing about it that needs to be concealed. Further, euphemisms and needlessly using big words is considered ugly by almost all style books. So just call him a cleaner.

Solution 2:

Janitor, caretaker, or custodian could also be used, but those jobs tend to be broader in scope than just cleaning: maintenance and other aspects of looking after a building can also be included.

Solution 3:

Perhaps, 'Facilities staff' would fit the bill.

Examples of how to use this:

• "The kind facility staff provided me with an additional waste paper bin."
• "The facility staff member smiled at me and asked how I was."

Solution 4:

1. If I wanted a cleaning job and saw an advertisement for a "Facilities Generalist" or a "Habitat Contaminant Removal Executive" I would pass the advert by because I would have no idea what it meant. The last one in particular I would imagine required specialist technical training.
   Advertise for a cleaner.

2. If you have a particular individual in mind who is already in post, I suggest you ask that person what job title they prefer. Some people will want a fancy title, others will be happy with something simple.