Published by Leonardo Calcagno
While healthcare and emergency workers were celebrated during the pandemic, another group quietly ensured homes, offices, and short-term rentals remained safe and livable: professional cleaners. In Montreal and across Quebec, cleaning crews acted as the invisible first line of defense against germs, chaos, and clutter — often without the recognition they deserve. As more and more Canadians and Quebecers are travelling to go to work, more challenges are met at home regarding traditional tasks.
Working Behind the Scenes — and the Clock
A professional cleaner’s day often starts before sunrise. Armed with schedules, eco-safe products, and quiet resilience, they move from home to home, business to business, resetting life’s stage before anyone arrives. From disinfecting post-construction dust in new condos to restoring Airbnb rentals before the next check-in, their work is meticulous, physically intense, and often performed under tight deadlines.
The Psychological Toll of Other People’s Dirt
Cleaning is deeply physical work, but also emotionally complex. Professionals often walk into spaces where tension lingers: post-divorce apartments, homes recently vacated by elderly parents, chaotic homes of overwhelmed parents. Cleaning up the aftermath of others’ lives, while staying polite, fast, and invisible, requires mental strength. In interviews, cleaners have compared their work to a kind of domestic triage.
Historically, cleaning has been undervalued and underpaid. But in recent years, particularly in Quebec’s urban centers, there’s a shift. Clients now seek consistency, professionalism, and discretion — and are willing to pay for it. Some companies have built loyal client bases not just through spotless results, but by training their staff like ambassadors: respectful, observant, and communicative.
When Cleanliness Becomes Critical Infrastructure
Think of hotels, restaurants, clinics, or co-working spaces. Without cleaners, none of these would function safely. During peak COVID waves, cleaners were the only people entering some spaces. They wiped down doorknobs, sterilized surfaces, and helped maintain order when panic and uncertainty reigned. In many cases, they were the only humans allowed to pass between quarantined zones.
The Rise of the Specialist Cleaner
The industry is evolving. It’s no longer just about vacuuming and mopping. Some cleaners specialize in deep cleaning after hoarding cases. Others are trained for allergen-sensitive homes, or work exclusively with real estate agents to prep properties for showings. In Montreal, a growing number of boutique cleaning services offer tailored services for eco-conscious clients, luxury condos, or high-turnover rentals.
Respect Starts With Recognition
Cleaners are often invisible by design — they enter quietly, work methodically, and leave no trace. But that invisibility has a cost. Many say they wish clients knew how hard their job is, or that they notice when a kind note or tip is left behind. Respecting this profession starts with understanding its depth, its demands, and its dignity.
Cleaning is not just maintenance — it’s restoration. It’s preparing a space to be lived in, loved, and inhabited. As more Quebecers embrace help at home, the conversation must shift. Cleaners are not just there to “do what you don’t want to.” They are trained professionals who improve quality of life, ensure health, and give the gift of a fresh start — day after day.