A janitor is a person whose job is to clean and maintain a building. Janitors sweep floors, empty trash cans, clean bathrooms, and make sure everything works properly. They might fix a leaky faucet, change light bulbs, or shovel snow from the sidewalk. In schools, janitors keep classrooms tidy, set up chairs for assemblies, and handle spills or messes that happen during the day.

Good janitors take pride in their work and notice details others might miss, like a sticky spot on the floor, a wobbly desk leg, or a burned-out hallway light. Their work often happens early in the morning or late at night, so you might not see them, but you definitely notice when they've done their job well. A clean, well-maintained building doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of someone's consistent effort and attention.

Some janitors prefer to be called custodians or maintenance workers, terms that emphasize the care and skill their work requires.