Cleanliness is at the heart of every successful restaurant—and at Nando’s, it’s non-negotiable. As a cleaner at Nando’s, your job is to maintain hygiene standards that meet strict industry regulations, keep all dining and kitchen areas spotless, and ensure guests experience the restaurant at its best every day. You’ll work before, during, and after service, often as part of a close-knit team.
Typical responsibilities include sanitising surfaces, managing waste, maintaining toilets, cleaning the kitchen and dining area, and reporting maintenance issues. It’s a physically active role requiring attention to detail and pride in delivering high standards consistently.
As of 2025, the average salary for a Nando’s cleaner in the UK is between £10.50 and £11.50 per hour, depending on location and experience. Many cleaners also receive staff meals, flexible hours, and potential career progression within the Nando’s family.
20 Interview Questions and Answers for Nando’s Cleaner Role
1. Tell me about yourself.
I’m a hardworking individual who enjoys keeping environments clean and organised. I take pride in creating welcoming, hygienic spaces, and I’m confident I’d be a strong asset to Nando’s with my attention to detail and reliability.
2. Why do you want to work at Nando’s?
Nando’s has a strong reputation for valuing its staff and creating a positive team environment. I admire the brand’s culture and would love to be part of maintaining its high standards.
3. What do you know about the cleaner role at Nando’s?
The role involves keeping both front and back-of-house areas clean, maintaining hygiene standards, and supporting the team with essential cleaning tasks during and after service.
4. How do you prioritise tasks when cleaning a busy restaurant?
I begin with high-traffic and high-touch areas, like restrooms and dining tables. I always follow a routine but stay flexible based on what the team needs at any given moment.
5. Describe a time you had to deal with a messy or unhygienic situation.
At a previous job, I once found a restroom in very poor condition. I remained calm, followed sanitation procedures, wore appropriate PPE, and restored cleanliness quickly.
6. Are you comfortable using cleaning chemicals?
Yes, I’ve used various cleaning agents safely and follow all instructions and COSHH guidelines. I also make sure to wear gloves and use ventilation when necessary.
7. What does “hygiene” mean to you in a restaurant setting?
It means more than just being clean—it’s about protecting people’s health by preventing cross-contamination and ensuring every surface is properly sanitised.
8. How do you handle repetitive work?
I find comfort in routine and always challenge myself to improve my speed or quality. Repetition also helps me become more efficient and consistent.
9. What would you do if a customer complained about cleanliness?
I’d apologise sincerely, report it to a manager immediately, and take the initiative to clean or resolve the issue quickly and discreetly.
10. How do you ensure safety when cleaning during open hours?
I use wet floor signs, avoid obstructing guests, and clean discreetly. I also communicate with the team to work around service flow.
11. Have you worked in a cleaning role before?
Yes, I worked in a fast-paced environment where cleaning was a top priority. I learned how to clean efficiently while managing time and expectations.
12. How do you feel about cleaning toilets or unpleasant messes?
It’s part of the job and I don’t mind. I use protective equipment and focus on getting the task done properly.
13. What equipment have you used in cleaning?
Mops, hoovers, floor scrubbers, cloths, spray bottles, and PPE. I also know how to dilute chemicals and use them safely.
14. Do you prefer working alone or as part of a team?
I’m happy doing both. I’m independent and self-motivated, but I also enjoy being part of a team and helping where needed.
15. How do you respond to feedback?
Positively. Feedback helps me improve, and I always take it as a chance to do better.
16. What would you do if you noticed a fellow team member wasn’t following hygiene procedures?
I’d politely remind them if it’s appropriate, or raise it discreetly with a manager if it’s a serious issue. Hygiene is a team responsibility.
17. Are you comfortable with early mornings, late nights, or weekend shifts?
Yes, I’m flexible with my schedule and understand these hours are part of working in hospitality.
18. How do you stay motivated during long shifts?
I stay focused by setting small goals and reminding myself that my work directly impacts customer experience and team efficiency.
19. What’s your understanding of food safety in a restaurant?
It means preventing contamination by keeping surfaces, equipment, and hands clean—especially in kitchen and service areas.
20. Do you have any questions for us?
Yes, I’d love to know more about training opportunities and how performance is measured in the cleaner role at Nando’s.
Final Interview Coaching Tips and Encouragement
Getting a cleaner role at Nando’s is a solid step into the world of hospitality, and it’s more important than many people think. Show up to your interview with confidence, wear clean and presentable clothes, and practice your answers to common questions like the ones above.
Top Interview Tips:
Be punctual. Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early.
Bring a copy of your CV and references.
Keep your answers honest, specific, and relevant.
Smile and show enthusiasm—positive energy makes a strong impression.
Don’t forget to ask questions at the end!
Remember, you don’t need to be perfect—just real, willing to learn, and eager to contribute. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll stand out as a strong candidate for the Nando’s team.
Good luck—you’ve got this!
