What Does a Housekeeper Do?

Last Updated on October 4, 2024

With modern-day life getting busier and people now having more responsibilities than ever, cleaning takes a backseat. Many homeowners find that they simply don’t have time to thoroughly clean their properties every week. Instead, they outsource this task to a professional housekeeper.

Even those who have time in their schedules to clean often find that they’d rather pay somebody else to do it so that they can spend more time relaxing. Housekeepers can reduce stress for homeowners by taking the cleaning tasks off their hands and freeing up their time.

Housekeepers don’t just clean though; their duties go far beyond house cleaning tasks. If you’re considering hiring a housekeeper, you’ll need to know what tasks they usually perform.

In this article, we’re going to cover everything that you need to know about housekeepers, including what they are, what they do, and how hiring a housekeeper will benefit you.

What is a Housekeeper and What Do They Do?

A housekeeper is somebody who helps to maintain the home environment. It’s the dream job for anybody who loves cleaning, tidying, and organizing.

Although their main roles involve cleaning the home, housekeepers are not the same as home cleaners. They can also help with cooking and organization inside and outside areas of the property.

You might hire a house cleaner for full-scale cleaning of your property before selling it. Conversely, you are more likely to hire a housekeeper in the long term, and they will visit your property regularly for consistent maintenance.

For example, you can hire a housekeeper to visit your property once a day, once a week, biweekly, or monthly. They can also visit during a one-off period if you’re away on a long vacation and don’t want to leave your property completely empty.

What Are the Main Roles and Responsibilities of a Housekeeper?

When you know what a housekeeper’s main duties are, you will be able to determine whether or not hiring a housekeeper is the right choice for you. Most housekeepers will wear tunics or basic men’s or women’s shirts that enable them to clean and cook in comfort.

The general roles and responsibilities of a housekeeper include:

• General cleaning, including dusting, wiping, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping
• Light tidying and organization
• Wiping down kitchen surfaces and countertops
• Cleaning and wiping bathroom surfaces, such as sinks, showers, bathtubs, and cabinet doors
• Changing the bed sheets
• Cooking
• Washing and drying dishes
• Doing the laundry
• Ironing and folding laundry
• Taking out the trash and separating recycling from general trash
• Restocking toiletries, such as toilet rolls and cleaning products (this may or may not be supplied by the housekeeper themselves)

Some housekeepers may also be happy to cook after pets if you’re at work all day or if you’re on a long vacation. They might also have specialist skills, but this will vary on an individual basis.

What Skills Do Housekeepers Possess?

A great housekeeper will possess a wide range of skills that enable them to work efficiently and to a high standard. Some of the key skills of housekeepers include:

• Highly organized
• Good communication skills
• Great with time management
• An eye for detail
• Strong knowledge of cleaning tools and products
• Great stamina and physical fitness
• The ability to work independently
• A high level of flexibility in the work schedule

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Housekeeper in the Home?

Keep reading to learn about the many benefits of hiring a housekeeper in your home so you can determine whether or not it’s a good idea for you.

You’ll have more time in your schedule

Cleaning can be a time-consuming task, even with the best cleaning tools and equipment

If you’re somebody who values their time or has a busy schedule with work and personal responsibilities, your housekeeper will be a lifesaver.

They will take over all of the cleaning and tidying tasks in your house so you can focus on other things. You’ll have more free time in your schedule to do the things that you love, whether it’s work, social activities, or self-care.

Your home will be cleaner and tidier

With a professional housekeeper, you can rest assured knowing that your home will be clean and tidy at all times. You won’t trip over your kids’ toys on the way up the stairs, you won’t come home after work to a dirty bathroom, and your kitchen will be well-prepared when you want to cook yourself a meal.

Your house will be allergen-free

Failing to clean your house regularly can cause allergens to build up and this can exacerbate respiratory symptoms. If you suffer from asthma or another long-term respiratory condition, this is even more of a reason to hire a housekeeper.

With an expert housekeeper, you won’t need to worry about allergens, like pollen and dust, accumulating around your property. They will keep every corner of every room perfectly clean with powerful cleaning tools and products.

You’ll feel more creative

A clean and tidy house inspires creativity and productivity. When you can’t find important documents or tools, it can slow you down or stop you in your creative tracks altogether.

Whether you have a creative job or you enjoy a creative hobby, having a housekeeper gives you the space and time to fuel your mind. When your property is clean, and your schedule is less busy, you’ll find that your motivation and inspiration get a boost.

This doesn’t just apply to creative tasks like painting, writing music, or podcasting. It also applies to things like interior design. A clear and tidy living space enables you to envision different home layouts, new furniture, and unique decor.

You will feel relaxed in your home

A cluttered and messy house can negatively impact your psychology. If your space isn’t as clean and tidy as you’d like it to be, you might start to feel stressed and anxious. Allowing a housekeeper to stay on top of these tasks in your property allows you to relax physically and mentally to reduce your stress levels.