We live in a busy society where cleaning our home can be a very hectic job. Hiring outside help is a great option. But when it comes to hiring someone to clean your home, you may be confused whether to hire a cleaning service or an independent housekeeper.
Though they both sound the same, there is quite a lot of difference in their jobs and the way they perform their duties. Let’s take a look at the duties they typically perform.
Housekeeper
A housekeeper generally is an individual who stays in the home for longer time and takes care of multiple things keeping themselves busy. They do
- Dusting, sweeping, mopping and light cleaning
- Washing and ironing clothes
- Washing and drying dishes
- Preparing meals and
- Changing bed linens and making beds
- Removing garbage
- Decluttering the home
- Running errands for the family
- Other light duties as requested
Housecleaner
In general, house cleaners come in as a team of two people. They are usually in the home for a specific amount of time. They come with cleaning supplies and equipment to do thorough cleaning.
- Deep cleaning almost all the surfaces – windows, floor, countertops, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, etc.
- Scrubbing and sanitizing kitchens from top to bottom, including kitchen cabinets, drawers, stoves and refrigerators
- Scrubbing and sanitizing bathrooms, including toilets, tubs, showers, sinks, etc.
- Cleaning tables and chairs
- Dusting doors, picture frames, light fixtures, etc.
- Vacuuming upholstery and carpets
- Vacuuming and mopping hard floors
Housekeepers generally do light-duty cleaning regularly; house cleaners on the other hand do thorough cleaning once in a while. If you really see, there are benefits to each option. Here are some things you need to consider to find out who works best for you.
Needs
Track down all your needs. Figure out if you need regular normal cleaning or a thorough cleaning. Do you want someone to be there for longer periods of time or someone who comes at once to scrub your home all at once? Do you need some trained professional or someone who can help you with regular cleaning chores?
When you hire a housekeeper, you actually buy that person’s time. You can decide how they will be spending time with respect to cleaning. Whereas, when you hire a professional company, you are buying a specific type of cleaning service that is clearly specified.
Security
You may not want to allow some non-professional stranger into your house. Most of the cleaning service companies do background checks of their employees. They generally will be licensed, bonded and insured. They will be liable for any damages to your property while cleaning your house.
But when it comes to a housekeeper, you need to see if they are reliable on your own. It is difficult to find reviews and honest feedback on individual housekeepers. Also, you will be responsible for any damage to your property or injury to your housekeeper.
Supplies and equipment
Professional house cleaners come with their own cleaning supplies and professional grade equipment. Housekeepers use your supplies and equipment, which can cost you additional amount.
Relationship
Since the housekeeper works at your home for longer period of time, you may develop a strong personal relationship. This may involve you in that person’s personal and financial issues.
Maid service providers generally maintain professional relationships. While you can ask for the same team of maids to come and clean your home, sometimes it may not be possible.
