Housekeepers

Housekeepers

What is a housekeeper?

Housekeepers may be responsible for managing the home including light cleaning duties such as hoovering, dusting and general cleaning and laundry. However, the role can extend to cleaning windows, ovens and floors although this would more usually be carried out by a daily cleaner(s). Other tasks may include making beds, running errands, arranging flowers, cleaning silver, shopping and cooking. In the larger properties, the housekeeper may be ‘hands on’ and/or manage a small team of daily cleaners and manage a budget. A housekeeper would liaise closely with the house owner and on country estates in addition to the owner, the estate manager.

House cleaning may be carried out by a team of cleaners or by an individual person. Contract cleaners would arrive at a scheduled time with all the necessary cleaning supplies and equipment. They are normally in the household for a specific amount of time and they would also take their supplies and equipment with them when they leave. An independent house cleaner utilises the cleaning supplies provided by the household and works more closely with the owner of the property as a valued staff member.

A housekeeper may live with the family or live out and work part time or 5-6 days per week for 8-10+ hours per day.

A part time housekeeper rate is £15-£20+ gross per hour in London and £13-£17+ gross per hour outside London.

A full time live out (40 hours a week) housekeeper salary in London is an average of £700 gross per week and £620 gross per week outside of London. The salary may go up dependant on hours, duties, experience required and qualifications.

A full time live in (40 hours a week) housekeeper salary in London is around £560 gross per week and £500 gross per week outside of London. The salary may go up dependant on hours, duties, experience required and qualifications.

Duties:

• Preparing meals
• Light cleaning: mopping, sweeping, dusting
• Washing, folding, ironing clothes
• Making beds,
• Separating and removing refuse and recycling
• Restocking personal care products, toilet paper, etc.
• Running errands for the family
• Washing and drying dishes
• Other light duties as requested

Summary

Housekeepers are responsible for light cleaning duties, a housekeeper will stay within the household for a while as they may have multiple projects within the household to keep them busy. A housekeeper will do light cleaning more regularly, where house cleaners perform deep cleaning less often.

You can also learn more about the dual role of Nanny Housekeeper here.