What Does a Housekeeper Do?

Housekeepers have long been an integral part of British households, keeping homes well-organised, clean and comfortable. Housekeepers no longer work exclusively on large estates - they are professionals who play a vital role in maintaining households at all levels, often juggling multiple responsibilities that extend beyond cleaning.

Whether you're considering hiring a full-time housekeeper or contemplating a career in housekeeping. In the following guide, we explain the responsibilities and tasks that a full-time housekeeper typically undertakes

Core Housekeeper Responsibilities

Housekeeping duties vary depending on your household’s specific needs. These details are usually agreed during the recruitment process and set out in a clear job description or employment agreement. A good housekeeper will adapt to a home’s rhythm while maintaining high standards across tasks such as:

Cleaning duties and maintenance

Daily housekeeping duties often include mopping floors, dusting furniture, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, cleaning bathrooms, emptying bins and keeping living areas tidy. These tasks help maintain a clean home environment and form the foundation of a housekeeper’s work.
Weekly cleaning duties may involve vacuuming carpets and upholstery, polishing furniture, washing mirrors and windows and deep cleaning appliances such as ovens and refrigerators. Monthly tasks can include cleaning less accessible areas, checking storage spaces, managing minor repairs like tightening loose fixtures and replacing light bulbs.

For households with larger living areas, or older properties, a head housekeeper or house manager may coordinate other domestic staff to make sure that deep cleaning and maintenance are completed efficiently.

Laundry and linen care

Laundry and caring for the house's bed linens, clothes and curtains is another significant area of responsibility. On a daily basis, the housekeeper will likely organise and wash clothes, folding and putting away laundry as needed. Weekly tasks can include ironing clothes and linens, changing bed linens and rotating towels and other frequently used textiles. On a monthly basis, the housekeeper may manage seasonal wardrobes, storing away out-of-season clothing and deep-cleaning items like curtains, rugs and upholstery.

Meal preparation and kitchen support

Many households require support with meal preparation, and in some cases, support for their personal chef or kitchen staff. This may include preparing breakfast, organising simple meals throughout the day, planning menus and carrying out grocery shopping. In addition to cooking, maintaining kitchen cleanliness is a daily priority, from wiping surfaces to managing kitchen waste. Monthly responsibilities may involve reviewing pantry stock, rotating dry goods and deep cleaning kitchen appliances.

Childcare and elderly care

In households where childcare or elderly care is required, the housekeeper's role can expand significantly. A nanny housekeeper is a specialised housekeeping professional with the skills required to care for children alongside their household duties.

A housekeeper may need to assist with morning routines, such as getting dressed and preparing for school or activities, along with basic monitoring and supervision. Weekly responsibilities could involve coordinating with other caregivers or tutors and planning and executing educational or recreational activities. Monthly tasks might include reviewing and updating care schedules and assisting in medical appointments or other important events.

Pet care

For households with pets, the housekeeper's responsibilities may extend to animal care. Daily tasks may include feeding the pets and providing them with fresh water, as well as walking any dogs or providing them with other forms of exercise. Weekly grooming tasks might involve brushing or bathing the pets and cleaning their living areas, such as cages or beds. Monthly responsibilities could include scheduling and attending vet appointments and reviewing and replenishing pet supplies, such as food and medication.

By fully understanding the scope of these core responsibilities, both employers and housekeepers can set clear and realistic expectations, and make sure the household runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Specialised tasks

In addition to these core responsibilities, a full-time housekeeper may also be entrusted with specialised tasks that go beyond the routine. These tasks often depend on the specific needs of the household and can add an extra layer of comfort and organisation to daily life.

Seasonal housekeeping tasks

Seasonal work might include spring cleaning, reorganising storage areas, preparing the home for colder weather, managing winter clothing or checking insulation. These tasks keep the home running efficiently throughout the year.

Holiday and event preparation

Housekeepers may help prepare the home for celebrations and special events. This could include decorating the home, preparing meals, coordinating with caterers or assisting with hosting responsibilities. In homes that entertain regularly, a housekeeper may help lay tables, serve guests and manage clear-up afterwards.

Event planning and hosting assistance

If the household frequently hosts events, the housekeeper may play a role in planning and execution. This could involve coordinating with vendors, setting up the event space and managing the clean-up afterwards. For smaller events, the housekeeper might be responsible for setting the table, serving food and drinks and taking care of guests.

Running errands

Running errands is a common element of housekeeper work, depending on the family’s needs. This might include collecting prescriptions, posting parcels, organising laundry collections, grocery shopping or supporting the school run. These errands require trust and strong organisational skills.

Personal organisation

In some households, a full-time housekeeper may also assist with personal organisation tasks. This could involve anything from managing household accounts and budgets to scheduling appointments and reminders. Some housekeepers even assist with travel planning, including packing and preparing the home for the family's absence.

By taking on these specialised tasks, a full-time housekeeper can provide invaluable support to a household, going beyond cleaning and maintenance to contribute to a more organised and harmonious living environment.

Skills and qualities of a full-time housekeeper

A successful full-time housekeeper possesses a range of skills and qualities, including:

• Professionalism and discretion: housekeepers often have access to private areas of the home and personal information, and must take care not to intrude.
• Attention to detail: whether it's spotting a cobweb in a corner or noticing a missing button on a shirt, attention to detail is crucial.
• Time management and multitasking: with a variety of tasks to complete, effective time management is essential.
• Communication skills: clear communication with employers helps tasks be completed to satisfaction and promptly addresses any issues.

These qualities help maintain a high standard of housekeeping and build trust between the employer and the housekeeper.

Considerations when hiring a full-time housekeeper

Families hiring a full-time housekeeper become employers and must comply with UK employment law. Understanding your obligations protects your rights and also helps create a professional working relationship.

Employment contracts

A formal employment contract is recommended. It should outline working hours, pay rate, housekeeper duties, holiday entitlement, pension contributions and training requirements. A clear job description helps set expectations and reduces misunderstandings later. At Nannies Matter, we can advise you during the recruitment process, and make sure you have everything in place to create a formal agreement.

Working hours

Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, full-time employees are generally limited to 48 working hours per week unless they opt out. Rest breaks and weekly rest periods must also be observed.

Health and safety

Employers are obligated to ensure a safe working environment under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This could involve risk assessments for tasks that involve lifting heavy objects, using potentially harmful cleaning chemicals or operating machinery like vacuum cleaners or lawnmowers. Any necessary personal protective equipment should be provided by the employer, such as gloves for gardening.

Employers’ liability insurance

When hiring a housekeeper, Employers’ liability insurance is essential to protect both the employer and the housekeeper if an injury or accident occurs during work. This insurance is a legal requirement for most households employing domestic staff.

Right to work checks

You must confirm that your housekeeper has the legal right to work in the UK. Checking identification and immigration documents is an important part of the recruitment process, and failing to do so can lead to serious penalties.

Ethical Considerations

Beyond legal obligations, ethical considerations should also be taken into account. This includes treating your housekeeper with respect and dignity, providing fair working conditions and respecting their need for a work-life balance. Discrimination based on age, gender, ethnicity, religion or any other protected characteristic is illegal under the Equality Act 2010 and should be actively avoided.

Nannies Matter Can Help

A full-time housekeeper supports the smooth running of a busy home, from daily cleaning duties and meal preparation to specialised tasks and household organisation. Their role can have a meaningful impact on family life, offering structure, time savings and a tidy, well-maintained home.

At Nannies Matter, we help to pair our clients with professional housekeepers. We match families with experienced housekeepers who fit naturally into private households and support the lifestyle you want to maintain. We can help you to navigate the employment process and understand your obligations.

For more information on housekeepers, 07736 337065 or fill out our online contact form and we'll be in touch at a time that’s suitable for you.