In order to keep your home tidy and clean, you need the right kind of household staff. The terms “housekeeper” and “house cleaner” are often what come to mind at the mention of cleanliness, and while they do sound similar, they are actually quite different. Knowing which position best suits your needs can save you time and money.
What Is a Housekeeper?
A housekeeper keeps your home clean and organised by doing laundry, tidying up, organising your belongings, washing dishes, and doing light cleaning. Their job is to make your home a comfortable space to live in. Housekeepers may also be responsible for running errands, preparing meals, and supporting other household staff in their duties. Unlike house cleaners, housekeepers are generally hired for frequent service, whether part-time or full-time.
What Is a House Cleaner?
A house cleaner, on the other hand, only handles cleaning. You may have them in once a week, once every two weeks, or even once a month to perform a combination of light cleaning and deep cleaning. They can ensure every room in your house is spotless and that neglected areas are taken care of. If you already have a good handle on keeping things clean and organised, but need help with more involved tasks, a house cleaner may be a good option.
Key Differences Between Housekeepers and House Cleaners
The line between housekeeping and house cleaning can seem blurry at first. However, a closer look at the responsibilities, schedules, costs, and qualifications of each position reveals clear differences.
Scope of Duties
A housekeeper wears many hats. They will keep your home clean, but they can also help with your laundry, ironing, organising cupboards, and even light meal preparation if needed. They can restock household items, tidy bedrooms, and make sure things are always in their proper place. Their job is to keep everything running smoothly so you have less to worry about.
House cleaners, on the other hand, are focused entirely on cleaning. This includes dusting, vacuuming, washing floors, scrubbing bathrooms, and deep cleaning appliances like the oven or fridge. They typically do not handle tasks like doing laundry, organising cupboards, or running errands.
Frequency of Service
Most housekeepers work on a regular schedule, either a few times a week or every day, depending on your needs. Since housekeepers spend a great deal of time in the household they serve, they become familiar with their employer’s preferences in a way that house cleaners do not.
In contrast, house cleaners usually work for a few hours at a time on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. You can even hire a house cleaner for one-off cleaning sessions. Engaging their services is an efficient way to maintain the cleanliness of your home without daily touch-ups.
Working Relationship
A good housekeeper is someone you can rely on. Over time, they will learn about your preferences and routines and adapt their service accordingly. Some households even treat their housekeeper like a member of the family.
By comparison, house cleaners usually have a more distant, professional, task-based relationship with their employers since they spend less time in each household they serve. You may not see them often, but when you do, you can count on them to get the job done.
Wages and Cost
Given that their responsibilities go beyond cleaning, housekeepers usually earn more than house cleaners. The cost of hiring a housekeeper will depend on how often they work and what their duties are. By hiring a competent housekeeper, you are investing in the upkeep of your home.
Alternatively, hiring a house cleaner is generally more budget-friendly, especially if you only need help once in a while. They are paid by the hour and tend to base their rates on the size of your home and the type of cleaning required.
Qualifications and Expertise
While formal qualifications are not always necessary, experienced housekeepers come with a wealth of knowledge. They understand how to care for delicate fabrics, organise a wardrobe, polish silver, and work in homes that require discretion and professionalism.
Professional cleaners also have specialised knowledge gained from training or experience. Some may specialise in green cleaning and the use of allergy-friendly products, while others may have in-depth knowledge of deep cleaning.
When to Hire a Housekeeper
If you want consistent, personalised support on a daily basis, a housekeeper is your best option. They are well-suited for families and individuals with busy work schedules and can keep things running smoothly so that you can come home to a space that feels calm and inviting.
They are also an excellent choice for households that entertain regularly or that have young children, as they know how to keep things organised even on your busiest days. If you value routine, attention to detail, and personal connection, a housekeeper can meet your expectations.
When to Hire a House Cleaner
A house cleaner is perfect if all you need is a cleaning service. Perhaps your home is tidy, but in need of a deep clean. Or maybe you need a helping hand to get things back in order after an event. A house cleaner can provide you with effective cleaning solutions on an as-needed basis.
They are ideal for smaller households with limited upkeep requirements.
Find the Perfect Fit With Charles MacPherson Associates
Choosing between a housekeeper and a house cleaner comes down to your lifestyle and what you want from your home environment. If you need someone who will be there regularly and take care of a variety of tasks, a housekeeper is your ideal match. If your home just needs a good clean now and then, a house cleaner is a better option.
At Charles MacPherson Associates, we are deeply invested in helping households find competent staff who meet their needs. If you are looking for a full-time, permanent housekeeper but are unsure of where to start, our support team can provide you with the expertise needed to source quality candidates. To learn more about our placement process, feel free to contact us.
