Do you know what light housekeeping is? And how it is different from normal housekeeping. And perhaps even deep cleaning? If you are looking to hire a Housekeeper. Or if you are looking to work as a Housekeeper. It is important to know the differences!
So: what is light housekeeping?
Light Housekeeping
Light housekeeping is often misunderstood for cleaning. This is a big mistake to make – because cleaning can also include ‘heavy’ work which is not involved in light housekeeping. The general rule is, for light housekeeping you will not be scrubbing anything. You will not be deep cleaning anything. You will not be moving furniture to clean items. Anything that required a real intense input, is probably not light housekeeping. Light housekeeping can be considered as an overall tidy up of the house. Things will be decluttered. But there is no such thing as stain removal, etc.
Light housekeeping can consist of the following things:
- Vacuum cleaning (but not moving any furniture for it)
- Dusting of surfaces
- Sweeping up dirt and dust
- Organising clutter (putting laundry in the laundry bin, putting newspapers away, pitting shopping in cupboards etc)
- Emptying bins and putting new bin liners in.
- Watering plants and flowers
Heavy Housekeeping
Heavy housekeeping does include all of the above for light housekeeping, but adds more heavy stuff. This type of housekeeping is everything that required a serious amount of effort. This will include things such as stain removal, scrubbing floors, bathrooms, and toilets. It can consist of the following things:
- Mopping/steaming floors
- Vacuum cleaning whilst moving furniture to get to all the areas
- Stain removal on furniture and any other areas of the house
- Window cleaning
- Laundry & ironing
- Cleaning and scrubbing bathrooms and toilets.
- Cleaning the kitchen using cleaning products – not just putting items away.
Deep Cleaning
Finally, deep cleaning is the final version of cleaning and housekeeping that can be done. Normally, deep cleaning is not something that is done every day. Deep cleaning is saved for either special occasions like spring cleaning, or maybe once a month. Deep cleaning is something that takes time. It makes sure the area is thoroughly cleaned, much more than the daily or weekly tasks. It depends per area, how often it required deep cleaning.
Deep cleaning can consist of the following things:
- Washing/drycleaning curtains and furniture
- Steam cleaning carpets and rugs
- Emptying the fridge, throwing away any gone off items, and cleaning the in and outside.
- Cleaning doors, windowsills and skirting boards properly
- Cleaning/washing walls
- Emptying and cleaning kitchen cupboards
- Emptying and cleaning wardrobes
- Cleaning the washing machine, dishwasher, and other whitegoods
- Cleaning ceiling fans, artwork, and chandeliers.
Do you now understand what light housekeeping is? And are you looking for a Housekeeper to be able to do this, or maybe some more extensive housekeeping for you? Polo & Tweed can help! Not only do we have an extensive list of only the best professionals on our books. Our highly experienced recruitment consultants can guide you through the whole process with ease. Get in touch with us here or give us a call on +44(0)203 858 0233 and we look forward to help you further.