Principals run busy lives, and sometimes require extra help around their property. Housekeepers are hired by families to help eliminate stress around the property. They do this by ensuring that the property is clean and tidy. As well as to help relieve stress by helping with other domestic duties. But did you know that there is more to housekeeping than hoovering, dusting and polishing? Do you know the duties and responsibilities of a housekeeper?
Deep Cleaning
When looking at the duties and responsibilities of a housekeeper, deep cleaning seems self-explanatory. In every household, deep cleaning should be a standard procedure for all housekeepers. This includes hoovering, dusting, and general cleaning of the whole house. Making beds, cleaning kitchen & bathrooms, tidying up all areas of the house and ensuring the house is kept to high standards. You should also be confident taking care of the laundry and ironing for the family.
Running Errands
A lot of principals have busy lives and may require their housekeepers to run errands for them. This can consist of picking up and dropping off the children on school trips. To the dry cleaners and post offices or even doing the weekly grocery shop. In some formal households, errand running can even consist of shopping for gifts for the principal’s friends and families.
Cooking
Is cooking a standard part of the duties and responsibilities of a housekeeper? No, it doesn’t have to be. You might have a full housekeeping career without ever having cooked for the household you worked for. But many families do prefer a housekeeper who can cook, too. You don’t need to be a professional chef. However, due to families’ busy lifestyles, some principals are now wanting housekeepers to cook for the whole family. This can be as simple as meal prepping, or following recipes for simple healthy meals. All the way through to preparing meals for groups of people for a dinner party.
Pet Care
Pets are important to the households you will be working in. You should take the utmost care when looking after their beloved animals. Housekeeping duties can also include pet care such as walking, feeding, and taking them to the vets! Dog sitting is now also a popular requirement for housekeepers.
Childcare
You don’t have to be an experienced nanny. However, sometimes principals require their housekeepers to ‘keep an eye’ on their children. Especially whilst the parents run errands or are busy. This could also be for the occasional babysitting in the evening. Showing your principal that you’re flexible and willing to help is what makes an excellent housekeeper.
Care of Fine Furnishing and Antiques
Fine furnishing including silk, granite, silver, brass and even chandeliers. It is important that you are highly skilled when you clean fine furnishings and antiques. Something these products require special attention. They can get easily damaged if not cleaned correctly. Sometimes these products have sentimental value to the principals. Therefore it is important to be as careful as you can to not damage anything. And make sure you handle all items carefully.
Flower Arranging
Flowers can instantly lighten up any room. They are a popular feature item for any household. Therefore, flower arranging is now a vital skill for any housekeeper. Flowers are now a daily task in any formal household and not just for special events. It is important to ensure that the colours of the flowers match the room and are arranged beautifully! Don’t forget to ask your principles what their favourite flowers are for that extra special touch.
How Can Polo & Tweed Help?
Did you know these are the duties and responsibilities of a housekeeper? Do you think it could be the right job for you? If you would like to become a Housekeeper, or are you looking for the new, right housekeeping job for you? Polo & Tweed are here for you! We are here to find you the best job suited for you. Our consultants are there for you to give advice and support throughout the entire application process, even up to the job offer stage. You can register online here and one of our consultants will walk you through the process and help you find the right role for you!