Housekeeper vs Cleaner: What's the difference and which is right for you?

Written by: Amy Barron
Last reviewed: August 2025

When you need help maintaining your home – whether for yourself or an elderly family member – understanding the difference between a housekeeper and a cleaner is essential. This is particularly important if mobility has become challenging or you're supporting someone who values staying independent in their own familiar surroundings.

A housekeeper provides ongoing, regular support with daily household tasks, whilst a cleaner typically handles specific deep-cleaning projects. Knowing which service you need can help ensure your loved one maintains independence and dignity at home.

What does a housekeeper do?

A housekeeper becomes a trusted presence in your home, providing consistent support typically 2–5 days per week or even on a live-in basis for larger households. Unlike cleaners who focus on specific tasks, housekeepers help maintain the daily rhythm of home life.

Key housekeeper duties include:

• Light cleaning, such as dusting, hoovering, and mopping living areas
• General tidying and decluttering to maintain organised spaces
• Bathroom maintenance, including mirrors, toilets, showers and baths
• Kitchen upkeep, such as wiping appliances, counters, and cabinet doors
• Washing up, drying, and putting dishes away
• Making beds and changing bed linen weekly
• Washing, folding, and ironing clothes
• Cleaning interior windows
• Taking bins out for collection
• Running essential errands like grocery shopping and post collection
• Preparing simple, nutritious meals

When is a housekeeper the right choice?

Housekeepers work particularly well for older adults who need regular, gentle support to maintain their independence. Many families find that consistent, familiar help enables their loved ones to stay comfortable in their own homes whilst maintaining dignity and routine.

“Guardian carers found a wonderful Russian-speaking companion housekeeper for our client. We will be using them again for our other clients.” – Max R

What does a cleaner do?

Professional cleaners specialise in intensive, often one-off cleaning projects that require specific skills and equipment. They typically work for shorter periods but handle tasks that demand more physical effort or technical expertise.

Professional cleaning services include:

• Deep cleaning of kitchens, including oven interiors and behind appliances
• Comprehensive bathroom deep cleans, including tile grouting and limescale removal
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning using specialist equipment
• End-of-tenancy or pre-sale property cleaning
• Post-construction or renovation cleaning
• Exterior window cleaning at height
• Pressure washing patios, driveways, and outdoor areas

When is a cleaner the better choice?

Cleaners are good at preparing homes for significant changes – whether you're helping an elderly relative downsize, preparing a property for sale, or conducting a thorough spring clean after illness.

Housekeeper vs. Cleaner: A side-by-side comparison

Service Aspect	Housekeeper	Professional Cleaner
Frequency	Regular (2–7 days per week)	One-off or occasional
Duration	Ongoing arrangement	Project-based
Primary Focus	Maintaining daily cleanliness	Deep cleaning and restoration
Tools Provided	Client provides basic supplies	Bring specialist equipment
Cost Range	£15–25 per hour*	£25–40 per hour*
Live-in Option	Yes, available	No
Relationship	Long-term, personal connection	Professional, task-focused

*Costs vary by location and specific requirements

Common use cases for older adults and families

Post-hospital discharge support: After a hospital stay, many older adults benefit from a housekeeper who can help ease the transition home whilst maintaining essential daily routines.

Managing mobility limitations: When stairs become challenging or arthritis affects daily tasks, a regular housekeeper can provide dignity-preserving support without feeling overwhelming.

Early-stage dementia support: Consistent housekeeping help maintains familiar routines whilst providing gentle oversight for safety and wellbeing.

Preparing for downsizing: Professional cleaners can thoroughly prepare a family home for sale, while housekeepers help maintain the new, smaller property.

“In our experience supporting families, we've found that clients who start with 2–3 days per week of housekeeping often feel more confident about maintaining independence while receiving the support they need.” – Dimple Chandarana

How to hire a trusted housekeeper or cleaner

When choosing domestic help for yourself or an elderly family member, vetting and compatibility matter enormously. Guardian Carers conducts comprehensive background checks, including enhanced DBS certificates, references from previous households, and in-depth interviews to assess both skills and personality fit.

We have been matching families with trusted domestic help since 2018. As part of Hometouch Care, we combine years of specialist matching expertise with clinical oversight from care experts.

Our matching process includes:

• Understanding specific household needs and preferences
• Assessing personality compatibility for long-term arrangements
• Verifying professional experience and qualifications
• Providing trial periods to ensure the right fit
• Ongoing support throughout the arrangement

For families new to hiring domestic help, we recommend starting with a housekeeper for 2–3 days per week. This provides consistent support whilst allowing time to build trust and adjust arrangements as needed.

Frequently asked questions

What's the typical hourly rate for housekeepers vs cleaners in the UK?

Housekeepers typically charge £15–25 per hour depending on location and duties, whilst specialist cleaners charge £25–40 per hour for deep cleaning services. Live-in housekeepers work on weekly rates rather than hourly charges.

Can one person provide both housekeeping and cleaning services?

Many experienced housekeepers can handle light cleaning tasks, but deep cleaning often requires specialist equipment and training. Guardian Carers can help you find a housekeeper who is suited to your needs.

Is a live-in housekeeper appropriate for someone with mobility issues?

Live-in housekeepers can provide excellent support for people with mobility limitations, offering both practical help and peace of mind for families. They're particularly valuable for maintaining independence whilst ensuring safety and companionship.

How do I know if my elderly parent needs a housekeeper rather than a cleaner?

Gentle conversations about daily routines can help you understand what support would be most helpful. Look for signs that everyday tasks have become challenging – unwashed dishes accumulating, difficulty maintaining usual cleanliness standards, or simply feeling overwhelmed by household management. If daily tasks like washing up, light tidying, or meal preparation have become difficult, a regular housekeeper often provides better value than occasional deep cleaning.

What happens if the arrangement doesn't work out?

Guardian Carers provides ongoing support throughout any domestic help arrangement. If compatibility issues arise, we can arrange alternative matches within our replacement guarantee period, ensuring minimal disruption to your routine.

Get the right support for your home

Choosing between a housekeeper and a cleaner depends on your specific circumstances and what feels right for your household. Whether you need consistent daily support or occasional deep cleaning, the most important thing is finding someone you trust.

Our care consultants understand that every family's situation is unique. We take time to listen to your concerns and match you with the right person for your needs – no pressure, just clear guidance when you need it most. For guidance about care options that might suit your situation, speak with one of our care advisers.