Author: Amy Barron
Last updated: August 2025
If you're considering hiring a housekeeper but feeling uncertain about what tasks they should handle, you're not alone. Many people worry about setting appropriate boundaries whilst ensuring they receive the support they need. This guide explains exactly what professional housekeepers can and cannot do, helping you make informed decisions about hiring someone to support at home. We'll cover everything from daily cleaning duties to safety limitations, different types of housekeeping arrangements, and how to find the right match for your home through Guardian Carers' placement service.
Why hire a housekeeper?
People across the UK are turning to professional housekeeping services when maintaining their homes becomes challenging due to age, health conditions, or changing circumstances.
Lifestyle and practical benefits
A housekeeper provides consistent, reliable support that allows you to remain comfortable and independent in your own home. Whether you're managing health challenges, recovering from illness, or simply want to maintain your home's standards without physical strain, professional housekeeping can help preserve your quality of life and peace of mind.
Common scenarios for hiring a housekeeper
Maintaining independence at home becomes challenging when mobility, energy levels, or health conditions change. A housekeeper provides the support needed to keep your home comfortable and well-maintained whilst preserving your dignity and autonomy.
Living with dementia or memory challenges can make household routines more difficult to manage consistently. A regular housekeeper creates a familiar structure and ensures essential tasks are completed safely, providing peace of mind for both you and your family.
Recovery from illness or hospital discharge often requires temporary or ongoing support whilst you regain strength. Professional housekeeping ensures your home environment supports healing and wellness during this important period.
“Even a few hours of professional support each week can make an enormous difference to someone's confidence and comfort at home. It's about providing the right support so they can focus on what matters most to them." - Dimple Chandarana
What does a housekeeper do?
A housekeeper is a consistent presence in your home, typically visiting one to several times per week, depending on your household's needs. Their role centres on maintaining cleanliness, organisation, and order throughout your home.
Daily and weekly cleaning tasks
Living areas:
- Dusting furniture, surfaces, and decorative items
- Hoovering carpets and rugs
- Sweeping and mopping hard floors
- General tidying and decluttering
- Light organising of personal items
Bathrooms:
- Cleaning mirrors, toilets, showers, and baths
- Wiping down surfaces and fixtures
- Restocking toiletries as needed
- Ensuring proper ventilation
Kitchen areas:
- Wiping down appliances, worktops, and cabinet doors
- Cleaning sinks and taps
- Washing, drying, and putting away dishes
- Basic organisation of cupboards and pantry areas
Laundry and ironing
Most housekeepers will manage your washing routine, including:
- Washing and drying clothes according to care instructions
- Folding and organising clean laundry
- Basic ironing of everyday items
- Changing and washing bed linen regularly
Meal preparation basics
Many housekeepers can assist with simple meal preparation, such as:
- Basic cooking of straightforward meals
- Meal planning and preparation
- Kitchen organisation for easier cooking
- Ensuring food safety and hygiene standards
Errands and shopping
Depending on your arrangement, housekeepers may help with:
- Grocery shopping from the provided lists
- Collecting dry cleaning
- Basic postal services
- Light gardening tasks (indoor plants)
Supply provision expectations
You'll typically need to provide cleaning products and equipment. Some housekeepers may bring preferred supplies or request reimbursement for specialist products they recommend for your home.
Tasks you should not expect a housekeeper to do
Understanding the boundaries of housekeeping work is crucial for maintaining safety and setting realistic expectations. Professional housekeepers have specific limitations designed to protect both them and your household.
Safety-related restrictions
Manual handling limits: Housekeepers should not lift objects heavier than 16kg (35 pounds). This guideline, based on UK Health & Safety Executive recommendations, protects against injury and ensures sustainable working practices.
Height restrictions: Tasks requiring climbing ladders or accessing high areas should be left to specialist services. Housekeepers may use a stable footstool for routine tasks, but anything requiring significant height access poses unnecessary risks.
Hazardous materials: Handling of chemicals beyond standard household cleaning products, asbestos, or other dangerous substances requires specialist training and equipment.
Specialist cleaning requirements
Deep cleaning projects: Comprehensive deep cleaning, carpet shampooing, or restoration work requires specialist equipment and expertise. Consider engaging professional cleaning services for these tasks.
Outdoor window cleaning: External window cleaning, particularly for upper floors, requires specialist equipment and training. Interior windows are typically within a housekeeper's remit.
Care responsibilities beyond housekeeping
Personal care for dementia or cognitive challenges: Standard housekeepers are not trained to provide personal care or specialist support for those living with dementia. Our carer-housekeeper service combines housekeeping with professional dementia care training for families needing both services.
Medical or personal care: Any form of medical assistance, personal hygiene support, or healthcare-related tasks falls outside a housekeeper's training and responsibilities.
Types of housekeepers available
Live-in vs part-time arrangements
Part-time housekeepers visit your home on a scheduled basis, typically ranging from twice weekly to daily visits. This arrangement suits most households and provides excellent value whilst maintaining your privacy. Whereas live-in housekeepers reside in your home and manage larger households or properties requiring constant attention. This option suits families with extensive entertaining, multiple properties, or significant daily housekeeping needs.
What does a carer-housekeeper do?
A carer-housekeeper provides both housekeeping services and personal care support for those living with dementia, recovering from illness, or requiring assistance with daily living. These professionals receive specialist training in care techniques alongside domestic skills, offering comprehensive support that maintains dignity and independence at home.
“Guardian Carers were able to find my Dad the right carer-housekeeper. My dad was initially very hesitant to have any help. Our consultant offered to meet with him. She explained the benefits and their vetting process. She also assisted with the interviews. We had a very pleasant experience, and they made our search stress-free." - Mercy
How to hire the right housekeeper
Professional vetting and reference checks
Guardian Carers performs comprehensive background checks on all housekeeping candidates, including:
- Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
- Previous employment verification
- Character references from former employers
- Skills assessment and interview process
Interview tips for selecting your housekeeper
- Prepare specific questions about their experience with homes similar to yours, preferred cleaning methods, and availability for your required schedule.
- Discuss expectations, including which tasks you prioritise, any areas requiring special attention, and household routines they should maintain.
- Trial periods allow both parties to ensure compatibility before committing to long-term arrangements. Most professional relationships benefit from a settling-in period.
Contracts and ongoing support
Professional housekeeping arrangements should include clear contracts outlining:
- Schedule and duration of visits
- Specific tasks and responsibilities
- Payment terms and holiday arrangements
- Notice periods and replacement procedures
Guardian Carers provides sample contracts and ongoing support throughout your housekeeping arrangement, ensuring both parties understand expectations and maintain professional standards.
Frequently asked questions
Do housekeepers bring their own supplies?
Most housekeepers use the cleaning products and equipment you provide. This ensures they're familiar with your preferred brands and maintains consistency in your home. Some experienced housekeepers may bring specialist tools they prefer, but basic supplies are typically your responsibility.
How much does a housekeeper cost in the UK?
Housekeeping costs vary based on location, frequency, and specific requirements. London and Southeast rates typically exceed national averages, whilst rural areas may offer more competitive pricing. The average hourly cost of a housekeeper is £13.59.
Can a housekeeper cook meals?
Many housekeepers can prepare basic meals, particularly those with cooking experience or formal training. Discuss culinary expectations during interviews, including dietary requirements, cooking styles, and meal planning preferences.
Can I ask a housekeeper to look after pets?
Basic pet care, such as feeding, letting dogs out, or maintaining litter trays, often falls within housekeeping duties. More complex pet care, grooming, or veterinary assistance requires discussion and may need specialist services.
Expert guidance from Guardian Carers
At Guardian Carers, we understand that finding the right housekeeper requires more than matching skills to tasks. Our experienced consultants guide families through every aspect of the hiring process, from defining requirements to managing ongoing relationships.
“Very pleased with the service. They found us an excellent Turkish and English-speaking carer-housekeeper. We have struggled to find someone bilingual before.” - Deniz
Ready to find your ideal housekeeper?
Our experienced consultants are ready to discuss your household's specific needs and match you with qualified, vetted housekeepers who understand your requirements.
Speak with one of our team members for a no-obligation consultation to begin your search for the perfect household support.
Guardian Carers, part of the Hometouch, specialises in matching UK families with experienced, qualified household staff. Our comprehensive vetting process and ongoing support ensure successful, long-term placements that enhance your quality of life.
