Author: Amy Barron
Last updated: August 2025
When you need help around the house, understanding the difference between a housekeeper and a cleaner helps you find the right support. Whether you’re managing a busy schedule, caring for rental properties, or supporting a family member, the right domestic help makes all the difference.
Understanding the key roles
Housekeepers provide ongoing household management, working regularly (one to five days weekly) to maintain your home's daily routines. They handle light cleaning, laundry, tidying, basic meal preparation, and errands. Housekeepers focus on maintaining a comfortable living environment and typically use the cleaning products you provide. Some also provide childcare or pet care.
Cleaners handle specific tasks, such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Their focus stays on cleaning rather than broader household support or personal assistance.
Housekeeper vs Cleaner: Quick comparison
| Aspect | Housekeeper | Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Regular (1-5 days weekly) | As needed |
| Duration | Ongoing relationship | Short-term projects |
| Focus | Maintenance & daily routines | Deep cleaning & restoration |
| Cost | £15-25 per hour | £25-40 per hour |
| Supplies | You provide | They provide |
| Best For | Ongoing household management | Intensive cleaning projects |
Which service do you need?
Busy professionals
If you work long hours and need help maintaining daily routines, a housekeeper provides reliable support. You'll come home to a tidy, organised space where everything is maintained.
Families with children
Families with children need regular support to keep up with washing, tidying, and daily maintenance. A housekeeper helps maintain order so you can focus on spending quality time together.
Landlords & Airbnb hosts
Property managers often need both services. Housekeepers handle regular maintenance between tenants, while professional cleaners provide deep cleaning when properties change hands or need to be prepared for new tenants.
Elderly households
Older adults often need gentle, ongoing support to maintain their independence at home. A housekeeper provides this assistance while preserving dignity and familiar routines.
For families supporting elderly relatives, combining housekeeping with companionship creates complete home support. Our care-focused household support combines both these elements seamlessly.
What does each service cost?
The cost of housekeeping and cleaning depends on location, experience and the level of service required.
Housekeeper rates typically range from £15 to £25 per hour, with live-in housekeepers costing between £400 and £800 per week, including accommodation and meals.
Professional cleaning services charge £25-40 per hour for deep cleaning projects. A full house deep clean typically costs £200-500, depending on your property size and specific requirements
"We often advise families that a cleaner is best for intensive projects like move-in preparation, while a housekeeper maintains the daily rhythms that make a house feel like home." - Dan Courtney, Head of Operations at Hometouch
How to hire a housekeeper or cleaner safely
When hiring help for your home, proper vetting protects your family and property.
Essential checks include:
- Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificates
- Valid right-to-work documentation
- Professional references from previous employers
- Public liability insurance coverage
- Clear written contracts outlining duties and expectations
Trial periods allow both parties to assess compatibility before committing to long-term arrangements. Most reputable agencies offer replacement guarantees if initial placements don't work out.
Guardian Carers conducts comprehensive background checks on all candidates, ensuring you receive thoroughly vetted professionals who meet our standards for reliability and expertise.
Frequently asked questions
Is a housekeeper more expensive than a cleaner?
Housekeepers typically charge lower hourly rates, but the ongoing nature of the service means higher monthly costs. Regular maintenance often reduces your need for expensive deep cleaning services.
Do housekeepers provide cleaning products?
Most housekeepers expect you to provide standard cleaning supplies, though they may request specific products or bring preferred items. Professional cleaners typically include all supplies in their service fee.
Can one person do both roles?
Some experienced housekeepers can handle light deep-cleaning tasks. However, intensive projects often require specialist equipment and expertise that dedicated cleaning services provide.
Why choose Guardian Carers for your housekeeping services?
Guardian Carers matches families with experienced housekeepers who specialise in supporting older adults at home. We help maintain independence through gentle assistance with daily routines.
Every housekeeper has at least two years of experience and passes comprehensive interviews and enhanced DBS checks. Many specialise in elderly care, providing meal preparation, light housework, medication reminders, and companionship.
Ready to find the right support? Speak with one of our team members for a no-obligation consultation to begin your search for the perfect household support.
