The Ultimate Onboarding Guide for Private Housekeepers

It is essential that priorities are clearly discussed with the housekeeper from the outset, ensuring the order and frequency of tasks suit both the family and the home.

Experienced housekeepers will bring their own methods, developed over years of practice, and will have a strong understanding of how long tasks should take. To ensure a successful and long-term placement, it is particularly important during the first few weeks to align expectations, discussing what needs to be done, how often, and to what standard.

Open communication is key.

• Establishing clarity early ensures efficiency, mutual respect, and a harmonious working environment.
• Daily Structure (Suggested Order of Tasks)
• Tidy and reset the kitchen (refer to kitchen guidelines)
• Open bedroom windows to allow for fresh air circulation
• Collect laundry and begin washing where required
• Make all beds (refer to bedroom standards)
• Clean bathrooms
• Vacuum all carpeted areas
• Mop hard floors (refer to floor care instructions)
• Complete ironing and attend to additional tasks or larger projects (e.g. wardrobe organisation, window cleaning)

Professional Standards & Conduct

• Maintain a polished, professional appearance at all times; hair neatly tied back
• Wear designated indoor/house shoes
• No personal visitors unless authorised by the Principal
• No smoking or alcohol during working hours
• Remain attentive, discreet, and proactive
• Work methodically; complete one task before moving to the next
• Always seek clarification if unsure
• Handle all furnishings and possessions with the utmost care and respect
• Follow specific instructions for delicate or specialist materials
• Answer telephone calls politely, recording clear messages (name, number, purpose)
• Represent the household with professionalism both inside and outside the property
• Maintain absolute confidentiality, no discussion of the household or photography permitted – NDA is required
• Keep all equipment clean, organised, and well maintained
• Report any breakages or damage immediately
• Personal mobile phones should only be used during designated breaks
• Any provided vehicle is strictly for work use unless otherwise authorised

Food & Kitchen Hygiene

• Liaise with the employer regarding weekly menus and shopping requirements
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food
• Carefully inspect and wash all produce before use
• Prepare fresh, healthy meals and snacks
• Allow food to cool completely before refrigerating
• Use separate boards for raw and cooked foods
• Store raw meat safely away from other ingredients
• Maintain an ongoing list of required kitchen supplies

Laundry & Garment Care

• When in doubt, confirm whether items require washing or dry cleaning
• Only launder items placed in designated laundry bins
• Follow care labels meticulously, particularly for delicate fabrics
• Select appropriate cycles, products, and dosages
• Check all garments for stains and treat prior to washing
• Empty pockets before laundering
• Confirm drying requirements (tumble dry vs. air dry/flat dry)
• Clean lint filters and empty dryer water containers after each use
• Unpack and inspect dry cleaning, placing items on correct hangers
• Plan ahead for specific clothing needs (e.g. school uniforms, sports kits)
• Iron, fold, and store garments to a high standard
• Maintain tidy and organised wardrobes
• Clean washing machine and dryer filters monthly
• Wash cleaning cloths and mop heads after each use

Kitchen & Utility Areas

• Clear and tidy breakfast items promptly
• Clean all surfaces daily
• Refresh fruit bowls as required
• Change kitchen towels regularly
• Use separate cloths for dishes and surfaces
• Hand wash delicate glassware and fine china
• Load dishwasher carefully and efficiently
• Clean hob and kitchen surfaces daily
• Wipe dining tables and chairs daily
• Mop floors daily
• Clean pet bowls daily
• Deep clean coffee machine weekly
• Wash entrance mats weekly
• Clean windows, frames, and sills weekly
• Remove cobwebs (including ceilings and sensors) weekly
• Organise pantry/larder monthly
• Clean refrigerator weekly
• Maintain stock list for supplies
• Dispose of rubbish and recycling daily
• Final kitchen check before leaving each day

Ground Floor & Living Areas

General Areas

• Use appropriate cleaning products for specialist flooring (e.g. marble, stone)
• Maintain a tidy entrance and hallway daily
• Vacuum daily
• Check and restock guest toilet; clean thoroughly twice weekly
• Dust and remove cobwebs weekly
• Clean windows and sills weekly

Dining Room

• Vacuum twice weekly (or as required)
• Dust and check for cobwebs weekly
• Clean windows weekly

Living Room

• Tidy daily
• Vacuum twice weekly (or as needed)
• Dust, remove cobwebs, and clean windows weekly

Study

• Empty bins twice weekly (or as required)
• Vacuum twice weekly
• Dust, clean windows, and check for cobwebs weekly

TV / Family Room

• Plump cushions and fold blankets daily
• Tidy daily
• Keep books, toys, and media organised
• Vacuum daily
• Dust, clean windows, and remove cobwebs weekly

Exterior & Entrance Areas

• Keep all entrances clean and presentable at all times
• Clean ground floor window sills weekly
• Maintain entrance features (pillars, lamps, doorways)
• Ensure bin areas are clean and organised
• Report any maintenance issues promptly

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

• Air rooms daily (subject to employer preference)
• Strip and remake beds neatly
• Replace used linens as required
• Shake and arrange pillows and duvets properly
• Full bed linen change weekly (confirm preferred day)
• Clean surfaces and sinks daily
• Clean showers, mirrors, and toilets twice weekly
• Maintain spotless bathroom floors (twice weekly minimum)
• Ensure all bathrooms are well stocked (toilet paper, toiletries)
• Tidy children’s bedrooms daily
• Vacuum bedrooms and upstairs areas (minimum three times per week)
• Dust and remove cobwebs weekly
• Replace towels as needed; fold neatly

Final Note

• The most important principle:
• If in doubt, always ask.
• Clear communication ensures excellence, consistency, and a successful working relationship.