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Housekeeper Vs. Maid: Which One Is Right for You?

Some people think that a “Maid” and a “Housekeeper” mean the same thing. Contrary to what most of us think, each requires different skills and qualifications. And take on diverse sets of duties and responsibilities.
A crucial step in hiring help is knowing what you and your household needs. Here, we highlight the differences between a Maid and a Housekeeper.

What is a Housekeeper?

Housekeepers are also known as Executive Housekeepers or Household Managers. In general, they oversee the entire household and take on administrative, supervisory, and managerial tasks. Aside from these, they also perform all hands-on duties like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, polishing, laundering, making beds, and organizing closets.
Families who belong to the upper class, own large properties and multiple homes and thus they are the ones who commonly require their services. In Dubai, housekeepers are mostly employed by royal families. This position involves a significant degree of flexibility where the Housekeeper is available 24/7.
Skills and Qualifications
Since Housekeepers are responsible for overseeing the entire household, they must have:

  • Undergone management and supervisory training
  • Acquired certifications related to housekeeping and staff management
  • Great attention to detail, reliable, and trustworthy
  • Excellent ability to follow protocol and etiquette
  • Relevant experience in managing household staff and estate
  • Extensive knowledge in successful event planning
  • Ability to effectively manage finances, properties, and documents
  • Formal service training including wine and food service

Tasks and Responsibilities
With the skills set mentioned above, Housekeepers are expected to perform a variety of tasks such as:

  • Managing household staff from hiring, training, evaluating performance, managing payroll, to terminating their employment
  • Maintaining standards of cleaning, servicing, washing, and maintenance, which includes drafting rules and policies for the owner’s approval
  • Making sure that the household is always in excellent condition
  • Performing hands-on duties carried out by the household staff such as washing and pressing fabrics, cleaning, and running errands
  • Conducting, purchasing, and replenishing inventory
  • Managing budgets, finances, properties, and documents
  • Organizing of social and family events
  • Attending to the needs of guests and visitors
  • Serving food and beverages
  • Caring for fine art, antiques, and collectibles
  • Ensuring the safety and security of each family member and the entire property

What is a Maid?

Maids or Housemaids are dedicated individuals who help you with domestic tasks on a regular basis. Hiring one affords you more time with family and focus on other things. Much of the Maids in Dubai work full-time and live with the family. In this setting, the family provides her a room plus regular meals on top of her salary. For live-out Maids, they’re provided with spare keys so they can access and clean the property in case the owner isn’t around.
Skills and Qualifications
Unlike Executive Housekeepers, Maids don’t require training. However, they need to be trustworthy, dependable, and skilled in carrying out domestic tasks.
Tasks and Responsibilities
A Full-time Maid in Dubai should have exceptional skills in cooking, laundering, cleaning, and running errands.
Depending on the household setup, Maids in Dubai are not responsible for taking care of children; however, in some cases, it becomes part of their duties. The most common tasks they should be able to do are:

  • Preparing food and washing the dishes.
  • Cleaning and maintaining kitchen appliances (i.e., refrigerator, oven, dishwasher)
  • Cleaning each room in the house, even unused rooms
  • Collecting, washing, pressing clothes and organizing closets
  • Feeding pets and cleaning up after them, if needed
  • Gardening and water plants on a regular basis
  • Paying bills, doing groceries
  • Occasional babysitting

Now that you know the difference, have you figured out which one best fits your lifestyle?
If you’re looking for an Executive Housekeeper or a Full-time Maid in Dubai, Savoir Vivre is the best domestic services provider available. We make sure we find you the most trustworthy, skilled, and detail oriented domestic workers in Dubai. Get in touch with us today!

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