The head housekeeper has the responsibility of running of the housekeeping team, ensuring the highest standards of service are applied. She/he may also have responsibility of dealing with household suppliers and managing the maintenance of any modern household cleaning equipment.

 

In addition, duties can include those of a regular housekeeper depending on the staff cover for the household in question.

For households that employ a team of staff, the remnant of the once-grand position of head housekeeper is often a cook-housekeeper. (See cook housekeeper)

 

​A head housekeeper would have at least five years’ experience in a busy household.

 

 

Pay – head housekeeper

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Earnings up to £600-£800 per week live-in and abroad £900 per week

 

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Housekeeper - private residence housekeeper duties

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• Cleaning and maintaining the house, making sure standards are maintained as per the employer’s requirements

• Cleaning and sanitising toilets, showers/bathtubs, worktops, sink and the kitchen area, keeping bathrooms stocked with toiletries, clean linens, and other supplies

• Polishing and dusting furniture and fixtures, cleaning mirrors and other glass surfaces, washing windows. Steaming and cleaning draperies and washing blinds

• Making beds and changing linens, ironing clothing items. Vacuuming and cleaning carpets and rugs, sweeping, polishing, and mopping hard floors

• Using any cleaning equipment such as vacuums, steam cleaners and mops. Monitoring and requesting cleaning supplies as needed. Reporting any necessary repairs or replacements to equipment used. Washing, loading, sorting, and unloading laundry. Tidying all rooms

• Emptying waste baskets bins and disposing of waste

 

 

Skills and qualifications

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You do not need any qualifications to become a housekeeper but some previous experience in a similar role or in a social care and health setting are really useful, as are the following:

 

• Knowledge of and experience in cleaning and sanitising rooms to varying levels to meet requirements

• Willingness to learn new cleaning methods and how to use various pieces of equipment

• Ability to adapt to different situations and change work processes to accommodate client needs

• Ability to accept constructive criticism; listening skills to make sure that you are meeting your employer’s requirements for cleanliness and sanitation

• Organisational skills; integrity; honesty; reliability, with high energy levels

 

 

Pay

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Earnings are dependent on the duties and size of the house in which you are employed, and whether you live in or out. Earnings will vary from permanent, temporary, full-time, or part-time engagements. Expect to pay an hourly rate of £9 - £14. Sometimes there can be a bonus of £200-£2000. A £15,000 to £26,000 salary is the national average, however housekeepers in Kensington earn an average of 45% more, and in greater London, 20% more than the national average.

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Midas has a candidate database of experienced private household staff. If you require a head housekeeper, housekeeper or housekeeper cook then we can help. Please contact us either via client submission section or telephone and one of our experienced staff will help you find the right person for you.