1.1 Daily Must-Dos: Basic Housework Without Slacking
Guys, waking up to a clean and cozy home 🏠 relies on our hard work! Mop the floors twice a day (morning and evening) – mop with a damp cloth first, then dry mop to absorb moisture for a shiny finish. Wipe all tabletops and coffee tables thoroughly to keep every corner spotless. Tidy up the balcony, water the plants, and put clutter in place to keep this small outdoor space neat 🌼.
Doing laundry is a skill! Baby clothes are delicate – always hand-wash them separately and never spin-dry, handle them gently 👶. Wash undergarments by hand separately for hygiene. Sort light and dark clothes for machine washing to avoid dyeing. Hand-wash shirts and air-dry them directly to maintain their shape.
Put away baby toys right after playtime for easy access next time. Clean the dining table and floor immediately after meals to remove oil stains. Sterilize bottles right after use to safeguard your baby’s oral health. Try to finish all basic cleaning before the family wakes up, greeting them with a fresh morning.
1.2 Weekly Tasks: In-Depth Cleaning Without Omissions
Weekends are for deep cleaning 🧹! The kitchen is the key area – clean oil stains on tiles, range hood filters, oven residues, and both inside and outside the refrigerator. Spray heavy-duty degreaser, scrub with a scouring pad, and the kitchen will look brand new in no time.
Scrub windows and frames thoroughly. Use a squeegee for streak-free glass and a small brush to clean dust in frame crevices. Change bed linens (sheets/pillowcases) – fresh bedding makes sleep more comfortable～
Check for dust on all furniture surfaces, especially easy-to-miss corners. Wipe kitchen shelves and cabinet exteriors completely to prevent oil buildup, making cooking a more pleasant experience!
1.3 Bi-Monthly Focus: Don’t Neglect Dead Corners
Every two months, tackle frequently overlooked areas! Wipe ceilings and walls with a dry cloth – use an extendable duster for high places. Clean the inside of wardrobes and drawers: take out clothes, wipe the drawers, then put them back for neat storage.
Wash curtains – send heavy ones to the cleaner, and hand-wash or machine-wash light ones at home. Deep clean the refrigerator: remove all food, wipe the interior with detergent, and clean the drain hole to avoid odors. Clean hidden kitchen corners like cabinet interiors and under the sink to eliminate all hygiene dead spots, keeping every part of the home clean～
II. Baby-Care Exclusive Guidelines: Details Moms Care About Most
2.1 Daily Care: Rules for Eating, Playing, and Sleeping
Baby care is meticulous – no room for mistakes. Rinse bottles immediately after feeding, scrub the bottle body, nipples, and straws with detergent, then sterilize them in a sterilizer at high temperature or boil for 10 minutes to kill bacteria completely 🦠. Wash bibs with dish soap to remove milk stains and food residues, then dry them in a well-ventilated, sunny area – sunlight is a natural disinfectant～
If sharing a bed with the baby at night, check on them every 2-3 hours. Cover them up if they kick off the quilt to prevent colds. Comfort them promptly if they cry at night, checking if they’re hungry, wet, or uncomfortable.
Prepare baby food strictly as instructed by the employer. Use fresh ingredients and varied combinations to ensure balanced nutrition. For 6-month-old babies starting solid food, begin with iron-fortified rice cereal, then gradually add vegetable puree and fruit puree. 8-month-old babies can eat soft noodles and small food pieces. Clean the kitchen countertop and utensils after making baby food to keep the kitchen tidy.
Engage fully during playtime with the baby. Put away toys immediately after play in storage boxes or racks – a tidy home makes it easier for the baby to find toys. When taking the baby to extracurricular classes (early education, painting, dancing, etc.), arrive on time, never be late or leave early. Take notes on the teacher’s instructions during class and debrief the employer in detail after work to keep them updated on the baby’s progress.
2.2 Child Safety: Stay Alert At All Times
Child safety is paramount – never let the baby out of your sight, even for a second! Keep sharp objects (scissors, knives, needles) out of the baby’s reach. Keep heat sources (kettles, hot soup, heaters) away to prevent burns.
Clean and sterilize baby toys regularly: wash plush toys with special detergent and sun-dry; soak plastic toys in disinfectant, then rinse thoroughly. Check toys for damage or loose parts frequently – repair or replace them immediately. Never let the baby put small parts in their mouth to avoid choking.
Hold the baby’s hand tightly when going out or commuting to classes. Cross the road at zebra crossings, follow traffic rules, look left and right, and cross only when it’s safe. In case of emergencies (baby illness, getting lost, or strangers approaching), contact the employer immediately, stay calm, and ensure the baby’s safety.
III. Don’t Cross Professional Red Lines! Personal Norms & Work Attitude
3.1 Code of Conduct: Things You Must Never Do
Dear ones, the code of conduct is crucial for housekeeping work – a small mistake may cost you your job or even big trouble 😱. Strictly follow the employer’s rules: no smoking or drinking (a basic professional ethic and health requirement). Never take a second job – focus on serving the employer wholeheartedly. Never stay out overnight: report your whereabouts and return time in advance for holiday outings, and always be back on time to avoid worrying the employer.
The employer’s privacy is off-limits – never disclose their phone number, address, or family information to others. This is respect for the employer and protection for yourself. Don’t bring friends home without permission – the employer’s house is not your social venue. Consult the employer first if you have friends visiting and get their approval.
Be cautious with money matters: don’t ask for an advance on salary. Communicate openly with the employer if you have financial difficulties to find a reasonable solution. Avoid large financial transactions with others, especially unregulated loans. Many housekeepers in Hong Kong fall prey to loan sharks with annual interest rates as high as 3000%, which is hard to escape 😭. Be careful with calls: don’t use the employer’s IDD or collect calls. Make personal long-distance calls only during holiday outings. Attention to these details ensures smooth work～
3.2 Grooming: Cleanliness Is Essential
Your grooming represents the employer’s image – cleanliness is the basic requirement 🧼. Maintain personal hygiene daily: comb your hair neatly (tie long hair up to avoid inconvenience and untidiness while working). Trim nails regularly – no long nails, nail polish, or jewelry. Keep a low profile at work.
Choose simple, well-fitted clothes for work (easy to move around in). Wear no makeup during work hours – light makeup is acceptable for holiday outings, but never heavy makeup. Maintain a good mental state and work with a fresh, capable look. A happy employer means a more motivated you～
3.3 Work Attitude: Proactive & Diligent
Work attitude determines quality and employer satisfaction. Obey reasonable arrangements, work diligently, and avoid slacking. Be meticulous – wipe tables until spotless and wash clothes thoroughly. Communicate with the employer immediately when encountering problems; don’t make decisions without permission (it may backfire).
Be proactive and welcoming when guests visit 😃. Offer tea, clean up tableware after guests leave, and stay polite and appropriate throughout. Leave a good impression on guests – it honors the employer too.
Develop efficient work habits and plan your time wisely. For example, finish basic housework in the morning, then focus on baby care or dinner preparation in the afternoon. This improves efficiency and ensures high-quality completion of all tasks, easily winning the employer’s trust～
IV. Emergency Tips & Pitfall Warnings: Must-Read for Beginners
4.1 Emergencies: Stay Calm & Act Wisely
Guys, emergencies are inevitable in housekeeping work – stay calm, don’t panic 😟. First, memorize the employer’s emergency contacts (mobile phone, home phone) and save them as speed dials for quick access.
If the baby gets a minor scrape, rinse it with water and disinfect with povidone-iodine. For deep, bleeding wounds, press with a clean gauze or towel to stop bleeding, contact the employer immediately, follow their instructions, and take them to the hospital if necessary.
If household appliances malfunction (smoke, catch fire), cut off the power first, put out the fire with a fire extinguisher (if available), then notify the employer and professional repair personnel. In case of fire hazards (gas smell, short circuit), open windows for ventilation, turn off the power, and contact the employer and property management. Never tamper with them – safety first!
Master basic first-aid skills like the Heimlich maneuver and CPR – they can be lifesavers. Attend first-aid training courses regularly to improve your emergency response ability. Stay calm during small accidents to avoid secondary injuries, protecting the employer’s family safely～
4.2 Pitfall Guide: Maintain Boundaries
Avoid pitfalls in housekeeping work – maintaining boundaries ensures a comfortable work experience 🥰. Clarify your responsibilities: never touch the employer’s personal items (wallet, jewelry, documents) out of curiosity. Respect their privacy and personal space. Don’t pry into family secrets (conflicts, financial status) – keep your mouth shut to avoid being seen as a gossip.
Respect the employer’s living habits. For example, if they prefer the kettle filled to 80%, follow the rule strictly. Adhere to cleaning standards – sort clothes by material and color before washing, don’t put them all in the machine to avoid damage.
Uphold your rest rights and refuse unreasonable overtime. In Hong Kong, housekeepers are entitled to at least one rest day per week. Negotiate with the employer for leave adjustment or overtime pay if asked to work on rest days. Don’t endure long-term unreasonable overtime without pay – complain to the Labour Department to protect your legal rights. Balance professional ethics and self-protection for a long, smooth career～
