Housekeepers (vs cleaner)

[madcows]

Hi there,
This isn't strictly in the right place... but it is related to childcare... as I'm realising that perhaps we need more help with domestic stuff at home, rather than childcare as such. Can anyone explain to me what a housekeeper does, and how it differs from a cleaner - in terms of roles, responsbilities and pay!
many thanks,
madcows

i would say that a housekeeper deals with the running of the house/making sure that things work and if drains blocked etc that they will sort out/arrange plumber etc

they would also do the washing/ironing/cook a meal

cleaners clean - or if you are very lucky you may get one who will iron as well

I also think a housekeep is probably a full time employee (or nearly full time) and cleaner comes round once every week or two and is not your employee.

Had no idea that housekeepers were full time, or nearly. Any idea of what they charge?
thanks
madcows

Ha. I should be so lucky! Sorry, have no idea.

Housekeeper = employed, will cost you similar to a nanny, can be full time or a few days a week, will do pretty much everything around the house and keep it running smoothly. Just sourced a new housekeeper for temp job MB - Czech lady in her 40s, live-in 5 days all cleaning and cooking for £300 net (despite my best efforts to get MB to negotiate a gross salary....)

Cleaner = self-employed, cleans but won't tidy or anything else, comes when they want/if they want

okay - having a housekeeper is clearly something for my dreams only. Maybe I should just be glad to have a good cleaner who does (normally!) turn up!
madcows

You can always work out whatever job description you want and see if someone will take it. But, if it is a regular job, say she works Tuesdays and Fridays every week, I think you will be looking at an employee and not just paying for a service -- unless you go through an agency.

What sort of job did you want him/her to do?