Nowadays, a growing number of Singaporeans aren’t as keen on hiring a live-in helper to take on housekeeping chores for them. It’s become increasingly popular among them to find part-time maids in Singapore instead. These helpers can do many tasks for us without having to live at home with us. They also cost far less than a domestic helper — after all, you only have to pay them for the number of hours worked, not a monthly salary.
But there is a catch: part-time maids are usually limited to certain cleaning services, so you’ll need to be aware of what you can request them to do for you.
Let’s talk about what these tasks are to get a better idea of whether this type of helper is a good fit for your household.
Typical Scope of Work for Part-time Maids in Singapore
General Cleaning
Part-time helpers can do essential chores such as:
- Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping the floors
- Dusting the shelves and furniture
- Wiping down windows and mirrors
- Organising cluttered areas
Kitchen and Bathroom Maintenance
These two areas often need extra attention, so part-time maids in Singapore often do tasks like:
- Scrubbing the tile and grout lines
- Removing mould growths and soap scum
- Sanitising the plumbing fixtures and counters
- Wiping the appliances and cabinetry
- Washing the dishes
Laundry and Linens
It’s also quite common for part-time helpers to do the washing and ironing for your clothes. If you have any dirty linens, they can deal with these as well.
The maids can also make the bed or replace the sheets when necessary.
Waste Disposal
And of course, your waste will be taken out as well so you can come home to empty bins. The maids can also wash and sanitise the receptacles to ensure that they’re germ-free.
Special Chores May Cost More
Many part-time maids in Singapore (or their agencies) also offer other services apart from their basic cleaning package — for a higher price. These often involve tasks that aren’t usually addressed during regular sessions because they take more time or require more advanced cleaning products.
Some examples include:
- Cleaning the interiors of kitchen appliances like refrigerators and ovens.
- Steam-cleaning, shampooing, or dry cleaning the upholstery, mattress, and carpeting
- Grass cutting and minor landscaping work if you have outdoor spaces
What Can a Part-time Maid NOT Do For You?
Unless you hire helpers under the Household Services Scheme, part-time cleaners mainly focus on cleaning your home.
They generally don’t handle tasks such as:
- Moving or disposing of heavy furniture and other large items
- Caring for your children, elderly loved ones, or pets
- Handyman services such as fixing leaks, replacing light bulbs, or carpentry
- Grocery shopping and cooking full meals
Always Check the Cleaning Company’s Offered Services
All that being said, I’d advise you to research different home cleaning services first. Doing so lets you see which one has packages that are more suitable for your household’s needs. For instance, one agency’s part-time maids may include laundry in their basic package, while another may have it as an extra service.
Your budget should also be a consideration, especially if you’re prone to making last-minute appointments. Some companies may have affordable hourly rates for weekly or monthly schedules but cost far more for ad-hoc jobs.
Part-timers Can Still Take A Burden Off Your Shoulders
Part-time maids in Singapore have a limited scope of work, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make life easier for you. Even having them around for a few hours each week or month can make a world of difference in achieving a healthier living space and a less stressful life.
So take the time to assess the type of help you need at home before hiring a part-time cleaning service. The right choices can make life so much better for you.
