What Tasks Should a Housemaid Handle? Understanding Maid Duties

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, especially in Indian metropolitan and urban homes, housemaids have become an essential part of maintaining a clean and functional household. Whether you live in a nuclear family or a joint setup, hiring a maid can significantly ease your daily responsibilities. However, one of the most common concerns among employers is understanding what exactly a housemaid’s duties should include.

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll cover the common tasks that a House Maid Services is expected to handle, variations based on full-time or part-time arrangements, and tips for clearly defining responsibilities to ensure a smooth employer-maid relationship.

Basic Cleaning and Housekeeping

• Sweeping and Mopping Floors
• Dusting Furniture and Surfaces
• Washing Utensils
• Cleaning Bathrooms and Toilets
• Making the Beds

Cooking and Kitchen Help

• Cooking Full Meals
• Chopping Vegetables
• Making Rotis, Rice, Curries
• Cleaning the Kitchen Post-Cooking

Laundry and Ironing

• Hand-Washing Clothes
• Operating Washing Machines
• Hanging Laundry to Dry
• Ironing and Folding Clothes

Childcare Assistance

• Feeding Infants and Toddlers
• Supervising Homework
• Dropping/Picking Children to/from Bus Stops or Schools
• Playing or Engaging with Children

Elderly Care Support

• Helping with Medications
• Assisting in Walking or Bathing
• Preparing Special Meals for Senior Citizens
• Offering Company and Emotional Support

Grocery Shopping and Errands

• Buy Vegetables and Essentials
• Pick Up Medicines or household supplies
• Accompany Employers on Market Visits

Pet Care Duties

• Feed Dogs or Cats
• Clean Pet Areas or Litter Boxes
• Walk the Dog

Seasonal Deep Cleaning

• Diwali or Festival Cleaning
• Organising Wardrobes or Cabinets
• Washing Curtains or Windows

Live-In Maid Duties (24x7 Maids)

• All daily chores (cleaning, cooking, laundry)
• Night-time child assistance
• Household security duties
• Running errands at odd hours

What a Maid Should NOT Be Expected to Do

• Personal financial errands (ATM withdrawals, bank tasks)
• Heavy lifting or dangerous repairs
• Tasks requiring professional licenses
• Working continuously without rest

Tips for Defining Housemaid Duties Clearly

1. Create a Written Job Description
2. Discuss Expectations Upfront
3. Agree on Working Hours
4. Set Trial Period
5. Use an Agency for Clarity

Final Thoughts

Hiring a housemaid can bring immense relief to a busy household, but it’s crucial to clearly define what tasks your maid should handle. In India, maid duties vary widely depending on household size, location, cultural norms, and whether it’s a part-time or full-time arrangement.

Being upfront, respectful, and realistic about expectations ensures a harmonious and long-term working relationship. Whether it’s just basic cleaning or a wide range of responsibilities like cooking and childcare, knowing what your maid can and should do will help you make informed hiring decisions.

Need help finding a trustworthy and professional housemaid near you? Consider using a verified maid agency that handles background checks, skill matching, and service guarantees tailored for Indian homes.