Housekeeper peer-to-peer in Belgium

Frequently asked questions about housekeeper

• How do I get home help?
  You may need home help for a one-time or recurring need. In both cases, if you use a specialized company, the cost will be significant. Askaide offers you a different solution by focusing on mutual assistance between individuals.
  
  All you have to do is consult the advertisements posted on our help platform in the household help section and you will obtain free detailed files from people willing to do housework or any other form of household help.
• How does the Askaide platform for home help work?
  A free help platform
  The first important information to know is that our platform is free. Consultation of home help announcements is totally free and no subscription is required. The only cost to be expected is that of the remuneration of the person who will offer you his home help.
  In addition, if you live in France, you can apply for financial assistance for the remuneration of your household help by appealing to the CESU. See CESU household help.
  For Belgium, there is a similar mechanism for financing household help called Titres Services.
• What home help services are offered on Askaide?
  All services related to home help. Those that are more specifically addressed to seniors have been brought together in another section of the platform because special skills are required. Ditto for household help requiring care. You will find them in the section of the same name.
  
  For the rest, here is a non-exhaustive list of home help offered:
  
  

  • Help getting up and going to bed
  • Assistance with meals
  • Shopping assistance
  • Housework
  • Housing maintenance
  • Meal preparation
  • Night presence
  • Ironing
  • Keep company

  
    If this assistance concerns children (for example for assistance with meals), please consult our section entitled Childcare between individuals.
• Obtaining a domestic help at home: instructions for use
  You have two very simple ways to find home help that meets your needs and is near you:
  
  

  1. You consult our ads for home help and indicate the skill sought and the city concerned. You will then obtain a list of proposals as well as a geographical map locating the ads closest to your home. A click on one of these advertisements and you will see the profile of the housekeeper who offers her services.

  
  

  1. You create your free account in order to file a request for household help. This will allow you to detail your specific need by specifying your expectations and your constraints. You can then get in touch directly with the people who will respond to your ad and make your choice freely.
• How do you choose a reliable housekeeper or housekeeping service?
  A reliable housekeeper can make your home spotless and free your time. Choosing the right person or service is an important decision that involves more than just comparing prices; it requires careful evaluation of skills, reliability, legal compliance, and fit with your household.
  
  Define your needs clearly: List the rooms and tasks you want cleaned, the frequency of visits, any special requests such as laundry, ironing or deep cleaning, and your budget. Clear expectations will guide your search and allow candidates to understand what is expected of them.
  
  Seek recommendations from trusted sources: Ask friends, family, neighbours or colleagues about their experiences, and browse reviews on reputable platforms. Personal referrals and consistent positive feedback can help you shortlist candidates with proven track records.
  
  Verify references and background checks: Contact former clients to ask about reliability, quality of work, attention to detail and trustworthiness. If you hire through an agency, ensure that they conduct thorough checks including criminal records and work history.
  
  Conduct interviews to assess professionalism and compatibility: Discuss their experience, preferred cleaning methods, and familiarity with any special materials you have in your home, such as hardwood floors or delicate fabrics. Ask thoughtful questions about how they handle challenges and make sure they listen to your needs. A good housekeeper should communicate clearly, ask relevant questions and demonstrate respect for your home and privacy.
  
  Check for insurance and legal compliance: A reputable housekeeper or agency should carry liability insurance to cover any accidental damage or injury that might occur during the job. Additionally, verify they comply with local labour laws, including proper contracts and tax procedures, to protect both parties.
  
  Evaluate training and experience: Formal training in cleaning techniques and health standards is a plus, as is experience with homes similar to yours. If using eco-friendly products is important to you, confirm their familiarity with such methods.
  
  Discuss supplies and equipment: Clarify whether the housekeeper will bring their own cleaning supplies and tools or use yours. If they use their own, ask about the quality and safety of their products. If you provide the supplies, ensure you have everything necessary to achieve the level of cleanliness you expect.
  
  Establish clear communication and boundaries: Agree on your preferred communication method, text, phone, or a shared app, and encourage feedback. Discuss any privacy considerations and areas that are off-limits to avoid misunderstandings.
  
  Start with a trial period: Before committing to a long-term arrangement, schedule a trial cleaning session or a few weeks of service. This allows you to assess punctuality, consistency, attention to detail and professionalism before entering a long-term agreement. Use the trial to adjust expectations and ensure the person is a good fit for your household.
  
  By taking these steps and trusting your judgement, you will be well positioned to select a reliable housekeeper who keeps your home orderly and comfortable.
• What tasks are typically included in a professional housekeeping service, What tasks are typically included in a professional housekeeping service, and what should you expect from your housekeeper? what should you expect from your housekeeper?
  Professional housekeeping services vary by provider but generally include a broad range of cleaning and organizing tasks designed to maintain a healthy, orderly home. Understanding what a housekeeper can and cannot do helps you set realistic expectations and communicate your needs clearly.
  
  Core cleaning duties typically cover all rooms: dusting surfaces, vacuuming carpets and rugs, sweeping and mopping hard floors, wiping down baseboards, and removing cobwebs. Expect them to tidy and sanitize high touch areas like light switches, door handles and remote controls. In the kitchen, housekeeping often involves cleaning countertops, stovetops, sinks and backsplashes, wiping cabinet exteriors, and cleaning small appliances such as microwaves. Some services will wash dishes or load and unload the dishwasher if requested. Bathrooms generally receive thorough attention: scrubbing toilets, sinks, tubs and showers, disinfecting tiles, polishing mirrors, and replenishing supplies like toilet paper or soap when provided.
  
  Laundry and linen services are frequently offered. A housekeeper may wash, dry, fold and iron clothing, change bed sheets and make the beds. They can also dust and clean bedroom furniture, vacuum under the bed if accessible and organize closets or drawers at your direction. Living and dining areas might include organizing magazines, fluffing cushions, wiping furniture, and cleaning windows or mirrors. Regular removal of trash and recycling is standard, and some housekeepers will manage compost bins if you have them.
  
  Additional or occasional tasks may include deep cleaning ovens and refrigerators, washing interior windows, polishing silver, watering houseplants, or seasonal chores like wiping ceiling fans and air vents. Keep in mind that tasks requiring specialized equipment or permits, such as exterior window washing, carpet shampooing, or pest control, usually fall outside the scope of basic housekeeping. Services like pet care, cooking, babysitting or handyman repairs are not typically included unless explicitly agreed upon.
  
  Clear communication ensures your housekeeper knows your priorities. Provide a written checklist or walk through your home together to discuss areas requiring special attention. Respect boundaries by not asking them to perform unsafe tasks, lift heavy furniture or handle personal paperwork. Ensure cleaning products and tools are available if they are expected to use yours.
  
  A professional housekeeper should work efficiently, respect your privacy, and handle your belongings with care. They arrive on time, maintain confidentiality, and leave your home not just cleaner but more comfortable. Establishing a consistent schedule helps maintain a high standard of cleanliness and allows the housekeeper to become familiar with your routines. By understanding the typical scope of services and communicating openly, you can build a trusting relationship with your housekeeper and ensure your home stays welcoming and well-maintained.
• How should you prepare your home before the housekeeper arrives to ensure a smooth and efficient cleaning visit?
  Preparing your home before the housekeeper arrives ensures that the cleaning visit is efficient, thorough and respectful of your belongings. Start by decluttering the areas you want cleaned. Pick up toys, clothes, mail and other personal items so the housekeeper can focus on cleaning rather than organizing clutter. Clear kitchen countertops and bathroom sinks of dishes and toiletries; this allows surfaces to be properly sanitized. If there are specific areas you do not want touched—such as an office desk with sensitive documents—communicate this clearly or place a sign.
  
  Secure valuables and fragile items. Store jewelry, important documents and sentimental objects in a safe place. If you have pets, decide whether they will be confined to a room, yard or crate during the visit to avoid stress and keep them out of the way. Provide access instructions for entry if you will not be home: keys, codes or notes on alarm systems should be clearly explained.
  
  Make cleaning supplies and equipment accessible if the housekeeper is expected to use yours. Ensure your vacuum, mop, broom and cleaning products are in good working order and placed where they can be easily found. Provide fresh trash bags and indicate where cleaning rags, sponges or buckets are stored. You may also choose to supply eco‭friendly products if you prefer certain brands.
  
  Communicate your priorities and expectations. Write a list of tasks or a schedule of rooms that need extra attention. Mention any problem areas such as soap scum in the shower, grease on the stovetop or dust behind furniture. If you require special handling of surfaces—like using wood polish on antique tables or avoiding harsh chemicals on granite counters—state this in advance. Clarify how long the housekeeper will be working and whether there are tasks to skip if time runs short.
  
  Consider your home's environment. Provide adequate lighting and ventilation by opening curtains or blinds and ensuring windows are unlocked if needed. Make sure there is running water and electricity available, and adjust the thermostat to a comfortable working temperature. If parking is limited, reserve a spot close to your home for easier transport of supplies.
  
  Finally, be accessible for questions. Even if you cannot be present, share your phone number or a note so the housekeeper can reach you if necessary. By organizing your space, securing valuables, supplying necessary tools and communicating clearly, you create a foundation for a productive cleaning session. This not only helps the housekeeper perform their duties efficiently but also enhances your satisfaction with the result. A little preparation goes a long way towards keeping your home sparkling and your working relationship harmonious.
• How often should you schedule your housekeeper’s visits, and how do you determine the right frequency for your home?
  Determining how often you should schedule your housekeeper’s visits requires a thoughtful balance between your household’s needs, lifestyle, and budget. While some households thrive on a weekly clean, others may find a biweekly or even monthly schedule sufficient. The first step is to assess the size and activity level of your home. A busy household with children, pets, or frequent guests generally accumulates dirt and clutter faster than a quiet home. Such homes benefit from more frequent visits—weekly or even multiple times a week—to maintain hygiene and order. In contrast, a small apartment inhabited by a single person may only require housekeeping every two weeks, supplemented with quick touch-ups in between.
  
  Consider also your personal standards of cleanliness. If you prefer spotless surfaces, dust-free shelves, and sparkling bathrooms at all times, a weekly service ensures that chores like vacuuming, mopping, and bathroom scrubbing never fall behind. Those who are comfortable with a more casual level of tidiness may opt for a longer interval, focusing the housekeeper’s efforts on deeper cleaning tasks rather than routine maintenance. Your budget will naturally influence your decision: more frequent cleanings increase costs, so weigh the benefit of a pristine home against what you can comfortably spend. Keep in mind that spreading out visits might mean your housekeeper spends longer on each appointment to catch up on tasks, which could offset some of the savings.
  
  Another factor is the specific services you expect. If you need help with laundry, linen changes, or meal prep, you may require more frequent assistance. Seasonal or occasional tasks—like oven cleaning, window washing, or organizing closets—can be scheduled as add-ons at less frequent intervals. Evaluate your own capacity and willingness to handle minor chores; for instance, you might take care of daily dishwashing and tidying, leaving heavier chores to the professional. A flexible arrangement allows you to adjust the schedule based on upcoming events, such as hosting guests or holidays, when you may want an extra visit.
  
  Household composition is another consideration. Families with infants or elderly relatives might have stricter hygiene requirements to reduce allergens and bacteria; in these cases, you might schedule more frequent visits to sanitize high-touch surfaces. If you or a family member has allergies, ensuring that dust and pet dander are regularly removed can greatly improve indoor air quality. People who work from home may value a neat environment to boost productivity and peace of mind. On the other hand, frequent travellers might only need periodic upkeep while they are away.
  
  When establishing a schedule, communicate openly with your housekeeper or agency. Discuss the tasks you prioritize, your expectations for thoroughness, and any areas of concern. A good housekeeper will offer recommendations based on their experience and may propose an initial deep-clean followed by regular maintenance. After the first few appointments, assess how well the schedule fits your lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to experiment: starting with a weekly service can help you gauge whether you can scale back or need additional time. The ideal frequency is one that keeps your living space comfortable and healthy without causing stress or financial strain. Regular feedback and flexibility ensure that your housekeeping service evolves with your home’s changing needs.
• What are the best ways to build a positive and respectful working relationship with your housekeeper?
  Building a positive and respectful working relationship with your housekeeper is essential for ensuring quality service, mutual trust, and long-term collaboration. It begins with clear communication from the outset. Clearly outline your expectations regarding tasks, priorities, and the preferred cleaning methods, and allow your housekeeper to ask questions or suggest alternatives. Providing detailed checklists or guidelines can be helpful during the first few visits, after which both parties can adjust based on what works best.
  
  Respect for time and space is another key element. Schedule visits at times that are convenient for both you and the housekeeper, and provide enough time for tasks to be completed thoroughly. If there are days when certain rooms are in use or off-limits, make that known ahead of time to avoid inconvenience. Ensuring that supplies and equipment are ready when the housekeeper arrives demonstrates consideration for their efficiency. Likewise, respect their arrival and departure times and avoid last-minute changes.
  
  Trust is built by creating a safe and welcoming environment. Secure or remove valuables and confidential documents not because you distrust your housekeeper, but to prevent misunderstandings. Greet your housekeeper warmly and introduce family members or pets to minimize surprises. Allowing them space to work without hovering conveys confidence in their professionalism. If you must leave during their shift, ensure they have instructions and know how to lock up if necessary.
  
  Appreciation and feedback go hand in hand. Recognize your housekeeper’s efforts by offering compliments when the work meets or exceeds your standards. Constructive feedback should be delivered respectfully and privately, focusing on specific improvements rather than general criticism. When issues arise—such as accidental damage or dissatisfaction with a task—discuss them calmly and collaboratively, seeking solutions instead of placing blame. A small gesture like offering a drink of water, tea, or coffee, or making sure they know where to take a break, reflects basic courtesy and human decency.
  
  Fair compensation and professionalism are fundamental. Pay your housekeeper on time and in line with market rates or as agreed. If extra duties or hours are required, negotiate additional compensation in advance. Respect legal requirements, such as contracts, insurance, or social security contributions, depending on your jurisdiction. Upholding these obligations not only protects both parties legally but also enhances mutual respect.
  
  Lastly, view the relationship as a partnership. Invite input from your housekeeper about methods or products they find effective, and be open to adjusting routines. Recognize that they are skilled professionals with valuable experience. Establishing a friendly rapport—with appropriate boundaries—can make the work more pleasant for everyone. Over time, consistent respect, clear communication, and appreciation will foster loyalty and satisfaction, ensuring that your home is cared for by someone who feels valued and motivated.