Does a Housekeeper Do Laundry?

When you think about hiring a housekeeper, one of the first things that likely comes to mind is keeping your home clean. But what about laundry? Does a housekeeper handle laundry, or is that a separate service? In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of housekeepers, laundry, and what you can expect when you hire help for your home.

1. What Does a Housekeeper Actually Do?

A housekeeper is typically someone who helps with the day-to-day cleaning tasks in your home. Their job may include:

• Dusting and wiping down surfaces

• Sweeping and mopping floors

• Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens

• Changing bed linens

• Vacuuming carpets and upholstery

But do they do laundry too? Let’s take a closer look.

2. Do All Housekeepers Do Laundry?

Not all housekeepers include laundry as part of their regular duties. This can depend on:

• The housekeeper’s specific job description

• The type of service you’ve hired (part-time vs. full-time)

• Your personal preferences or requirements

If laundry is an essential part of your home routine, be sure to ask whether it’s included before hiring a housekeeper.

3. Laundry Tasks a Housekeeper May Perform

If laundry is included in a housekeeper’s duties, you can expect the following tasks:

• Sorting clothes by color, fabric, or care instructions

• Washing clothes, bedding, and towels

• Drying clothes (either by machine or air-drying)

• Folding and putting away clothes

• Ironing or steaming clothes, if needed

However, it’s always a good idea to clarify exactly what’s covered when discussing the scope of work with a housekeeper.

4. What About Special Laundry Items?

Some laundry tasks require a bit more care and attention. Depending on the service you hire, housekeepers may also:

• Clean delicate fabrics, such as silk or wool

• Handle items with special washing instructions (e.g., dry cleaning only)

• Wash pet bedding, kids’ clothes, or sports gear

• Care for items that need extra care, like comforters or area rugs

These specific needs should be discussed upfront to ensure they’re handled appropriately.

5. Laundry Services vs. Housekeeping: What’s the Difference?

While housekeepers may handle basic laundry tasks, laundry services are a separate category of help that focus entirely on washing and cleaning clothes. Laundry services typically offer:

• Pickup and delivery

• Dry cleaning

• Stain treatment

• Folding, steaming, and pressing clothes

If your primary need is laundry, you may want to hire a professional laundry service in addition to or instead of a housekeeper.

6. Should You Expect a Housekeeper to Do Your Family’s Laundry?

Many moms want to know: Can I expect my housekeeper to handle laundry for my entire family? While it’s possible, it depends on:

• The number of people in your household

• The volume of laundry you produce each week

• The hours you’ve hired your housekeeper for

Housekeepers can generally manage moderate loads of laundry, but if you have a large family with heavy laundry needs, a dedicated laundry service may be more appropriate.

How Much Does It Cost for Laundry Services?

Housekeeping and laundry services often come with separate pricing structures. Costs for laundry can vary based on:

• The amount of laundry

• The frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.)

• Special items that require extra care

• The type of service you request (e.g., folding, ironing)

Seattleites, like many busy professionals, often find themselves juggling demanding careers, vibrant social lives, and the ever-present chore of laundry. Thankfully, a plethora of laundry services have emerged to alleviate this burden, offering a range of convenient options to suit various needs and budgets.

Factors Influencing Laundry Service Costs in Seattle:

Several factors significantly impact the cost of laundry services in Seattle:

• Type of Service:

  • Wash and Fold: This is the most common and typically the most affordable option. Services wash, dry, and fold your laundry, returning it neatly.

  • Dry Cleaning: This service specializes in delicate fabrics and garments that require specific cleaning methods. Expect higher prices due to the specialized care and equipment involved.

  • Wash, Dry, and Fold with Delivery: This convenient option includes pickup and delivery of your laundry, adding to the overall cost.

  • Self-Service Laundromats: While not a full-service option, laundromats offer the most budget-friendly approach. You provide your own detergent and softeners and pay per use of the washing machines and dryers.

• Service Provider: Prices can vary significantly between different laundry services. Some may offer competitive pricing to attract new customers, while others may charge a premium for specialized services or high-quality results.

• Volume of Laundry: Most services charge by the pound. Larger loads naturally translate to higher costs.

• Add-ons: Some services offer additional options, such as:

  • Hand washing: For delicate or high-end garments.

  • Stain removal: For stubborn stains that require specialized treatment.

  • Ironing and pressing: For wrinkle-free garments.

  • Mending services: For minor repairs.

• Location: Prices can vary slightly depending on the specific neighborhood in Seattle. Services located in more affluent areas may have higher price points.

Typical Costs for Laundry Services in Seattle:

• Wash and Fold: Expect to pay anywhere from $2.50 to $4.50 per pound.

• Dry Cleaning: Prices vary widely depending on the garment type.

• Delivery Services: Add an additional $5-$15 per order, depending on the distance and the service provider.

Tips for Finding Affordable Laundry Services in Seattle:

• Shop Around: Contact several local laundry services to compare prices and services.

• Look for Discounts: Many services offer discounts for first-time customers, referrals, or bulk orders.

• Consider Membership Options: Some services offer monthly or annual memberships that may provide cost savings in the long run.

• Utilize Self-Service Laundromats: For occasional loads, consider using a self-service laundromat to save money.

• Wash Your Own Laundry Whenever Possible: If you have the time and resources, washing your own laundry at home remains the most cost-effective option.

The cost of laundry services in Seattle can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above. By carefully researching your options, comparing prices, and taking advantage of any available discounts, you can find a service that fits both your budget and your laundry needs.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect the exact pricing of all laundry services in Seattle. Check with your housekeeper or cleaning service for pricing details, and be sure to ask if laundry is included in the rate.

Can a Housekeeper Handle Delicate or Stained Clothing?

A good housekeeper can handle delicate laundry items, but the level of care may depend on their experience and training. For items like:

• Silk or lace garments

• Wedding dresses

• Clothing with tough stains

Make sure you clearly communicate any special requirements for these items. If needed, consider asking your housekeeper if they can take them to a professional for cleaning.

Is It Worth It to Have a Housekeeper Do Your Laundry?

When deciding whether or not to have a housekeeper do your laundry, consider:

• The time you’ll save by outsourcing laundry

• The convenience of having your housekeeper do everything at once

• Whether your housekeeper has the skills to manage your laundry needs

If laundry is taking up too much of your time, it might be worth the investment in hiring someone who can handle both cleaning and laundry tasks.

Tips for a Smooth Laundry Experience with Your Housekeeper

If you decide to have your housekeeper do your laundry, here are some tips to make the process easier:

• Sort your laundry: Help your housekeeper by sorting your laundry in advance.

• Leave special instructions: Write down any care instructions or concerns.

• Provide the right products: Make sure they have the detergents and supplies they need.

• Establish boundaries: Clarify any laundry items you prefer to handle yourself.

Good communication ensures a smooth experience for both of you!

Is Laundry Part of Your Housekeeper’s Job?

To sum up, whether a housekeeper does laundry depends on the services you’re hiring and the specifics of your agreement. While many housekeepers will happily take on laundry duties, it’s important to clarify the details beforehand. Whether it’s a quick load of clothes or caring for delicate fabrics, a housekeeper can help make your home cleaner and your life a little easier.

At Kairos Clean & Cozy, we’re proud to offer exceptional cleaning services while ensuring our team is valued and fairly compensated. If you’re ready to experience professional cleaning that truly makes a difference, reach out to us today!