Tasks of a Household Helper - What Can You Expect?
What exactly does a household helper do? Which tasks are standard, what needs to be agreed separately - and how much realistically fits into 3, 6 or 9 hours? This guide clarifies everything for employers and household helpers.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Cleaning, laundry and kitchen work are standard tasks.
- ✓Childcare, gardening and shopping only if explicitly agreed.
- ✓In 3 hours, a basic clean is realistic - nothing more.
- ✓All tasks should be documented in the employment contract.
- ✓Regular feedback massively improves collaboration.
What can I expect?
Interactive task planner
How often does your household helper come?
Standard Tasks - What's Included
The following tasks are considered typical for a household helper in Switzerland. Depending on workload and agreement, priorities can be set.
Cleaning
- •Vacuuming all rooms
- •Mopping floors (wet)
- •Dusting surfaces and furniture
- •Cleaning bathrooms (sink, toilet, shower)
- •Cleaning kitchen (worktops, stove, sink)
- •Cleaning interior windows
- •Sort waste correctly (general waste, paper, cardboard, glass, PET per cantonal rules)
Laundry & Ironing
- •Washing and hanging laundry
- •Drying and folding laundry
- •Ironing
- •Changing bed linens
Kitchen Work
- •Washing up / loading & unloading dishwasher
- •Cleaning fridge (regularly)
- •Cleaning oven (occasionally)
- •Preparing simple meals (if agreed)
Shopping & Errands
- •Groceries from shopping list
- •Household supplies (cleaning products, toilet paper etc.)
- •Accepting parcels
Garden & Plants
- •Watering indoor plants
- •Simple garden maintenance (only if agreed)
- •Caring for balcony plants
Childcare
- •Only if explicitly agreed and paid
- •Picking children up from school/daycare
- •Simple meals for children
- •Tidying up toys
What is NOT Part of Standard Tasks
These activities are not automatically part of the work - and should never be expected without a clear agreement.
- ✗Cleaning exterior windows (fall risk - requires special insurance)
- ✗Moving heavy furniture or relocations
- ✗Painting or renovations
- ✗Gardening without explicit agreement
- ✗Pet care without agreement
- ✗Personal errands (post office, bank, authorities)
Especially for dangerous work like exterior window cleaning, accident insurance (UVG) is mandatory.
More about accident insurance for household helpers→“Clear agreements protect both sides. Document everything in the employment contract.”
Tasks by Hours - What's Realistic?
One of the most common questions: How much can my household helper accomplish in the available time? Here's a realistic overview.
Basic clean of an apartment
- ✓Clean kitchen
- ✓Clean bathroom
- ✓Vacuum all rooms
- ✓Mop floors
Complete clean + laundry
- ✓Complete basic clean
- ✓Wash & hang laundry
- ✓Dust all surfaces
- ✓Change bed linens
- ✓Clean fridge
Everything + extras
- ✓Complete basic clean
- ✓Wash, dry & iron laundry
- ✓Do shopping
- ✓Prepare a simple meal
- ✓Clean interior windows
- ✓Clean oven
Tip: Create a short priority list for each session. This way your household helper always knows what's most important.
Cleaning & Household
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Documenting Tasks in the Employment Contract
A clearly worded employment contract protects both sides from misunderstandings. Document all agreed tasks in writing - this is also legally recommended.
Why it matters:
- ✓No surprises for either side
- ✓Legal protection in case of conflicts
- ✓Clear basis for feedback discussions
Example clause:
The employee undertakes the following household tasks: cleaning all rooms (vacuuming, mopping, dusting), bathroom and kitchen cleaning, laundry care including ironing, and grocery shopping from list. Additional tasks require a separate agreement.
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With Clino you create an employment contract with detailed task descriptions - legally compliant and in just a few clicks.
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Communication - How to Address Expectations
Good communication is the key to a successful working relationship. Here are four typical situations with example messages.
First Day - Introduction
Hello [Name], welcome! Here's a quick overview of today's key tasks: 1) Kitchen & bathroom, 2) Vacuuming, 3) Laundry. Cleaning supplies are under the sink. Just ask if you have any questions!
7:29 ✓✓
Adding a New Task
Hello [Name], from next week I'd like to add ironing. Does that fit time-wise? If so, we can add it to the contract.
7:29 ✓✓
Giving Feedback
Hello [Name], the kitchen looks great - thank you! For the bathroom, it would be lovely if you could also remove the limescale from the fittings. I'll provide a special product for that.
7:29 ✓✓
Seasonal Extras
Hello [Name], would you be willing to do a spring clean next week? That would be about 2 extra hours. Paid, of course. Let me know!
7:29 ✓✓
Agreeing the week's tasks
Maria
online
Hi Maria, this week it would be the inside of the fridge, if you find the time. If the 3 hours aren't enough, let's leave the windows for next week, there's no rush. Does that work for you?
09:12Good morning! Yes, happy to. I'll do the fridge today and take the windows next week.
09:30Perfect, thank you so much for being flexible!
09:32Quality Check - Feedback Checklist
Use this checklist after each session to evaluate quality. It helps both sides.
Official Sources
Free Checklist: Hire Household Help Correctly
AHV, accident insurance, contract. All on one page, by email in 30 seconds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical tasks of a household helper?
Standard tasks include cleaning (vacuuming, mopping, bathroom/kitchen), laundry care, light kitchen work and shopping from a list. Childcare, gardening and other tasks must be agreed separately.
How much can a household helper accomplish in 3 hours?
In 3 hours, a basic clean of an average apartment is realistic: kitchen, bathroom, vacuuming and mopping floors. Laundry, ironing or shopping require more time.
Do I need to document tasks in the employment contract?
It's strongly recommended. A clearly worded employment contract protects both sides from misunderstandings and serves as the legal basis in case of conflicts.
Can I ask my household helper to clean exterior windows?
Exterior window cleaning is dangerous work with fall risk. It requires special accident insurance (UVG). Without insurance, you should not request this task.
How do I give my household helper feedback?
Be specific and appreciative. Praise what goes well and formulate improvement requests clearly. A feedback checklist after each session helps with this.
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Disclaimer: This guide serves as general orientation. The specific tasks of a household helper depend on the individual agreement. For legal questions we recommend professional advice.
Last updated: 2 April 2026 | All information without guarantee
