A First-Timer’s Guide To Hiring Part-Time Cleaners In Singapore

These days, time is your biggest asset. Because of this, you can’t possibly handle cleaning your home for several hours on weekdays and weekends, especially if you have a full-time job.

Despite the benefits of having a full-time maid, many Singaporean households don’t consider it a necessity, particularly those with no children or elderly living with them. This is where paid-time maids come into the picture.

Hiring a part-time maid in Singapore is not only cost-effective but also practical. A part-time maid can follow a weekly or bi-weekly schedule, and each session can last 3 to 4 hours, depending on the tasks they need to complete. Wondering how much part-time maids get paid Singapore? This guide is for you.

Here at OMY Singapore, you will discover the following:

Full Time Vs. Part Time Maids: Which Is Best For You?

Take a look at this table below to see a quick look at whether or not a part-time maid is right for you.

Part time maid Full-time maid
Cleaning frequency Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on your unique needs 6 days/week
Job scope Basic house chores, additional tasks may require more charges All house chores, including taking care of children and elderly
Cost Roughly S$140 to S$560 per month Roughly S$500 to S$800 per month + additional living costs

Maid levy: S$300 (1st full time worker) to S$450 (subsequent workers)

Agency fee: S$100 to S$1,000

Work permit: S$70

Maid insurance: roughly S$270/26 months

Maid loans: S$1,000 to S$3,000

Sources Agency or hired directly Agency or hired directly

Full-time maids are the traditional way to hire a maid in Singapore. This is a good option if you want the maid to provide a full range of services, such as cleaning, cooking, and serving breakfast and dinner to your family members.

The main difference is in the frequency of maids’ visits to your home. Full-time maids or FDWs visit your house every day or live there. Meanwhile, a part time maid only visits your house if you want them to.

A part-time maid may not provide a full range of services, but they can still help you maintain your home.

If you have time constraints, have fewer resources to spend, or simply prefer to have a more casual maid, then a part-time maid is the better option for you. However, if you have a huge family and you’re burdened with duties at work, then hiring a full-time maid is the best solution.

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Benefits Of Hiring A Part-Time Maid In Singapore

Hiring A Part-Time Maid In Singapore

When it comes to who can employ a maid in Singapore, everyone can do it. Hiring a maid in Singapore offers the following advantages.

It Gives You Flexibility

Although part-time maids can follow a weekly or bi-weekly schedule, you can adjust their duties depending on your needs. For example, you can forgo hiring a part-time maid if you’re away from home since the house is already clean anyway.

It Helps You Save Time

One advantage of hiring a part-time maid is that you will no longer have to spend time cleaning your home. Part-time maids do all the cleaning, folding, and tidying to suit the schedule and needs of you and your family.

It Allows You To Live In A Clean Home

Part-time maids are not just hired for weekly or bi-weekly cleaning, but also to help you maintain your house. When you live in a clean and tidy home, it gives you a sense of satisfaction.

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You Don’t Need To Worry About Your Maid’s Living Expenses

The cost of hiring a maid in Singapore is huge. When you hire a full-time maid, you will also handle the unseen costs such as utility, food, and transport, apart from the maid levy Singapore; and when you account for this additional person living in your home, it could reach more than S$200 per month.

Depending on whether or not you want to leave your maid behind, these expenses may increase if you always dine out or if you go on family outings. Most employers even handle their maid’s leisure activity fees, as well as telecommunication bills.

You Can Replace The Maid If You Don’t Like Their Service

Another benefit of hiring a part-time maid is that you can request a transfer maid if you don’t like how the first one cleaned your home.

When you hire a full-time worker and don’t like their service, you will have to pay a transfer maid agency fee which can easily get expensive. But when it comes to part time maids, there is less commitment. You won’t have to deal with a long and expensive transfer maid Singapore process if you want to replace your maid.

These Maids Are Experts And Professionals

A part-time maid can complete any task to the highest standard. They are accountable to you, and you can be confident that they will do a good job. You don’t have to worry about security or confidentiality issues since part-time maids will leave your home after cleaning it and won’t divulge your information to anyone.

You Can Save Money

Hiring a part-time SG maid is cheaper than getting a full-time maid. This is a more practical solution if you’re working with limited resources.

Aside from that, you also do not have to worry about paying placement fees in Singapore, or the full FDW levy when you hire a part-time maid from an agency. If you directly hire a part-time maid, you will only be paying a daily maid levy of S$9.87/day. If you qualify for the concessionary levy, you will only pay S$1.98 per day. This applies to people who have:

  • A child or grandchild below 16 years old
  • A family member who needs help with at least one daily activity
  • An elderly family member of at least 67 years old

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You will not qualify for the concessionary levy if:

  • The child/grandchild turns 16 years old
  • The person who needs care is not staying with you anymore
  • The person who needs care is no longer a Singaporean citizen
  • The person who needs care passed away

It Increases Your Productivity

When you have a part-time maid or domestic help in Singapore, you will no longer have to spend time cleaning and tidying up your home. You can free your time to schedule other activities, such as going to work, spending time with your family, or going out with friends.

Maid Cost Singapore: Part-Time

Generally, part-time maids in Singapore are arranged on a scheduled basis. In their cleaning schedule, they are tasked to do regular cleaning of bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas. This includes:

  • Vacuuming the floor
  • Mopping the floor
  • Emptying the trash bin
  • Cleaning the bathroom
  • Wiping countertops
  • Changing bed covers and pillowcases
  • Ensuring electrical appliances are free of dust

Some part-time maids handle these tasks, although these may be charged extra:

  • Rearrange furniture
  • Cleaning the inside of the oven and fridge
  • Doing laundry
  • Iron clothes
  • Wiping down windows

The rate for part-time maids in Singapore is based on a 3 to 4-hour block basis. But how much do mains earn in Singapore?

The average charge is S$20 to $35 per hour. Considering this, prepare to pay S$75 to S$140 per week, or up to S$560 per month if you want to hire a part-time maid. However, the Singapore helper cost can also increase depending on various factors.

In comparison, a full-time maid costs S$500 to S$800 per month, or up to S$1,800 per month if you’re hiring one from an agency. However, this is the best option if you require help with young children or elderly parents. You can just apply for subsidies from the government to lighten the financial costs a full-time maid comes with.

Where Can You Find Part-Time Maids In Singapore?

Since September 2021, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower formalised the Household Services Scheme which provides household cleaning services by hiring female workers from countries such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, as well as Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China, Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea

You have tons of choices if you want to find a part-time maid in Singapore. For example, you can ask your friends, family, and relatives for recommendations. If not, you can try these channels.

Agencies

If budget is not an issue, you can hire a part-time maid through an agency. Although this can get more expensive, a maid from an agency is professionally trained to clean so you’re sure that they can do a great job. One of the major advantages of hiring a part-time maid through an agency is you can get a replacement maid easily.

Independent House Cleaning Services

Can you apply a maid without agency? The answer is both a yes and no. You can only do so after ensuring that all their work permits are complete.

These part-time helpers are simply individuals who want extra work to earn more money. Because of this, they may not also have the proper training to do the job. Be prepared to experience a few bumps along the way such as maids suddenly rescheduling appointments or slacking off when not supervised.

These part-time maids can usually be found on online platforms, as well as word of mouth from your colleagues, friends, and family. Despite saving more money with independent house cleaning service providers, you may still get lucky and find an incredible maid with the right skills and personality.

Maid Agency Singapore

The lifestyle of people in Singapore can easily get very busy so it doesn’t come as a surprise that many people wish to hire a maid. Throughout the country, there are Indonesia maid agency, Filipino maid agencies, and agencies that have workers of various nationalities. Keep on reading to find out how to employ a maid in Singapore.

Want to know how to hire a maid in Singapore? Here are some trusted agencies where you can find part-time maids.

Agency Price
Helpling  Weekly/fortnightly: S$23/hour

One-off: S$28/hour

+S$10 surcharge for app appointments on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday except for evening slots

Pink Maids  S$80/4 hours per visit on weekdays

S$100/4 hours per visit on weekends

*rates vary depending on size of house, type of cleaning, number of manpower needed

Lazy SG  S$40/hour one-time plan (minimum 3 hours) 

S$30/hour weekly plan (minimum 3 hours) 

S$35 bi-weekly plan(minimum 3 hours) 

Auntie Cleaner  Enquire here 
A-Team Amahs & Cleaners  S$18/hour on weekdays

S$20/hour on Saturdays, Sundays, and Weekday nights

Minimum of 4 hours per session

Domestic One  Enquire here 
HomeFresh  S$18/hour for evening sessions

S$20-S$22/hour for 3-4 hour sessions

S$25/hour for one-time and trial sessions

Rooma  Starts at S$25/hour, with 2-4 hour slots
Housekeeping by Butler  S$30/hour
Home Cleanz  S$160-S$1140

Click here for more information

Tips To Remember When Hiring Part-Time Maids

If you want to hire a part-time maid in Singapore, including an Indonesia maid, then consider the following tips.

Do A Trial First

Hiring a helper in Singapore can be challenging. This is why it is recommended that you do a trial before committing to an independent part-time maid, or any package by an agency. Although this is more expensive, it will ensure that you will be getting the best service when you need it.

Save More By Purchasing Part-Time Cleaning Packages

Instead of hiring different cleaners per week, you can purchase cleaning packages that are available on a monthly basis. This will save you money, and you can also benefit from more efficient work since the part-time maid will already be familiar with your home.

Look For References And Reviews

If you want to hire a part-time maid, then consider using online resources to find reliable references. You can read comments and feedback from past customers or share your thoughts on social media platforms such as Facebook. You can also ask your family and friends who have a part-time maid for recommendations.

Hire From A Reputable Agency

If you want to hire a part-time maid, then consider using online resources to find reliable references. You can read comments and feedback from past customers or share your thoughts on social media platforms such as Facebook. You can also ask your family and friends who have a part-time maid for recommendations.

Inquire About The Qualifications Of Your Part-Time Maid

You can ask your part-time maid about their skills or whether or not they have enough experience in cleaning homes. Additionally, ask them if they had proper training.

Hire A Maid With A Clear Contract

You must have a clear contract with your part-time maid. This is to ensure that they will have a full understanding of your expectations. Ensure that your contract covers the payment arrangement, duties, and other details.

See If They Have The Right Supplies / Right Supplies Ready

Do they have the right cleaning tools, such as mops and brooms? Do they have detergents and disinfectants? Do they have bags and cleaning buckets to take home? You can ask your part-time maid to provide these supplies before they start their duties. Usually, these are handled by their agency. But if you’re hiring a part-time maid without an agency, ask them first what materials they need to clean your home.

Supervise, But Don’t Be Too Bossy

Maids need a chance to get familiar with your home. On the first visit, let them know what you expect from them. However, do not micromanage since it may only stress them. Instead, only supervise during the first hour of their period, and then allow the maid to do their work without supervision.

Shut Areas Of The House You Don’t Want The Part-Timer Aid To Access

No one wants to be annoyed by an overzealous maid, so make sure you keep the areas of your home that you don’t want part-timers to access. For example, you may want to keep your home office closed because you store all your confidential documents, cash, and jewellery there.

Confirm If They Have A MOM Work Permit

If you’re hiring a part-time maid, then make sure that they have a valid work permit. If you hire someone without proper work documents, you can get in trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about hiring a maid in Singapore? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about hiring a part-time maid.

How much does a part-time maid cost in Singapore?

This depends on whether you hire a part-time maid through an agency. Prepare to pay S$18 to S$40 per hour. Most agencies also have a minimum booking period of 3-4 hours.

What is the hourly rate of a cleaner?

This depends on their agency. The maid agency Singapore price usually depends on other factors such as the size of your house, and extra duties the maid has to do.

What does a cleaner do in 2 hours?

If you have a studio apartment, 2-3 hours may be enough for 1 person to clean it. This includes vacuuming, mopping the floors, and cleaning the bathroom, kitchen, living, and bedroom areas.

Do cleaners do the washing up?

Most part-time maids charge extra to do laundry.

Should you clean before cleaning homes?

This depends on you. Taking care of easy tasks such as dirty dishes will give your part-time maid more time to complete harder cleaning tasks such as cleaning the sink.

How often should I have a cleaning lady?

Again, this depends on your personal needs and preferences. Having a part-time maid come to your house once a week is recommended.

How much does a Filipino maid cost in Singapore?

The rate for a Filipino part time maid in Singapore is just the same as other nationalities, including Indonesian maid salary when it comes to part-time work. Ultimately, the rate depends on your agency of choice.

Which country maid is better?

Filipino maids are known to speak better English than maids from other countries. However, this is not the case all the time. Hiring an Indonesian maid, Myanmar maid, or someone from a Sri Lankan maid agency in Singapore is fine because these professionals are trained well to do their job.

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