Full-Time Maid VS Part-Time Maid in Singapore
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Full-time Maid VS Part-time Maid in SG: Which to Pick?

If you need an extra set of hands to manage your household, then you’ve come to the right place. To help you decide which one you need, this quick guide will walk you through the pros and cons of hiring full-time maids and part-time maids in Singapore. 

It’s important to know what they can offer you and how they operate to save you from wasting your time and resources. So if you’re ready, then let’s get to it!

Overview of Full-time Maids

Full-time maids are popularly known as domestic helpers. As you can guess, they’re employed by a household on a full-time basis, meaning that they also live in the same property as their employer. 

Their responsibilities normally include cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, shopping, taking care of their employer’s children and elderly members of the family, and other household work. 

Some duties like gardening, car washing, tutoring, and helping out in their employer’s business aren’t allowed. Employers who get caught in making their full-time domestic helper do things outside of their scope will get penalised.

You can find domestic helpers through reputable maid agencies, which work best in finding foreign domestic helpers in and out of Singapore. 

Pros

Wider Job Scope

It’s better to employ a full-time domestic helper if you work full-time, especially if you have limited time to do chores and take care of other household members. 

You can ask your domestic helper to help out in a number of tasks that are outside the scope of part-time cleaners’ services. For example, you can also create a customised cleaning schedule since your helper would be living with you.

Availability

Because your domestic helper would be living with you, that means that they’re basically available on demand. Establishing a routine will also allow them to work independently.

This will be helpful in certain situations, like preparing food for house guests arriving early in the morning. Just be mindful of their rest days and personal time off.

Familiarity

Hiring a domestic helper basically means that you’ll have the same person doing household chores for an indefinite period. In time, your domestic helper would become familiar with her surroundings and the people around her, giving more personalised service in the long run.

For instance, your domestic helper could help you look for an item you misplaced around the house since she’s responsible for all the cleaning. She can even learn to cook your child’s favourite meal just the way they want it.

Cons

Lengthy Hiring Process

Hiring a full-time foreign domestic helper would require you to spend more time bringing them to Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has a strict process requiring many things, from securing documents to purchasing maid insurance, for them to legally work in Singapore.

Less Space and Privacy

While living with your domestic helper can surely come in handy, it also means that you have to set aside a room just for her. It also means less privacy for the household, especially if space is already limited to begin with. 

If trust isn’t established at the beginning, you may find yourself feeling uncomfortable with leaving your domestic helper alone in your house. 

Additional Costs

A domestic helper’s monthly salary normally ranges from $500 to $600. Apart from that, you also have to pay for a monthly levy to the MOM.

As an employer, you’re also responsible for her living expenses including food, the electricity bill, and medical expenses. 

Overview of Part-time Maids

Unlike full-time maids, part-time cleaners don’t live with their employers and are only around when requested. They’re either Singaporean citizens or permanent residents. 

In terms of their schedule, they only come in on a weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or ad-hoc basis. Their responsibilities include all sorts of general cleaning tasks including wiping, dusting, mopping, and vacuuming, among others.

There are different types of part-time cleaners in Singapore, from general home or office cleaning services to more specific services such as carpet cleaning, mold removal, and sofa cleaning

You can find part-time cleaners through cleaning companies and online platforms. 

Pros

More Affordable

Hiring a part-time cleaner means that you only get to pay for the services you need. Since they’re locals, you don’t have to worry about paying for a maid levy, insurance, and living expenses. 

More Privacy

Because part-time maids don’t live with you, this also means that you don’t have to worry about providing them with their own room or sharing living spaces. 

If you’re not satisfied with your assigned cleaner’s services, you can always request another one from the company for the next session, if necessary.

More Flexibility

Cleaning companies allow you to customise the services you need. You can pick the timing, frequency, the scope of their tasks, and more. 

Cons

Limited Job Scope

Unfortunately, part-time cleaners only perform a limited set of general cleaning tasks. Other chores such as laundry, ironing, and cooking are not included, some of which may require additional costs.

Inconsistent Service

Part-time cleaners have different sets of skills and level of experience. Their standards in cleaning would also vary.

Hence, there’s a good chance that you won’t get the same cleaner for every booking. In other words, you may end up with a cleaner that doesn’t retain the same quality of service you like.

Limited Availability

Part-time cleaners are only available during a certain number of hours. Other times, cleaning companies only operate on weekdays, which means that you have to work around your schedule sometimes in order to avail their services.

Which should you get?

The answer of which option is best for you clearly depends on your situation. 

To summarise, choose a full-time maid if you’re willing to pay and go through the hoops necessary to get one in order to get customised, stable, and more dependable service that can cover other domestic chores.

Choose a part-time maid instead if you want to save money, can go without a highly personalised service, are willing to put up with limited offerings and service variance risk, and don’t want to risk inviting a stranger into your household.

More Resources for Cleaning Services in Singapore