Reasonable Cleaning Expectations for Au Pairs: A Guide for Families

Welcoming an au pair into your home is an exciting experience - but it also comes with new routines and responsibilities. One of the most common questions host families have is: “How much cleaning is reasonable to expect from an au pair?”

Setting clear, fair expectations not only keeps your home tidy but also helps build a positive relationship with your au pair. Here’s a guide to help families navigate this important aspect.

1. Understand the Role of an Au Pair

Au pairs are primarily childcare providers and cultural exchange participants, not professional housekeepers. While light household chores are part of the arrangement, the focus should be on:

* Caring for the children

* Helping with meal prep related to childcare

* Keeping common areas tidy

Tip: Avoid assigning tasks unrelated to childcare that could be considered “full-time cleaning.”

2. Establish Clear Cleaning Expectations

Before your au pair arrives, create a household duties plan. Some common, reasonable cleaning tasks include:

* Tidying up after the children

* Doing dishes or loading/unloading the dishwasher

* Sweeping or vacuuming common areas

* Laundry for the children (sometimes including folding)

Unreasonable tasks to avoid:

* Deep cleaning the entire house

* Yard work or garage organization

* Cleaning family vehicles

* Heavy maintenance chores

Setting clear boundaries prevents misunderstandings and ensures your au pair knows what is expected.

3. Make Cleaning a Routine

Consistency is key. A few tips to integrate cleaning into daily routines:

* Daily tidy-up: Encourage quick pickups after meals or playtime.

* Weekly chores: Assign a specific day for vacuuming, bathroom cleaning, or laundry.

* Shared responsibility: Involve the whole family—children included!

This creates a team approach to household upkeep without overburdening your au pair.

4. Communicate Openly and Kindly

A positive relationship is built on clear communication and mutual respect. Try:

* Discussing chores during your orientation week

* Creating a written schedule or checklist

* Checking in regularly and adjusting expectations as needed

Remember, fairness goes a long way. A happy au pair is more motivated and likely to contribute willingly to household tasks.

5. Lead by Example

Au pairs often model the household environment. Demonstrating tidiness, organizing tasks, and involving children in cleaning helps:

* Reinforce your expectations

* Teach children responsibility

* Build a collaborative home atmosphere

Key Takeaways

* Au pairs are primarily caregivers, not housekeepers

* Light cleaning and childcare-related chores are reasonable

* Set clear expectations from the start

* Use schedules, checklists, and open communication

* Lead by example to create a cooperative home

By setting fair and realistic cleaning expectations, host families ensure a smooth, positive au pair experience - keeping both your home and your relationship harmonious.

Pro Tip for Families: Include cleaning expectations in the au pair contract or handbook. This avoids confusion and sets the tone for a respectful, happy household.