What Does Domestic Help Include? A Clear Guide for Mumbai Households

When you’re hiring domestic help in Mumbai, you’re not just hiring someone to clean. You’re bringing in a trusted part of your daily rhythm-someone who knows when the kids need snacks, when the laundry piles up, and when the kitchen needs a deep scrub after Diwali. But what exactly does domestic help include? It’s not one-size-fits-all. What one family expects might be totally different from another. Let’s break it down, honestly and clearly, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Core Cleaning Tasks

At the heart of domestic help is cleaning. This isn’t just wiping counters. It’s the full cycle: sweeping and mopping floors, dusting shelves and ceiling fans (yes, even the ones you forget about), cleaning bathrooms from tiles to taps, and emptying trash bins daily. In Mumbai homes, where humidity and dust build up fast, this happens at least five days a week. Many families expect their domestic worker to wash windows every two weeks, especially in high-rise apartments where outside views matter. Kitchen cleaning goes beyond dishes-it includes degreasing stoves, scrubbing fridge interiors, and organizing pantry shelves. If you have marble floors or wooden furniture, they should know how to care for them without using the wrong cleaners.

Laundry and Ironing

Laundry is often the biggest time-suck in a household. Domestic help in Mumbai typically handles sorting clothes by fabric and color, washing them by hand or machine (depending on your setup), drying them properly, folding, and ironing. Ironing isn’t optional-it’s expected. In Indian households, crisp kurtas, sarees, and shirts are part of daily wear. A good domestic worker knows how to press cotton, silk, and synthetics without scorching them. Some even help with storing seasonal clothes, like folding winter woolens before monsoon season hits. If you have delicate items like embroidered lehengas or silk dupattas, make sure to clarify upfront whether they’re trained to handle them or if you need to take them to a professional dry cleaner.

Cooking and Meal Prep

Not all domestic helpers cook, but many do-and it’s one of the most valued services. If cooking is part of the role, expect them to prepare breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner. They should be comfortable making simple Indian meals like dal-rice, roti, sabzi, and curries, but also handle basic Western dishes like pasta or grilled chicken if needed. Meal prep includes grocery shopping (often daily in Mumbai, where fresh produce is bought in small amounts), storing leftovers properly, and cleaning up after every meal. Some families ask their helper to plan weekly menus based on dietary needs-like low-salt meals for elderly parents or gluten-free options for kids. Don’t assume they know your preferences. List them out clearly, especially if you have allergies or religious dietary rules.

Child and Elder Care

Many domestic workers in Mumbai also help with childcare or elder care, though this isn’t always part of the standard job description. If you need help with toddlers-bathing them, dressing them, preparing baby food, or supervising playtime-it should be explicitly agreed upon. Same goes for elderly family members: helping them get dressed, reminding them to take medicine, or walking with them in the building compound. These tasks require patience and trust. Some agencies offer specialized training for domestic workers in basic first aid or dementia care, but it’s rare. If you need this level of support, consider hiring someone with prior experience or look into certified caregivers through NGOs like the Mumbai Domestic Workers Union.

Running Errands and Household Management

Domestic help often doubles as a personal assistant. This includes picking up groceries from the local kirana store, collecting dry cleaning, paying utility bills, or even dropping off parcels at the post office. In Mumbai, where traffic makes errands time-consuming, this is a huge time-saver. Some workers also manage small household logistics: keeping track of when the water purifier needs a filter change, scheduling the gas cylinder refill, or reminding you about annual AC servicing. These aren’t glamorous tasks, but they keep your home running smoothly. Make sure you’re clear about what’s expected-don’t leave it to guesswork. A written list works better than a verbal one.

What’s Usually Not Included

It’s just as important to know what domestic help doesn’t cover. Most workers won’t handle major repairs-like fixing a leaky tap or replacing a broken fan. That’s for a plumber or electrician. They also won’t clean outside areas like balconies or terraces unless you specifically ask and pay extra. Deep cleaning of carpets, upholstery, or AC ducts is usually outsourced. Also, don’t expect them to work beyond their agreed hours. In Mumbai, the legal workday for domestic workers is eight hours, six days a week. Overtime should be paid separately. And no, they’re not your personal driver or security guard-those roles require different skills and legal permissions.

How to Set Clear Expectations

Confusion is the biggest reason domestic help arrangements fail. Before hiring, sit down and write a simple list: what tasks you want done, how often, and to what standard. Use bullet points. Show them examples-like how you want dishes stacked or how you like your floors mopped. If you have a routine, explain it. For example: “Every Monday, I want the kitchen deep-cleaned. Tuesdays and Thursdays, I need the bathrooms done.” Keep it simple. Most domestic workers in Mumbai are used to clear instructions. They appreciate structure. Also, give them space to ask questions. If they don’t understand something, they’ll do it wrong. And if they’re unsure whether something’s part of their job, they might avoid it altogether.

Pay and Benefits in Mumbai (2025)

As of 2025, the average monthly salary for a full-time domestic helper in Mumbai ranges from ₹18,000 to ₹28,000, depending on experience, duties, and location. In South Mumbai or Andheri, rates are higher. If they cook, care for children, or work six days a week, expect to pay at the top end. Most employers provide two meals a day and a day off-usually Sunday. Many also give a yearly bonus during Diwali or Eid. Health insurance isn’t mandatory, but offering it builds trust. Some families provide transport allowance, especially if the worker lives far away. Don’t underpay. A fair wage means reliability. And in Mumbai, reliable help is hard to find.

Where to Find Trusted Help

Word of mouth still works best. Ask neighbors, friends, or your building’s security guard. Many residential societies in Mumbai have a list of trusted domestic workers. If you’re using an agency, pick one registered with the Maharashtra State Domestic Workers Welfare Board. Avoid agencies that charge you a huge placement fee-reputable ones charge the worker, not you. Apps like DomesticHelp and MumbaiMaid now offer verified profiles, reviews, and background checks. Always ask for ID proof and references. Meet them in person. Watch how they interact with your space. Trust your gut.

Final Thought: It’s a Partnership

Domestic help isn’t a transaction-it’s a relationship. The person cleaning your home is likely managing their own family, worries, and dreams too. Treat them with respect. Say thank you. Give them water when they’re tired. If they’re sick, ask how they are. Small gestures go a long way. When you treat them as part of your household-not just a service provider-they’ll go the extra mile. And in a city as busy as Mumbai, that extra mile makes all the difference.