Is It Justifiable to Perform Domestic Chores in Another Person's Home?
Rule of Thumb for Gracious House Guests: What to Clean, What to Skip
Navigating the nuances of cleaning a host's home as a guest can be tricky. Some chores are clearly acceptable while others can be perceived as intrusive. To provide clarity on the issue, we consulted Alison M. Cheperdak, an internationally certified etiquette coach and founder of Elevate Etiquette.
Leaving Things As You Found Them (or Better)
Cheperdak advises visitors to adhere to this fundamental rule: "At a minimum, guests should leave things as they found them, or better." This extension of good manners shows respect for the time and effort your host has invested in preparing for your visit. However, the concept of 'better' may differ; for instance, offering to clear the table and put away leftovers after dinner differs significantly from a thorough fridge cleaning. In doubtful situations, avoid overdoing it; sticking to cleaning up after yourself and the areas you've used is ideal.
Appropriate Chores After Yourself
Basic chores that demonstrate politeness and respect include washing your own dishes, putting away your bath towel, making and stripping your bed, and doing a quick bathroom clean-up, if necessary. Always ask first to show consideration for your host's routines.
Avoiding Potentially Rude Chores
Tasks that might come off as impolite or judgmental should generally be avoided. Such chores include rearranging furniture, deep-cleaning the fridge, scrubbing floors unnecessarily, reorganizing drawers, and dusting without explicit permission. These tasks can create the impression that you're trying to make changes in your host's home without appropriate consent.
Cheperdak sums it up succinctly: "Hosts appreciate guests who are present, gracious, and low-maintenance, not ones who treat their home like a project."
A simple yet powerful gesture to leave a lasting positive impression is to write a handwritten thank-you note. "It's one of the most timeless and underused gestures of gratitude," Cheperdak says.
By understanding what chores to perform and which to avoid, you can ensure you are a considerate and respectful guest in someone's home. Knowing when to step in and when to keep hands off helps maintain a pleasant and enjoyable visit for both you and your host.
- When looking for cleaning tips for housekeeping while staying as a guest, it's best to refer to checklists or charts from trusted sources, such as Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) or lifestyle magazines, to help navigate appropriate chores and those to avoid.
- Sticking to basic chores like washing dishes, putting away your towel, making and stripping your bed, and maintaining a clean bathroom can be considerate and respectful to your host during a house cleaning.
- It's advisable to avoid high- maintenance chores, such as reorganizing drawers, deep-cleaning the fridge, or scrubbing floors without permission, as they might come off as impolite or judgmental.
- As a thoughtful gesture, leaving a handwritten thank-you note after your house-cleaning efforts can help create a lasting positive impression and show your gratitude for your host's hospitality. Furthermore, incorporating fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden tips from BHG's various articles can also help elevate your host-guest experience to a gracious level.
