It is old news that Singaporeans are not big fans of cleaning up after ourselves. While we enjoy a reputation of being clean and green, it is no surprise that we have earned this reputation thanks to an army of 70,000 mainly foreign cleaners in Singapore.
According to the survey results backed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry Singapore, there are more than 140,000 Singapore households that spend more than $7,000 per year on foreign domestic helpers. Results have further concluded that the number of households seeking cleaning services would increase, as long as they are reliable and affordable. This is why it is time to bust the six biggest myths about cleaners.
Cleaners in Singapore
1. Finding a cleaner is expensive and time consuming
The search for a suitable cleaner can be burdensome, time consuming and complicated. However, the rise of online household services has decreased the time associated with the endless search on the yellow pages, advertisements or friend’s recommendation for the right cleaner. Households can now find and book a cleaner within a few clicks – no matter where and when they are needed. This makes the market much more transparent and convenient.
2. Cleaning has a dirty image
The cleaning industry was listed in many studies as one of the least sought after professions – at least in the eyes of the public. However, instead of a status quo where cleaners are low-wage workers, freelance cleaners can make around $16 an hour, almost double the wages of service jobs at food and beverage outlets such as Mcdonalds or Starbucks. Taking Helpling as an example, a full-timer makes up to $2,000-$2,500 a month, twice the average pay of a resident cleaner in Singapore.
From being less of a menial job to a job that is well paid and flexible, the perception of a cleaning job in Singapore is indeed revolving.
Three more myths about cleaners in Singapore that need to be busted… on the next page!
3. Cleaners are dishonest!
Stories of cleaners stealing prized possessions are a common ‘worst case scenario’ in discussions or forums about hiring a cleaner. While hiring a cleaner via the black market may incur loss of personal items, many homeowners are moving towards hiring a cleaner via online cleaning portals for security, to reduce the hassle of filing a police report, having your maid sent back and spending more time to search for another maid.
For example, in order to become a cleaner with such cleaning marketplaces, personal documents such as passport and police certificates are required to help prevent such mishaps from occurring.
4. When the cleaner breaks something or gets hurt, the customer is in a fix!
Stories about house cleaners damaging the marble floor or valuables are equally as common as those about cleaner thefts. Again, this is more of a issue with the black market where cleaners are usually not insured, resulting in the homeowner having to pay for the damages.
Another nightmare scenario situation could be where the cleaner injures themselves while cleaning. To prevent this, a better option would be to opt for an online service or a cleaning company that promises insured and reliable cleaners.
5. Only women can clean!
Cleaning used to be a woman’s job, especially back in the days when women didn’t have much rights. With the society evolving, both men and women are given equal rights and equal opportunities for a job. However, it is still a misconception that only women are qualified to be cleaners! Taking Helpling as an example, one-third of cleaners in Singapore are male, this makes up a significant proportion of cleaners. In countries like Germany, 50% of the cleaners working with Helpling are male.
6. Cleaners are ONLY for people who are lazy.
A survey done by non-profit organisation Families for Life, has shown that the quality time spent with loved ones has been stolen by long work hours, household chores. Also, being ranked number one for having the longest working hours in the world, this means that Singaporeans barely have enough time for themselves and their loved ones. Rather than spending the remaining time on cleaning, more people are turning to part-time cleaners to increase the time spent doing what really matters the most.