How to Train a Maid to Handle your Homes — Or Let International Domestic Consulting Do It for You

How to Train a Maid to Handle your Homes — Or Let International Domestic Consulting Do It for You
By Peter O’Donovan, Founder of International Domestic Consulting

When you live in a fine home, your space isn’t just elegant—it’s curated. It’s filled with irreplaceable pieces, designer wardrobes, art collections, and bespoke furnishings. Hiring a maid who understands how to care for this level of refinement is essential. At International Domestic Consulting, we specialize in placing exceptional domestic staff in homes where the margin for error is non-existent.

Why Regular Cleaning Experience Isn’t Enough

Not every experienced housekeeper is prepared to work in a truly fine home. There's a major difference between cleaning for comfort and caring for a home that's been carefully designed and furnished to a very high standard.

Knowing how to clean marble, silk, or lacquered surfaces without damage
Understanding wardrobe care for couture and bespoke garments
Maintaining discretion around notable families and guests
Recognizing when to bring in a specialist for antiques or tech systems
That level of awareness and care comes from exposure, training, and a refined approach—all of which we help identify and cultivate in the staff we place.

How to Train a Maid to Work in a Luxury Home

If you’ve already hired someone with potential, here are the areas to focus on to ensure your home is treated with the respect it deserves:

1. Caring for Fine Surfaces and Materials

From antique bronze to polished nickel, hand-knotted rugs to custom upholstery—each requires its own care protocol. Your maid must know:

Which cleaners are safe for stone and which will etch it
The difference between wiping and buffing high-gloss finishes
How to avoid wear and tear on valuable textiles and trim

2. Wardrobe Management

When closets contain couture, limited-edition accessories, or Savile Row tailoring, you need a maid who can:

Identify fabrics that require hand-washing vs. dry cleaning
Handle seasonal garment rotation and proper storage
Maintain organization systems that support your lifestyle

3. Discretion and Household Etiquette

In refined households, discretion isn’t just appreciated—it’s expected. Your maid should:

Understand privacy boundaries and the importance of silence
Know how to move through the home unobtrusively
Have a working knowledge of household protocols and rhythms
4. Communication and Presentation

Even if they’re not in a public-facing role, your maid reflects the tone of your home. They must be able to:

Communicate clearly with estate managers or personal assistants
Take direction gracefully and anticipate needs
Maintain a polished, professional presence

Why Discerning Clients Choose International Domestic Consulting

Rather than taking on the burden of training staff from the ground up, many families turn to us to find individuals who already understand the nuances of working in exceptional homes.

1. Tailored Matches, Not Generic Resumes

We make a point of understanding not only the home, but the household culture. Whether you're hands-on, frequently entertaining, or maintain a more understated lifestyle, we find staff who complement your rhythm.

2. Vetted for Real Experience

We don’t compromise on standards. We verify:

Experience in fine homes with a strong reference trail
Knowledge of specialty cleaning, wardrobe care, and home systems
Clean backgrounds and signed confidentiality agreements

3. We Offer Discreet Training and Support

For clients who already have staff they value, we can provide quiet, behind-the-scenes support and referrals for:

Advanced housekeeping techniques
Etiquette coaching and communication training
Development of a detailed house manual or SOPs
4. Long-Term Partnership

After placement, we remain on hand to ensure everything continues smoothly. From performance tune-ups to replacement sourcing, we support the life of your household, not just the hire.

Elevate the Standard

Finding a maid for your home is not just about cleanliness—it’s about trust, awareness, and respect for what you’ve built. Whether you’re starting fresh or need to bring someone up to the right level, International Domestic Consulting is your quiet advantage.

Peter O’Donovan
Founder & Principal Recruiter
International Domestic Consulting
Elite domestic staff. Properly trained. Perfectly placed.

Need help finding a maid who understands your world?
Contact International Domestic Consulting for a private consultation.