PREFACE

CONTENT
UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION
UNIT 2 WHAT IS INDONESIAN MIGRANT WORKER (IMW)
A. Definition
B. What does a maid do?
C. How to give a good service as a maid?
UNIT 3 GREETING
UNIT 4 INTRODUCING YOURSELF
UNIT 5 ASKING AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS
UNIT 6 HOW TO DO SOMETHING?
A. HOW TO OPERATE WASHER MACHINE?
B. HOW TO OPERATE WASHER PLATE?
C. HOW TO IRONING?
UNIT 7 VOCABULARY
UNIT 8 FINDING A MAID JOB
REFERENCES

PREFACE

First of all, I would like to thanks to Allah SWT who has given me healthy,
so I can finish this book as well. Also for my beloved teacher, Mr. Syahrial
who has guided me and give the knowledge about how to design book for
specific purposes. My huge regard for my parents and friends who support
me until this book has finished.
This book is designed for everyone who wants to be an Indonesian Migrant
Worker as A Maid. The content of this book is the compilation from many
sources, there website and printed books.
The aim of this book is to inform the raders about how to be a good maid
in abroad. This book is content the important things to know about
indonesian migrant worker. Hopefully, this book will help the readers to be
a good indonesian migrant worker as a maid.
Bengkulu, Mei 2015

Researcher

UNIT 1
INTRODUCTION

Indonesia is one country of the world which has high population. The population
could not cover the enough job for Indonesian. That is a problem of Indonesian. To find a
job is not easy as we think. They compete each other to get a job in this country. If some
of them were not get a job inside of country, they choose to get a job in abroad. Such as
in Malaysia, Arab Saudi, Singapore, and others.
Some of them exactly know what they will do as a maid, but they coul not do
anything in abroad by Indonesian language. They need to learn English. Beside that,

something that they will do is not same like Indonesia. The utilities in abroad are
different with Indonesia.
So here it is, this book will guide the Indonesian migrant worker as a maid to get a job
in abroad. It serves the information about how to be a good maid in abroad. It consists of
speaking, perform, and attitude.

UNIT 2
ABOUT MAID AS INDONESIAN MIGRANT WORKER

A. Definition
Indonesian migrant worker or Tenaga Kerja Indonesia (abbreviate: TKI) are
Indonesian citizen that works in foreign countries outside of Indonesia. The large
population of Indonesia as the world's 4th largest, has contributed to the surplus of
workforces in Indonesia. This large workforce, combined with scarcity and
unavailability of jobs at home, has led numbers of Indonesians to seek job abroad, to
earn money to improve their economy. However, this Indonesian migrant workers are
mostly low-skilled and works in domestic sector. They are prone to exploitation,
extortion, physical and sexual abuses, suffered by those enduring human trafficking.

Several cases of abuses upon Indonesian migrant worker have been reported and some
has gained worldwide attention.
It is estimated around 4.5 million Indonesians work abroad. Most of them
(around 70%) are women, most are employed in domestic sector as maid or domestic
helper and manufacture sector. Most of them aged in productive age margin, between
18 to 35 years old. However it is estimated some of them might be under aged
through document falsification. Around 30% are men, mostly work in plantation,
construction, transportation and service sector.
B. The Placement of IMW
The placement of Indonesian migrant worker, currently Malaysia employs the
largest numbers of Indonesian migrant workers, followed by Taiwan, Saudi Arabia,
Hong Kong, and Singapore. It is important to note that these are official numbers, the
actual numbers might be far larger contributed by unrecorded illegal entry of
Indonesian workers into foreign countries. The table below is the employer countries.
Source:BNP2TKI
Country

2011

2012

2013

2014*

Malaysia

134,120

134,023

150,236

107,085

Taiwan

78,865

81,071

83,544

68,874

Saudi Arabia

137,835

40,655

45,394

38,104

Hong Kong

50,301

45,478

41,769

30,208

Singapore

47,786

41,556

34,655

25,601

United Arab Emirates

39,917

35,571

44,505

15,276

Oman

7,306

8,836

10,719

15,035

South Korea

11,392

13,593

15,374

9,623

Brunei

10,804

13,146

11,269

9,298

United States

13,749

15,353

15,021

7,839

Country

2011

2012

2013

2014*

Qatar

16,616

20,380

16,237

6,872

Bahrain

4,379

6,328

5,384

4,535

Japan

2,508

3,293

3,042

2,093

Kuwait

2,723

2,518

2,534

1,530

Turkey

1,016

1,209

1,518

1,155

Italy

3,408

3,691

3,746

1,075

China

1,072

1,967

2,055

812

Fiji

556

970

848

809

Canada

805

Spain

1,484

1,746

1,417

754

Mauritius

478

982

1,017

734

Netherlands

592

798

1,176

664

Thailand

1,113

1,035

1,041

597

Germany

299

697

1,168

518

Australia

526

945

1,012

441

South Africa

1,272

1,388

905

460

Trinidad and Tobago

Here is a job sector of Indonesian migrant worker.

481

Country

2011

2012

2013

2014*

Domestic Worker

267,231

164,981

168,318

113,952

Plantation Worker

39,622

36,478

47,598

40,146

Operator

40,847

40,347

46,799

32,819

Care Taker

48,492

51,474

45,751

40,581

Construction Worker

5,625

11,141

15,580

6,779

General Worker

8,364

8,488

13,834

7,338

Deck Hand

4,509

12,283

11,249

8,904

Worker (Man)

33,398

17,030

9,249

2,041

Able Body Seaman

4,777

7,796

8,719

4,017

Housekeepers

14,643

16,006

8,301

4,759

1,913

5,856

6,244

Labour

17,098

19,493

5,854

4,270

Fisherman

4,371

5,213

5,559

3,988

974

4,746

6,945

Production Operator

3,745

5,163

4,664

na

Gardener

2,018

2,580

3,831

2,658

Worker

1,195

2,131

3,793

6,300

Agricultural Labour

6,814

3,201

3,604

na

Waiter

4,733

4,144

3,153

1,635

Engineer

2,339

2,939

3,115

na

Operator Production

Driver

C. What A Maid Is
A domestic worker or a maid is a person who works within the employer's
household. Domestic workers perform a variety of household services for an
individual or a family, from providing care for children and elderly dependents to
housekeeping, including cleaning and household maintenance. Other responsibilities
may include cooking, laundry and ironing, shopping for food and undertaking other

household errands. Such work has always needed to be done but before the Industrial
Revolution and the advent of labour saving devices, it was physically much harder.
Some domestic workers live within their employer's household. In some cases,
the contribution and skill of servants whose work encompassed complex management
tasks in large households have been highly valued. However, for the most part,
domestic work, while necessary, is demanding and undervalued. Although legislation
protecting domestic workers is in place in many countries, it is often not extensively
enforced. In many jurisdictions, domestic work is poorly regulated and domestic
workers are subject to serious abuses, including slavery.
Servant is an older English word for "domestic worker", though not all
servants worked inside the home. Domestic service, or the employment of people for
wages in their employer's residence, was sometimes simply called "service" and has
often been part of a hierarchical system. In Britain a highly developed system of
domestic service peaked towards the close of the Victorian era, perhaps reaching its
most complicated and rigidly structured state during the Edwardian period (a period
known in the US as the Gilded Age and in France as the Belle poque), which
reflected the limited social mobility before World War I.
D. How To Give A Good Service As A Maid?
To be a maid in abroad is not same like in Indonesia. So, here are some tips for a maid
to give a good service.
1. Relax
The bride chose you because she loves you, and she knows as well as you do that
you're not quite a local. So most likely, she's already prepared to cut you some
slack. That said, you should definitely do your best to be there for her as much as
you possibly can.
2. What Does Your Boss Want From You?
Some brides want an honor attendant/personal assistant who'll pick up torn-up
vendor contracts and pieces of tulle in their wake. Others could care less if three
showers (or even one) are thrown for them, all by you. Figure out what kind of
bride you're dealing with, because it will definitely shape your honor-attendant
experience. Also, if the two of you talk up front about what she thinks you should
do and what you think you can do, you'll avoid assumptions about each other on
down the road. Remember -- it's easy to miscommunicate over the miles, so sit
down and hammer it all out at the beginning.
3. Be Honest
Let the bride know that you'll always be there for her, but that there's probably a
limited amount of time you'll be able to be there for her. Decide when you'll be

able to fly in -- maybe a wedding-dress shopping weekend, a bridesmaid-dress

shopping weekend (the same weekend, if you can swing it!), and a shower
weekend, plus getting in several days early for the wedding, for the bachelorette
soiree, rehearsal dinner, and to help her get ready for the approaching big day. Let
the bride know how many times, and when, you think you're going to be able to
get to town. It's important to figure all this out early -- not only will you be able to
get better airfares, but you'll avoid saying, "Just call me when you need me and I'll
get on a plane" when the truth is you can't actually do that.
4. Get to Know the Other Maids
If you haven't met them yet or aren't friends with them already, call all the other
bridesmaids to say hey, and that you're looking forward to meeting them during
bridesmaid-dress shopping or at the shower. This will make it easier for you to
take charge on wedding day, and it'll show them what a cool girl you are -- so no
one will have reason to resent you for not being the one getting dragged to the
corner stationer but still having the best title. One tip: Don't vent about the bride to
the other maids, or commiserate with their complaints about her. Just listen and be
diplomatic; you are the liaison between her and them, even across the miles.

Exercise
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What is Indonesia migrant worker?

How many estimated Indonesian who works in abroad?
Where is the biggest placement of Indonesia migrant worker?
What is the highest job sector of Indonesia migrant worker in 2014?
Do you know how to be good maid in abroad? Please, give your reasons.

UNIT 3
GREETING AND INTRODUCING YOURSELF
Greeting is also very important to accosting your employer. From greeting you

Response

can improve relationship between you and your employer. It also help you to open a
Greeting
nice conversation, if you want to doGood
that morning
with your employer. Below are some
examples
of greeting
and the response.
Good
morning
(Sir/madam)
Good afternoon
Good afternoon
(Sir/madam)
Good evening (Sir/madam)
Nice to meet you
(Sir/madam)

Good evening
Okay, good morning/afternoon/
evening
Yup, good morning/afternoon/
evening

Exercise
1. Practice the greetings and responses above with your partner.
2. Make some conversations about the greetings and responses above with your partner.

UNIT 4
INTRODUCING YOURSELF AND OTHERS

As a maid in abroad, you need to introduce yourself before you be a formal

maid. It is important because you employer have to know about you. Beside that, you
will be a miad in abroad for a long time base on your contract. Here are some
examples for a maid to introduce herself.

Good morning*, Sir, Madam. My name is ...

Good morning*, Sir, Madam. Let me introduce
myself, my name is ...
Nice to meet you, Sir, Madam. I am ...

*Note : Good morning in the example above can be changed by another greeting. You
can suit it base on timing.
After introducing yourself, it is better for you to give some reasons why you want
to work in abroad and some prospects. For examples:

I want to work in this country because ... I hope you

can accept me and please tell me if you want
something.
I like to work in this country because ... Please accept

me to work with you.

My reason to work in this country is ... Thank you for
accepting me

Dialogue:
Maid

: Good morning, Sir.

Employer

: Good morning, too.

Maid

: Let me introduce myself. My name is Nuni Febriani. I

come from Indonesia.

Employer

: Well, nice to meet you, Nuni. Please, be a good maid.

Thank you.

Maid

: Well sure, Sir. I promise to be good maid for you. Thank

you for accepting me.

Remember
1. When introducing yourself to your employer use full names.
2. Respon your employers offer politely.

Lets Practice

Maid

: Good afternoon, Madam.

Employer

: Good afternoon.

Maid

: I _____ Shelin Sherliya. I come from _____.

Employer

: Nice to _____ you, Shelin. Well, you can start your work
today.

Maid

: Of course, Madam. Thank you for _____ me.

UNIT 5
ASKING AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS

As a maid you will face something that happend suddenly. One of hardest
something may be happen to you is when your employer ask something to you. You
have to know what they want you to do. Unlike a speech that you can memorize, you
will not know what questions will ask from your employer to you. However, you can
anticipate certain types of questions and certain ways that questions will be asked.
You have to know to use variety answer or respond. Your employer may be bored if
you just have one way to answer or respond their offered. So, we have to know how
to answer or respond use variety ways politely.

A Maid

Can I help you, Madam?

What should I do after this, Madam?
I will try my best to do this, Sir.
Is there anything else, Sir?
Sorry, Sir. Can you speak slowly, please?
I am sorry, Sir. I do not know about it.
Okay, Madam. I will do it.
Pardon me, Sir. I have never been tried it.
I am not sure, but I will search about it for you Madam.
I will back soon, Sir.
Sure, Madam. I will bring it for you.

Does he want spicy or sweet ?

Sorry, Sir. May I know what should I do after cleaning this room?

Employer

Where is the _____ ?

Can you buy _____ for me?
Can you cook _____, please?
Would you please go to _____ ?
Do you know about _____ ?
Where do you get _____ ?
Could you clean the _____ ?
Please, take care when you are washing the plate.
How can you find _____ ?

Dialogue
Employer
Maid
Employer

: Can you cook fried rice for my sons breakfast tomorrow?

: Of course, Madam. Does he want spicy or sweet?
: Little spicy, please. Oh yeah, can you buy some butter to

Maid
Employer
Maid

the market?
: Okay, Madam. I will back soon.
: Thank you so much.
: You are welcome.

Comprehension
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What does the employer ask to the maid?

Does her son like spicy fried rice?
What is the maid do after that?
What should she buy to?
How do you know that the maid respond politely?

UNIT 6
HOW TO USE?

If you are domestic workers in abroad (Indonesian migrant worker), you have
to know how to operate/use the utensils. As we know that some utensils in abroad are
different with us. If you make a mistake from it, you may lose your job or your
employer will give you a punishment. Also, there are some utensils that same with us,
so you can use it without manual book. Here are some utensils that different and same
with us.
A.

How to Operate Washing Machine?

Actually, washing machine in abroad is same with Indonesia. So, you can

operate it without any mistake. If you really do not know how to operate it, here are
some ways to operate washing machine.
1. Separate clothes. You've heard stories about that red sock being mixed in with
that white shirt, and you wouldn't want that to be you, so separate lights from
darks. If a shirt is light, but has darker designs on it, you should probably just keep
it with the lights. The same goes for dark clothes with light designs.

2. Check the tags. Some clothes

are made of thin fabrics or have
delicate

patterns

woven

into

them; these clothes should not be

washed in the washing machine.
Most clothes are OK to machine
wash, but if you are unsure,
check the tag to see if it says
"hand wash only" or "dry clean
only" and set these clothes aside.
3. Set the water temperature. If you are washing cotton or very dirty clothes, you
might want to use hot or
warm water. If you are
washing things like silk, then
you should keep the water
temperature

lukewarm

to

cool.
4. Set the time. A lot of
washing machines do this
automatically, but you may
have to do it by hand. You
should set the time for about
an hour to an hour and a
half, depending on how dirty
the clothes you are washing
are.

5. Add the clothes This is pretty

simplejust dump your clothes
in, but be careful not to add in
any of those other clothes you
separated earlier.
6. Pour in detergent. This is
important, if you do this step
wrong, you could ruin your
clothes. You need to know if your
washing
efficiency

machine

uses

detergent,

high

which

is

liquid or normal detergent, which

is a powder. Use the right kind of
detergent and pour it into the right
spot. This is usually either right on
top of the clothes, or in a small
hole on the top of your washing machines. The amount of detergent needed varies
by brand of detergent and type of washer, so check the back of the detergent box
and also look for any labels on your washing machine.
7. Turn on your washer. Ah, sweet success, now all you have to do is hit that on
button and you're ready to go.
Make these important checks before
every wash:

Empty out pockets. One tissue

can leave fluff on an entire wash
load.

Do up zips. Left undone, they

may snag other clothes.

Take out items that need sewing attention. A small rip is likely to become larger
through washing and a small, loose button could disappear.

Turn T-shirts with a pattern inside out.

Put small delicate items, such as sheer tights (nylons), into a mesh wash bag to
protect them from snagging.

Load the drum (basket) loosely, alternating big and small items.

Follow instructions for the most delicate part of an item with two or more
materials. It may make sense to separate the two materials. For example, you may
want to detach a delicate lining from strong but dirty curtains or remove a nonwashable ribbon from a childs outfit.

Be on the lookout for stains. Some may need pre-treating. This is especially
important for blood, emulsion (latex) paint, ink, rust, and grass, which becomes
harder to shift if it sits in hot water.

Think about color. Ideally, divide your washing into separate loads for whites,
colored, and darks/blacks. This means you can use a detergent with brightening
agents for whites, and a separate detergent for colors. Wash red fabrics you
suspect may bleed color separately.

B. DISHWASHING MACHINE
If in Indonesia we wash dishes by our hand, it is different in abroad. For
example in Singapore, we wash the dishes by dishwashing machine because the
technology is more sophisticated. The purpose use the machine is to save time. In
another hand, you can do another activity. Here are ways to operate dishwashing
machine.
1. Place glassware in the top rack.

2. Put silverware in the silverware rack.

3. Stack plates in the bottom of the dishwasher.

4. Place pots, pans, and bake ware around the other dishes, but do not block the water
sprayer.

5. Place dish detergent designed for dishwasher use in the soap dispenser.

6. Add rinse agent to prevent water spots if your dishwasher has that functionality.

7. Close door.

8. Choose wash cycle for your dishes. If you are washing mostly pots and pans, a heavy
cycle will work best.

9. Start the dishwasher.

Below are second way to operate Dishwashing Machine

Operating Tips for Dishwashing Machines:

Full Racks - Make sure you only run full racks, which can save you hundreds of
dollars annually.
Turn Off - Turn dishwashing machines off at night. High-temp dishwashing
machines often have internal tank heaters and could be wasting energy heating

water you dont need. Turn off booster heaters and dishwashing machine exhaust
hoods as well.
Rinse Pressure - if the pressure gauge is reporting pressure above 25 psi you
could be using more water than necessary. Most dishwashing machines require 20
psi.
Water Temperature - Check water temperature and use manufacturers
guidelines for tank and rinse temp.
Auto Mode - Make sure you operate conveyor dishwashing machines in auto
mode, which saves electricity by running the conveyor motor only when needed.
Maintenance - Add or maintain wash curtains- the plastic strips located on the
ends of the conveyor dishwashing machine that are responsible for capturing the
heat inside the machine.
C. Operating A Vacuum
In abroad, we have to able use high technology. In abroad, you use a vacuum
to sweep the floor. Not only for sweeping, but also for cleaning swimming pool. We
called it as Pool Vacum. These are some tips for you to operate the vacuum.

Vacuum for Cleaning the Floor

1. Unplug your vacuum cleaner before performing any maintenance on it. A
vacuum cleaner that turns on unexpectedly while you are working on it can injure
you. Check to make sure your
vacuum has a ground prong. If this is
missing, DO NOT USE the vacuum.
Contact your lead custodian for
repair.

2. Check the bag regularly and replace it

when it is full. A vacuum cleaner bag
that is only 1/3 full may be too full to clean efficiently. Remember that the air must
pass through all the collected dust and debris, so a full vacuum cleaner bag means that
the machine must work harder, or that it will not clean as well, or both. Look for a line
on the bag and feel with your hand to determine about how full it is.

If a working vacuum cleaner misses

debris on the carpet or leaves behind fuzz
where there was none, that's also a cue to
check the bag.

3.
Replace
any
vacuum bag that is 2/3 full. Read the directions on
the vacuum cleaner, the bag, or in the manual.
Regardless of the procedure, make sure that the bag
is on all the way and secure, and that any clips or
holders are in place.
Use the correct bag size and type for your machine.
4. Empty the bin or tray on bag less models frequently. Most designs make it
very easy to pop the bin out.

Clean the brush roll. Also called a beater bar, this is the spinning brush
underneath that brushes dirt out of the carpets.

 Look under
the

brush

the machine and locate

roll. Generally, it will

be across the front of the bottom. If it is full of hair, thread, or other debris, it
is time to clean it.

Remove the bottom plate. This cover may have clips or latches, or it may have a
couple of screws holding it in place. Don't lose the screws.

Notice the direction that the brush roll goes in. Usually, there will be a belt on one
side and a corresponding track or space on the brush roll for the belt. This will
help you to identify the direction.

Remove the brush roll. Generally, it will pull out of a slot on either end, then slide out
from under the belt.

Use scissors or just your fingers to clean the brushes. They don't need to be
spotless, but you should remove any hair or string that is wrapped around the brush.
Pay special attention to the ends near the bearings and to the area around where the
belt engages. A seam ripper (you can get one at a sewing goods store) works very well
to cut the thinnest of hairs and strings wrapped around the brush.
5. Clean and lubricate the bearings on the brush roll.
Spin the brush roll on its axle with your fingers, to verify that it spins freely. If
it doesn't, you may need to clean out the bearings more thoroughly, lubricate

the bearings, replace the bearings, or replace the entire brush roll (in ascending
order of expense).

Remove any debris around and in the bearings. Before you take the bearings out,
notice which way they went so you can put them back in correctly.

Remove the cap on the other end. Both caps are usually on one long axle, so
you may need to hold the end of the axle still to remove the second cap. Clean
and lubricate the bearing on the other end.

Replace both bearings in the direction that they were before and replace both
end caps.

6. Check the belt for signs of wear, and replace it if it is worn.

Remove any cover plates on the bottom, as you would to clean the brush roll.

Pull on the belt with your fingers. It should be very taut.

Compare the belt to an unused belt. If it is stretched out or narrower than the
new belt, replace it.

Check that the belt is in the right place. If it has slid off the drive shaft on its
own or shifted out of position, it is probably because it is worn and loose.

Look for cracks, unevenness, or melted or worn spots.

Replace the belt every 6 months to 1 year, depending on how much use your
vacuum cleaner sees.

Remove the brush roll as above.

Slide the belt off of the pulley or drive shaft.

Slide the new belt on over the pulley or drive shaft.

7. Remove any large accumulations of debris from the air passages and the
brush roll housing.
8. Replace the brush roll.

Put the brush roll back through the belt. It may be very tight.

Replace the brush roll in its slots. Make sure that the belt is still over both the
brush roll and the drive shaft.

Replace the cover plates, reversing the process you used to remove them.

9. Replace or clean any filters on the vacuum cleaner. Many newer model
vacuums have filters on the exhaust air to catch particles that remain in it. Read
your manual to find out if yours has these, and clean or replace them periodically
if it does.
If the filter is made out of foam or plastic, you may be able to rinse it clean.
Make sure it is thoroughly dry before replacing it in the vacuum cleaner.

If the filter is made out of paper or fabric, you may be able to shake or pound out the
debris between replacements.

10. Check the hoses for clogs and obstructions. It doesn't happen very often, but if
you have lost suction, try pushing a broomstick gently through the hoses to
dislodge any larger clumps of debris that are stuck. A hook made from bent coat
hanger wire can also be used to pull out or loosen clogs.

Be careful not to pack clogs in even more tightly.

Handle a coat hanger wire carefully, or it could puncture the hose.

How to Operate a Pool Vacuum

Use a net to remove large pieces of debris before you vacuum the pool. No matter
how diligently you skim a pool, debris and dust inevitably sinks to the bottom, making it
unsightly. Vacuuming a pool removes oil residue and debris from the water. Clean a busy
pool once a week to keep the bottom looking pristine and the water clear. Some people use an
automatic pool cleaner that travels around the bottom of the pool vacuuming away, but for
many, a manual pool vacuum is a good option.
1. Attach the vacuum head to the extension pole. Turn the vacuum head until the
head clicks into place.
2. Secure the vacuum hose to the vacuum head. Sink the vacuum head, leaving
the hose and extension pole attached, under water. Leave the end of the
extension pole out of the water. Place the unattached end of the vacuum hose
in front of the pool's jet to fill the hose with water. Continue to fill the hose

with water until the vacuum head bubbles and sinks to the bottom. This shows
that the air has emptied from the hose.
3. Place your hand over the end of the hose to create a seal. Connect the hose end
to the vacuum port of your pump. If necessary, direct the pump's flow by
moving the handle to the bypass setting.
4. Follow the hose with your hand and pull up the vacuum head from the bottom
of the pool. Do not pull the head above the water line. Feel the underside of
the vacuum to verify that the head has suction.
5. Move the vacuum head over the bottom of the pool using the extension rod.
Remove all the debris from the pool.
D. HOW TO IRONING

Even with wash-and-wear fabrics, freshly ironed clothing displays success and
confidence. Using the best techniques for garment pressing makes creating a good
impression easy. Proper pressing also extends the life of your garments. Before you
begin, always take note of the tag on your clothing to ensure your iron is set to the
correct temperature. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions for success in ironing
shirts, pants, dresses, and skirts. Cuffs and collars don't need to intimidate you.
Approach pressing shirts with these easy steps and you'll be finished in no time -with results that show!
How to Iron Pants
Pressing slacks and pants, with a crease or without, gives your outfit a boost of style.
Follow these steps to get the look you want to show the world.

Step 1
Begin by turning your slacks inside out and ironing the pockets. If they are not
attached to the body of the pants, lay the pocket on the ironing board to iron. If the
pockets are attached to the side seam, pull the pant top over the narrow end of the
ironing board and iron the pocket flat.
Step 2
Turn the pants right side out and iron carefully around the waist and top by draping
the top of the slacks over the narrow end of the board and working around the waist.
Iron lightly over pockets to prevent pocket lines from showing.
Step 3
Lay the pants flat on the ironing board, one leg on top of the other. Align inseams with
outer seams. Fold back the top leg and iron the inside of the bottom leg. Flip and
repeat to iron the other side.
Step 4
For a center crease in your slacks, simply align the inseam and outer seam, and lay the
slacks on your board. Press the front side of each leg, using a burst of steam set the
crease.
Editor's Tip: Avoid a shiny look when pressing dark or wool fabrics. Use a press
cloth or clean cotton dish towel to press your garments.
How to Iron Skirts & Dresses
Skirts seem simple enough to press, but the complications of pleats, ruffles, or gathers
can make it more challenging than you expect. Dresses might have both the collars
and cuffs of shirts and the ruffles and gathers of skirts. Both are easy to press to
stylish finishes with these steps.
Step 1

For dresses with sleeves and collars, begin by following the directions for ironing a
shirt: collar, yoke, cuffs, and sleeves, then the top side of collar.
Step 2
For the skirt, start at the bottom and work your way toward the waist.
For skirts with gathers and ruffles, iron the inside surface of the skirt, beginning at the
hemline and moving toward the center. For pleats, start at the bottom of the inside of
the pleat, then move to the outside of the pleat. A burst of steam can help set the pleat.
Step 3
If the garment has delicate buttons, iron around them or protect them with the bowl of
a spoon. If the garment features embroidered designs, lay it embroidered side down on
a terry cloth towel or pressing cloth and press with a burst of steam from the other
side.
Editor's Tip: Skirts and dresses made of delicate fabrics are more likely to scorch or
be marred by steam. Check the label before setting the iron, and test in an
inconspicuous area to ensure good results.
How to Arrange Bedroom
1. Stacked pillows. At least 2 pillows stacked flat on top of each other. Orderly,
neat, no fuss, sleek and simple.

2. Standing pillows. At least 5 or more pillows standing on end. Can be in rows of

largest in the back to smallest in the front. Mixes of Euro pillows and standard
pillows with decorative pillows in front. Makes a big statement, stylish, and
sumptuous.

3. Stacked and standing mixed. Lay stacked bed pillows flat behind standing
decorative pillows in front. A great look, and sleeping pillows can be hidden a bit
but still remain on the bed. Also see top image for this mix.

4. Rolled pillows. Add a short or long rolled pillow in the very back (look close) or
front. The photo below from House Beautiful shows how they can add another
interesting shape to all the squared pillows.

House Beautiful
5. Messy and mixed. For those that like pillows, but dont mind the throw and go
look. Casual, fun, easy, and simple.

6. Neat and clean. Less is more, usually less than 5 pillows, but they make a
statement in their simplicity. Neat and orderly.

7. Never-fail 5 pillow combination (king bed). Use 3 Euro pillows in the very
back, then 2 queen or king standard pillows in shams in the next row, then one
smaller decorative pillow in the very front. Always a great look and not too many
pillows, but enough to look ample and stylish (and not bug your husband when
you go to bed).
E. How to Cook?
Cooking is the important one job that the maid should own. If you cannot cook
well, your employer will be disappointed. Sometimes, in the certain area, cooking can
be done by yourself. It means that your employer accept everything food that you
cooked. You can cook everything that you want, they will not comment about it.
Another is your employer request to you for cooking something. You have to
able adapting yourself with your employers requests. The other is your employer
have listed the menu for cooking. So, if you want to cook you can see to the menu that
have listed.

Exercise
1. Can you explain how to use washing machine by your own words?

2. How many kind of vacuums that you know?

3. Do you know how to operate pool vacuum? Give your explainations!
4. How to ironing pants?
5. Can you cook something? What is it?

UNIT 7
VOCABULARY

Are you working as a housekeeper in a foreign country? Is English your

second language? If you answered yes to these questions, then these pages are for
you!

Good

communication

is

very

important

in

the

service

industry.

Misunderstandings take a lot of time to fix. These pages will help you learn important
vocabulary related to houses, furniture, appliances, and cleaning. They will also help
you to follow instructions, and use simple English in polite and friendly ways.
Whether your job is to clean private houses, cruise ship cabins, hotel rooms or offices,
these pages will help you communicate more effectively with clients and guests. Read
and listen to the lessons. Then take the quizzes to test your comprehension.
A. Housekeeping Vocabulary

Rooms in a House
Word

Meaning

attic

storage room at the very top of the house

basement

the lowest level of the house

bathroom,
washroom
bedroom
dining room
hallway
kitchen

the room for bathing and using the toilet

the room where people sleep
room with a table and chairs for eating; in some houses this room is
only used on special occasions
long narrow area that joins one room to another
place for preparing food; sometimes has a table and chairs for eating
informal meals

living room; family place where family spends leisure time; often has a TV, also used for
room

entertaining

lobby

area in the front entrance for hanging coats and placing shoes

master bedroom

the largest bedroom in the house; used by parents

nursery

room for baby or young child

pantry

room off the kitchen for keeping dry foods and storage items

patio

outdoor area in front or backyard; usually sits slightly off the

ground; often made of wood

playroom
rec room

sunroom

room filled with toys; books and games; indoor area for kids to play
often in basement; extra room for watching TV and playing games
such as billiards or ping pong
enclosed room with large windows; often used for relaxation,
visiting, or reading

Furniture and Decor

Word
bed
bookshelf,
bookcase

Meaning
long frame with a mattress on top for sleeping; has blankets and
pillows for comfort
tall wooden piece used for holding books

chair

various types of furniture used for sitting on

change table

surface found in the nursery, used for changing a baby's diaper

couch/sofa

long comfortable piece for sitting on; found in common rooms

counter

cupboards

desk

surface in the kitchen; used for preparing food and holding small
appliances
storage area with doors; used for holding food, dishes, cleaning
supplies, etc.
piece used for doing work and holding papers, books, writing tools;
usually found in an office

dresser, bureau

piece of furniture for holding folded clothing

entertainment

piece of furniture for holding television, stereo, and other electronic

centre

devices

fireplace

square opening on a wall to hold a fire and warm up the home; may
be electric, gas, or wood

mirrors

special glass placed on a wall or counter, used for viewing one's self

pictures, paintings

decorations hung on walls or placed on surfaces; often framed

shelves
tub, bathtub

long surfaces for organizing and storing household items

found in bathrooms, a large area where you lie down and wash your
body

window sills, ledges long shelf-like surface beneath a window

Appliances
Word

Meaning

dishwasher

electric appliance that washes dishes; can be "built-in" (under a sink)

or "portable" (moved and attached to the sink when in use)

dryer

electric appliance used to dry laundry

fridge

electric appliance used for keeping food cold

freezer

electric appliance used for keeping food frozen (very cold)

garbage disposal

located inside a drain; chops up bits of food into small pieces to fit
down the pipes

microwave

electric appliance for cooking food quickly

oven

electric appliance for baking and heating food

stove, range

elements on top of an oven for heating, frying, and boiling food

washing machine

electric appliance for cleaning laundry

Cleaning Supplies
Word

Meaning

baking soda

white powder used for cleaning and removing odours

bleach

liquid added in small amounts to water; has strong chemicals that

remove stains on white clothing; also used to clean bathrooms

broom

brush with a long handle on it for sweeping floors

carpet cleaner

foam or liquid soap used on rugs and carpets

deodorizer

product that removes bad smells from a room; often scented

dishwashing
detergent
dust pan

liquid or powder soap that goes into a dishwasher

flat container used for collecting dirt and dust swept up with a broom
a cleaning tool with a handle and feathers (or a soft cloth) used for

duster

wiping dust off surfaces

garbage or trash
bag
garbage or trash
bin
gloves

large, heavy bag for collecting the household garbage

container with a lid that holds large garbage bags

coverings for the hands, with separate holes for the fingers
a long tube that fills with water; often kept outside and used for

hose

outdoor cleaning

laundry detergent

powder or liquid soap used for cleaning clothes and linen

long stick with a sponge at the bottom that is soaked in water and

mop

soap; used for cleaning floors

recycling bin

a container that holds paper, tins, glass, and other garbage that can
be reused

scouring pads

tough cleaning pads used for scrubbing pots, pans, and ovens

scrub brush

a brush with a handle on it; often used for cleaning toilets

a soft cleaning product that absorbs water and is used for washing

sponge

surfaces

stain remover

vacuum cleaner

vinegar

laundry product used specifically on spots that regular laundry

detergent cannot clean (stains include red wine or blood)
a machine that sucks up dust and dirt on the floor as you push it
around
a clear sour tasting liquid mixed with water and used for cleaning;
environmentally friendly alternative to store bought cleaners

Linen and Laundry terms

Word

Meaning

bath towel

large towel used for drying the body after a shower or bath

face cloth or wash

small, square shaped towel or cloth used for washing the face and

cloth

hands

fitted sheet

sheet with elastic that goes on top of the mattress and stays in place

fold

make articles of clothing small and neat for storage

verb
hand towel
hanger
noun

a towel hung in the bathroom; used for drying hands

a wire or plastic hook used for hanging clothes in a closet

iron

an electric appliance used for making clothes flat; to remove

noun and verb

wrinkles

king size

the largest size bed or bed covering

laundry
noun

the washing of clothing

do the laundry
pillow case
queen size
sheet

a covering similar to a sheet that protects the head cushion

large size bed and bed covering (smaller than king, larger than
double)
a light cover on the bed

noun
single

smallest bed or bed covering size; made for one person

stain

a spot that is difficult to clean

noun
top sheet

twin size

the sheet that goes on top of the fitted sheet and under a heavier
blanket
bed or bed covering size that is larger than a single and smaller than
a double; used for one person

Describing words for maids

Word

Meaning

Example sentence

when a person must stay away

allergic

from a certain food or cleaning

Our daughter is allergic to that

product because it can cause

laundry detergent.

them to get very sick

clean

clogged, plugged

damp

remove dirt and stains

When the kitchen is clean I will

start on the laundry.

when something is blocking the

The kitchen drain is clogged

hole of a tube or pipe

with potato skins.

a little bit wet

I hung up your suit, but it is still

a little damp.
The floors are dirty because the

dirty

opposite of clean

kids walked through with their

boots on.

when furniture and surfaces are

dusty

covered with a small layer of

matter

The office furniture upstairs is

very dusty.
The bathroom is filthy because

filthy

very dirty

we went away for the weekend

and left the kids at home.

messy

out of order, opposite of neat and The children's rooms are messy,
tidy

neat, tidy (often

expressed as "neat

in good order, opposite of messy

and tidy")
slippery

soapy

wet

but it's their job to clean them.

Thank you for leaving the house
so neat and tidy.

surface that is wet or polished

I just mopped, so the floors are a

and is easy to fall on

bit slippery.

covered with lots of soap bubbles

Can you rinse the dishes again?

They are still soapy.

filled or covered with water,

I put the dryer on twice but the

opposite of dry

clothes are still wet.

environmentally

good for the world, doesn't

friendly

contain strong chemicals

We only use cleaning products

that are environmentally
friendly.

Action words for Housekeepers

Word

Meaning

Example sentence
After you clean up the

clean; clean up

remove dirt, dust, and other messes

kitchen you can take your

break.
Please dry the dishes fully

dry

take the water out of something

before you put them away in

the cupboards.

dust

remove the dust from surfaces such

I'm sorry I forgot to dust the

as furniture

entertainment stand last week.

I'm finished everything on the

finish; complete

have no more work to do

list, so I guess I'll be going

home now.

freshen up

hang; hang up

mop; mop up

organize
polish

make a room smell and look more

inviting

The master bedroom is

relatively clean, but you could
freshen it up a little.

organize and store items (often

After you have folded the

clothes) by putting them on hooks

laundry, please hang the guest

and hangers

towels in the washroom.

clean the floors with soap and water

The dishwasher flooded, so I

mopped up the water.

sort or put away in a neat and tidy

I organized the indoor and

manner

outdoor shoes.

wipe with a special cleaner that

Make sure to polish the

makes something (such as floors)

silverware before you put it

shine; remove smudges or prints

pour water over something for a

rinse

long time to remove soap

away.
You'll have to rinse the dishes
a little better. My coffee tasted
soapy today.

remove any bacteria or other

sanitize; sterilize

harmful substances that could cause

You have to sterilize the baby

illness, often by using boiling water

bottles in boiling water.

or a special cleaner

scrub

tidy; tidy up

use a lot of physical energy and a

You'll have to scrub the

heavy cleaning tool to remove dirt

upstairs tub because it's pretty

or stains

dirty.

make a room or area look neat by

organizing and putting things away

You don't need to vacuum the

family room, but you could
tidy up the books and toys.

use a special hose that sucks up dust Please pick up large items like
vacuum

and dirt from the floors and

coins before you vacuum the

furniture

basement.

wash

make clean with water and soap

water

pour water onto plants or grass

wipe; wipe up

clean up a mess or spill

Please wash the windows

with water and vinegar.
You forgot to water the
indoor and outdoor plants.
Don't use bleach to wipe the
counters.

Exercise
Answer the following questions base on the best answer.
1. Which of the following is not used
for washing floors?
a. Mop
b. Broom
c. Dustpan

d. Washing machine
2. Deodorizer is used to ...
a. Remove stains
b. Remove smells
c. Wash windows
d. Tidy room

3. A garbage bag goes inside a

garbage ...
a. Bin
b. Detergent
c. Hose
d. Drain
4. To fry eggs you would use a ...
a. Stove
b. Dishwasher
c. Vacuum
d. Oven
5. The opposite of messy is ...
a. Dirty
b. Tidy
c. Dump
d. Soapy
6. If the toilet water won't go down
the drain, it is ...
a. Clogged
b. Plagued
c. Bagged

d. Soaped
7. Polishing the floors makes them ...
a. Dusty
b. Organized
c. Shiny
d. Dry
8. A pillow goes into a pillow ...
a. Sheet
b. Bag
c. Towel
d. Case
9. After the laundry is done you need
to hang up or the clothes...
a. Stain
b. Rinse
c. Wash
d. Fold
10. The largest type of bed sheet is a ...
a. Single
b. King
c. Queen
d. Double

11.
12.
13.
14.

15.
16.

UNIT 8 FINDING A MAID JOB

Finding a job in a foreign country can be very difficult. First, you need

to read and understand the English job listings. Next, you need to contact a potential
employer. Finally, you need to have an interview and prove that you are the best
person for the job. Your work experience and skills are very important, but so is your
English. You can prepare yourself for the real job search by studying the vocabulary
and exercises on this page.

17. Key words found in ads:

18.

The following terms are commonly used in ads for housekeepers.

Become familiar with them, and use them on your own resumes and cover letters.
They are also useful terms to use in interviews.
19. Word or phrase
21. competitive wages
23. detail
oriented,

20. Meaning
22. pay or salary is the same or better than most in the area
24. notices everything that needs cleaning or doing, even if

meticulous
25. diligent worker

it's small
26. a person who works very hard
28. help around the home (often the subject of housekeeping

27. domestic help

29. duties include
31. flexible
33. hard-working
35. honest,

ads)
30. things the worker will have to do
32. not strict or set, usually related to work schedule or duties
34. not lazy, works quickly and doesn't take a lot of rest time
36. tells the truth, will not steal or damage property on

trustworthy
37. ideal candidate
39. is seeking
41. live-in
43. live-out

purpose
38. the best person for the job
40. is looking for, requires
42. lives in the home he or she works at
44. lives in a different home from the home he or she works at

45. mature

46. acts like an adult, not childish

48. has permission from the government to work in this

47. must be legal

country

49. pay in exchange

for

room

and

board
51. perfectionist
53. positive attitude
55. professional
57. reliable
59. responsible for
61. verifiable
references

50. food and a home are given to the person who looks after
the house, no pay
52. describes a person who wants everything to look perfect
(for example one fingerprint would bother this person)
54. is usually in a happy mood
56. has a lot of experience and treats clients with respect
58. always comes to work on time and always does a good
job
60. work will include the following tasks
62. past employers someone can contact to prove that the
applicant is a good worker

63.
64.

Here are some expressions to use in an interview or cover letter:

I will clean your home "from top to bottom".

Feel free to contact my references.

I have been cleaning houses/offices for _______ years now.

I promise to leave your house looking neat and tidy.

I work quickly and efficiently.

You won't be disappointed.

Your satisfaction is important to me.

My hourly rate is _______.

I am very good with children.

My English is improving every day.

65. Matching Exercise

1. Read all of the classified ads (advertisements) below.
2. Read the descriptions of 5 housekeepers looking for work.
3. Match the person to the ad that he or she should apply for.
4. Check your answers.
66.

67.

Housekeepers/Maid/Domestic Worker Looking for Work

68.

Match the job seeker to the appropriate ad:

69.

A=

Cindy is visiting England for the summer. She has a working visa and

needs a place to live. She has experience with children.

70.

B=

Fred is a perfectionist. He is retired but loves to clean. Fred wants to

make a little bit of extra money to pay for tennis lessons and swimming
classes.
71.

C=

Sabrina has been cleaning houses for 20 years. She is hardworking and

detail oriented. She has her own apartment, and requires a part-time position to
pay her rent.
72.

D=

Nelson has five years housekeeping experience in the hotel industry.

He is going to school part time in the day and requires a full-time position in
the evenings.
73.

E=

Yoon is studying English online and needs a place to live. She is

seeking a position as a nanny or housekeeper to help pay for her private

English lessons. Her visa allows her to work part-time.
74.
75.
76.
77.

78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.

86.

REFERENCES

87.
88. Hutchinson, Tom and Waters, Alan, English for Specific Purpose, Cambridge University
Press, 1947.
89. http://www.business-spotlight.de/blogs/helen-strong/materials-for-esp, accessed on
9th May, 2015.
90. http://www.asian-esp-journal.com/journal-index/subject-index/99-designing-an-espcourse, accessed on 9th May, 2015.
91. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_migrant_worker, , accessed on 9th May,
2015.
92. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_worker, accessed on Monday, 25th May 2015.
93. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maid, accessed on Monday, 25th May 2015.
94. https://www.theknot.com/content/maid-of-honor-tips-for-planning-from-afar,
accessed on Monday, 25th May 2015.
95. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-use-your-washing-machine.html,
accessed on Monday, 25th May 2015.

96. http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Washing-Machine#/Image:Separate-clothes-Step1.jpg, accessed on Monday, 25th May 2015.

97.
98. http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Dishwasher, accessed on Monday, 25th May
2015.

99. http://www.fishnick.com/savewater/appliances/dishmachines/,

accessed

on

accessed

on

Monday, 25th May 2015.

100.

http://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-a-Vacuum-Cleaner,

Monday, 25th May 2015.

101.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/operate-pool-vacuum-25331.html,

accessed

on Monday, 25th May 2015.

102.

http://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/clothes/how-to-iron/,

accessed on Monday, 25th May 2015.

103.

http://www.homegoods.com/blog/2013/02/16/7-ways-to-arrange-bed-pillows/,

accessed on Monday, 25th May 2015.

104.
105.