domestic cleaner

[/dəˈmɛstɪk ˈklinər/]
nounpl: domestic cleaners
faxineira
1. A person employed to clean houses or apartments, typically on a part-time or full-time basis
She hired a domestic cleaner to come twice a week to maintain her home.
Ela contratou uma faxineira para ir duas vezes por semana manter sua casa.
2. A professional service provider responsible for household cleaning tasks and maintenance
The domestic cleaner arrived early in the morning to clean the entire house.
A faxineira chegou cedo pela manhã para limpar a casa toda.
In Brazil, domestic cleaners (faxineiras) are an integral part of household management, with many middle and upper-class families employing them regularly. The profession is predominantly female-dominated. In Portugal, the term 'empregada de limpeza' is preferred in formal contexts. In the USA and UK, the term reflects the professionalization of cleaning services, though it can carry socioeconomic implications regarding labor and class distinctions.
NYC Slang
cleaning lady; housecleaner
Synonyms / Sinônimos
housecleanercleaning ladyhousemaidcleanerhousekeeper

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
faxineira
Most common term in Brazil; can be feminine (faxineira) or masculine (faxineiro)
Rio de Janeiro
faxineira
Standard usage; sometimes shortened to 'faxina'
São Paulo
faxineira
Formal and informal contexts use this term consistently
Portugal
empregada de limpeza
More formal term; 'faxineira' is less common in European Portuguese

Related Words

cleaning servicehousekeepingmaiddomestic workerhouse cleaning

Related Idioms & Phrases

to clean house
domestic help
cleaning crew
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