8 Unusual things housekeepers in Costa Rica do

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This week, I want to share some interesting habits of housekeepers in Costa Rica—things that might seem unusual to us, who come from different backgrounds but habits that are entirely normal to them. These actions stem from cultural differences and unique lifestyles, which expats must understand before hiring a housekeeper in Costa Rica.

Don’t believe me? Read on for a few examples, after you bought your home from us and hired a housekeeper.

Some of these habits arise from a lack of familiarity with household appliances we take for granted, while others reflect a different approach to everyday tasks. Neither is inherently wrong—just different. The housekeeper we have now learned fast and doesn’t do any of the unusual things mentioned below because she was taught not to after my wife hired her.

Here’s a fun fact I recently learned over a glass of wine: Costa Rica has the world’s highest per capita use of 3M Scotch-Brite sponges. Who would’ve thought?

1. Scotch-Brite Sponges

Speaking of Scotch-Brite sponges, our housekeeper found it amusing when I explained why we don’t use them on our stainless steel appliances. She couldn’t understand at first why we were so strict about it, but scratched appliances always look terrible!

Even though we have a dishwasher, she insists on using a couple of these sponges a week—mainly for handwashing dishes. Her home has no stainless steel appliances, so she had no idea they could be damaged so easily. If you’re hiring a housekeeper, explaining how to care for these appliances is worth it.

2. Mopping the Floor

For housekeepers in Costa Rica, the smell of a freshly cleaned floor equals cleanliness. Instead of diluting soap in water, many will pour it directly onto the floor and mop it around until it feels clean. It’s different from what we’re used to, but most housekeepers come from homes with dirt floors, so this method makes sense to them.

3. Cobwebs? What Cobwebs?

In many homes, as long as the floor is spotless, the house is considered clean—even if cobwebs are lurking overhead. It’s easy to forget to look up, so a gentle reminder can go a long way if you want the ceilings or corners dusted.

4. Asparagus Confusion

Here’s a tip: never ask your housekeeper to clean asparagus unless you explain how. Former housekeepers would clean the stems but throw away the tips because asparagus isn’t a common food in their households, where rice, beans, and the occasional egg are more typical.

5. Desk Organization

When cleaning a desk, your housekeeper may move things around randomly or stack everything in one place. Since her husband doesn’t have a desk or computer at home, I taught her to move items clockwise around my desk, so if something is missing, I know where to look—just a little to the right.

6. Check the Garbage

It’s a good idea to occasionally check the trash before it’s taken out. Housekeepers may think they’re helping by removing items you don’t seem to use regularly—anything from extra soap or detergent to old gadgets might vanish this way. Checking their bags occasionally openly and straightforwardly can prevent misunderstandings. It’s not a bad habit—it simply ensures honesty, as they often believe you won’t miss what you don’t use frequently.

7. Christmas Vacation Time

Many housekeepers in Costa Rica are from Nicaragua, and around Christmas, they often request more vacation time than they’ve earned to visit family. Sometimes, they don’t return for months—or not at all—after the holidays. Be cautious when it comes to paying out extra bonuses or vacation time. It’s not that they don’t care about their jobs; it’s just a different sense of responsibility.

8. Close Your Book

If you leave a book open upside down to mark your place, you’ll likely return to find it neatly closed. Maids in Costa Rica don’t read books, so they don’t realize you’re saving your spot in the book that way. Use a bookmarker instead to avoid frustration.

Final Thoughts

Our housekeeper has been with us for three years now. She’s incredibly honest, and we have never caught her stealing. She even brings gifts for my wife on Sunday evening, like jocotes, a pineapple, or even bread from the market in San Jose. We’re delighted with her work; she is part of the family.  Remember, no maid is perfect, and she would be CEO of Dole or something like that if she’d do everything the way we want it done.  So, hold onto her if you find someone reliable, honest, and willing to learn. Treat her well and pay her fairly.

If you’re new to Costa Rica and need help finding a housekeeper, ask your GoDutch real estate agent. There’s always someone who knows of a trustworthy housekeeper looking for work. Be patient, be careful, and don’t leave money or valuables lying around—that’s just common sense. And don’t expect them to speak English; learn Spanish!

If you’ve noticed any other quirky things housekeepers do in Costa Rica, feel free to share in the comments or send them via email. Your experiences might help others who are new to the country!

Please contact us now if you want to rent or buy property in Central Valley. Featured Image by drobotdean on Freepik