Posted by
HK2
18 yrs ago
have a question . . .
my new helper has asked me if she can iron at night after all the dinner dishes and kitchen cleaning is done. she's worried about getting sweaty palms. The Filipinos think this occurs when you iron, your hands are tired and warm and then you put them in water - which is what happens if she does ironing in the afternoon, then has to make dinner.
Problem is, the area where she can iron is in view and near our living room where we watch TV at night. We're not comfortable having her standing there while we watch TV and all.
Anyone heard or experienced this before?
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pzam
18 yrs ago
My helper feels that way, too. Some fear getting sick if they wash their hands after ironing because their hands are warm and water (cold or not) shocks their system. Maybe you can find her another well lighted area that she can use that is away from your view at night. A spare room or even the kitchen if its big enough.
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Yes, that is what most Filipinas belive. Could you then just ask her to iron in her own room, if you have one?
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If her room is big enough I would get her to iron there, with a tv or music on. My helper likes to take the ironing to do later - I understand, it's a dull job but painless with the TV on, but she can't be watching tv and watching the baby and doing the ironing. I'd much rather she was out of the way when doing it anyway - children and hot irons is bad news.
If her room is too small, then maybe she can do it in your room if you're not using it? Or, she can iron first thing in the morning - doing the previous day's stuff. But don't get into a habit with a new helper that you're not happy with, or you will be stuck with it.
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Spare a thought for the poor girl ironing your shirts! You only don't like seeing her there because it makes you feel guilty - let her watch TV while she irons or do it yourself!
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Ibrader, the original post is over 3 years old. Maybe check the date before posting as most probably the employer and the helper are no longer in town.
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There is no difference with regard to health risk, whether she irons breakfast lunch tea or dinner. It is all old-wives tales.
It is inconvenient to have her standing over you and you have no privacy.
She will obviously have to find another time of day or another place to do the ironing, or do it when you are out.
Flats can be small in HK so I sympathise!
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