The maid's uniform consists of three print gowns, with a gingham apron
for morning wear, and for afternoons a white apron with white collar or
kerchief and cuffs, cap, or whatever additional touches her mistress
may prefer. The maid usually buys her own gowns, while her mistress
provides the accessories, which remain her property when the maid
leaves. The afternoon dress of one week becomes the morning dress of
the following. Black is frequently adopted for afternoon wear, but
whatever the dress, insist upon its being washable; woolens absorb
odors and perspiration and in time make not only her person but her
room offensive. Issue an edict against frowzy pompadours and
"frizzes," pointing out the necessity for having smooth, neat hair,
particularly in the kitchen. Require her to bathe regularly. The
question of allowing the maid to use the bathroom must be settled
individually. If she is careful about cleaning the tub and leaving
things in good order, there seems to be no reason why she, who so needs
them, should be deprived of advantages for cleanliness which the rest
of us enjoy. "Standing on one foot in a slippery washbowl," footbath,
or even larger tub, is a poor substitute. Instruct her about arranging
her clothing at night so it will air. You may even find, if she is a
just-over foreigner, that you will have to introduce her to the
nightdress--such things have happened--explaining to her the
undesirability of sleeping in underclothing which she has worn all day.
CARELESSNESS
If a girl is habitually careless about handling the dishes, and breaks,
nicks, and cracks result, hold her responsible and deduct from her
wages what you consider a fair equivalent for the loss. Such a course
is astonishingly curative sometimes. The painstaking, careful girl
seldom injures anything, and the occasional accident may be overlooked.
Before your new maid arrives write out an itemized list of all
crockery, silver, glass, and table linen which are to be in constant
use, designating those which are defaced in any way, and go over it
with her every week, holding her responsible for any damaged or missing
articles.
THE MAID'S ROOM
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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