Household Helper Guideline

1. Food System and Allergy Protocol

1.1 Kitchen Hygiene and Cross-Contamination

These rules apply every time you prepare my food, even when the ingredients are safe:

• Always wash your hands before preparing my food.
• Use clean knives, cutting boards, pans, bowls, plates, cups, and utensils.
• Clean the countertop before preparing my food.
• Avoid cross-contamination: do not let my food touch, or be prepared with the same unwashed tools as, foods that contain my allergens.
• Wash any tool or surface that has touched an allergen before using it for my food.
• If you stop partway through to do something else (phone, trash, other food, cleaning, the door, etc.), wash your hands again before touching my food.

1.2 My Food Allergies

I have food intolerances to the ingredients below. If I eat them, the main reaction is stomach upset and digestive discomfort (not a life-threatening reaction). Even so, please strictly avoid all of them in any food or drink prepared for me.

They are listed in order of severity — most severe first:

1. 1Milkmost severe
2. 2Egg
3. 3Tomato
4. 4Ricesee exception below
5. 5Soybeansleast severe

The ranking tells you which cause the strongest reaction, but every item on this list must be avoided regardless of rank.

1.3 Strict Allergy Rules

• Do not cook milk, egg, tomato, white/refined rice, or soybeans for me. (Brown and multigrain rice are fine.)
• Do not use sauces, snacks, packaged food, seasoning, or drinks that contain milk, egg, tomato, white/refined rice, or soybeans. (Soy sauce is the exception — it is fine.)
• If you are not sure whether an ingredient is safe, do not use it. Take a photo and message me first.
• If a mistake happens, tell me immediately. Do not hide it.

1.4 Common Hidden Ingredients to Watch For

Please be careful with packaged food and sauces. Some unsafe ingredients may appear in different forms.

Brown, red, black, and multigrain rice are safe — the rice list is only about white/refined rice. Soy sauce is fine — the soy list is about other soy foods.

1.5 If You Are Unsure

1.6 Recommended Safe Foods (Low-FODMAP & Allergy-Safe)

I prefer meals that follow a low-FODMAP style, because they are gentler on my stomach. Low-FODMAP is a preference and guideline, not a strict safety rule — the strict rules are the allergy and hygiene rules in 1.1–1.5.

The foods below are allergy-safe and mostly low-FODMAP. A few personal exceptions apply: onion, garlic, and soy sauce are fine for me. You may buy and cook these without asking:

Proteins

• Chicken, turkey
• Beef, pork, lamb (plain, unmarinated)
• Fresh fish and most seafood (prawns, salmon, etc.)
• Firm tofu is not allowed (soy) — skip it

Grains and Starches

• Brown rice, red rice, black rice, multigrain rice
• 小米 (millet) — for congee
• Oats
• Quinoa
• Potatoes
• Rice-free, wheat-based low-FODMAP options only if egg/milk-free (check labels)

Vegetables (low-FODMAP portions)

• Carrot, cucumber, zucchini/courgette
• Spinach, lettuce, kale, bok choy
• Bell pepper (capsicum), eggplant
• Green beans, potato, pumpkin (small portions)
• Onion and garlic are fine for me (tolerated even though high-FODMAP)
• Avoid: tomato (this is an allergen for me)

Fruit (low-FODMAP portions)

• Banana (firm/unripe), orange, lemon
• Strawberry, blueberry, grapes, kiwi, pineapple
• Avoid high-FODMAP fruit like apple, pear, mango, watermelon in large amounts

Fats and Cooking

• Olive oil, rice bran oil, other plant oils
• Raw or cooked garlic and onion are fine for flavour
• No butter or cream (milk)

Flavour and Seasoning

• Salt, pepper, most dried herbs and spices
• Fresh herbs and aromatics: ginger, spring onion, chives, coriander, basil, garlic, onion
• Soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder are fine
• Avoid: ketchup and pasta sauce (tomato)

If you want to cook something not on this list, just message me a photo or the name first.

2. Daily Meals and Drinks

2.1 Daily Schedule

2.2 Breakfast and Morning Drinks

Time: breakfast and all three drinks ready by 9:00 am.

Only use allergy-safe, approved foods (see 1.2–1.6) and keep it low in sugar. Never guess an ingredient because of my allergies — if you are unsure, message me.

I like both Chinese and Western breakfasts. Build a balanced breakfast — a vegetable, a protein, and a carb. Fresh fruit (banana, orange, berries) is a good add-on.

Vegetables

• Chinese: steamed or blanched greens (bok choy, choy sum, spinach).
• Western: sautéed spinach or a few plain vegetables. No tomato.

Protein

• Chinese: steamed or poached chicken or fish; sliced beef; sea cucumber (often with congee).
• Western: plain grilled or steamed chicken, fish, or beef.
• No egg or dairy in either style.

Carbs

• Chinese: congee made with 小米 (millet) — not white rice.
• Western: oatmeal cooked with water or unsweetened oat/almond milk (check label for milk/soy); quinoa porridge; or boiled/roasted potato with a little olive oil.

Warm Drinking Water

• Water should be warm, not hot.
• Water should not be cold.

Homemade Electrolyte Water

Every day, prepare one full 2-liter jar, ready by 9:00 am.

Ingredients (for one 2-liter jar):

• 2 liters of clean drinking water
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt, preferably sea salt or Himalayan salt
• Juice from 1 whole lemon or 1 whole orange
• 1 teaspoon of manuka honey (the one sweet exception I allow)

Instructions:

• Use a clean jar; add 2 liters of clean drinking water.
• Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt.
• Add juice from 1 whole lemon or 1 whole orange.
• Add 1 teaspoon of manuka honey.
• Mix well until the salt and honey are fully dissolved.
• Keep the jar covered, at room temperature.

Peppermint Tea

In addition to the warm drinking water and the 2-liter electrolyte water, prepare one bottle of hot water with 2 peppermint teabags, ready by 9:00 am:

• Use a clean bottle or flask.
• Steep 2 peppermint teabags in hot water.
• No sugar, honey, milk, or anything else added — just hot water and the teabags.
• Serve it hot in the bottle. (This is separate from the warm drinking water, which stays warm — not hot.)
• Use plain peppermint teabags only. If a blend or unsure, check the label and message me first.

2.3 Lunch

Time: ready by 12:00 pm. I like Chinese / Cantonese home-style and Western meals. Build a balanced plate — one protein, one or two vegetables, and a carb. Keep everything allergy-safe (no egg, dairy, tomato, or white rice; brown/multigrain rice and soy sauce are fine) and low in sugar.

Vegetables

• Chinese: stir-fried bok choy, choy sum, kale, or spinach with garlic; blanched greens; green beans or carrot in clear soup.
• Western: roasted carrot, zucchini, bell pepper, pumpkin, or eggplant; green salad with olive oil and lemon; steamed green beans.
• No tomato in either style.

Protein

• Chinese: steamed fish with ginger and spring onion; poached or steamed chicken; stir-fried beef with onion and bell pepper; stir-fried prawns.
• Western: grilled or roasted chicken, pork, beef, or lamb; baked or pan-fried salmon or cod.
• No egg, tofu, or other soy foods (soy sauce for seasoning is fine).

Carbs

• Chinese: brown, red, black, or multigrain rice; 小米 (millet) congee.
• Western: roasted, boiled, or mashed potato with olive oil, not butter or milk; quinoa.
• Never white rice in either style.

If unsure what to make, message me — or use the safe-foods list in 1.6. After lunch, please clean up and wash dishes (see 6.6).

2.4 Dinner

Time: ready by 6:30 pm. Use the same recommended foods as lunch — a protein, one vegetable, and a carb from the lists in 2.3, all allergy-safe.

Keep dinner lighter and not too oily. A clear soup on the side is welcome (no tomato, no cream). If you want to repeat a lunch dish or try something new, message me first. After dinner, please clean the kitchen and wash dishes (see 6.6).

3. Meal Planning and Grocery System

3.1 General Grocery Rules

Please help keep the household stocked with basic approved items. Before buying anything new, unfamiliar, expensive, or possibly unsafe for my allergies, message me first.

3.2 Always Check Before Buying

• New food items for me
• Packaged sauces or seasonings
• Breakfast ingredients
• Expensive meat or seafood
• Supplements or health products
• Cleaning chemicals
• Any product with unclear ingredients

3.3 Items to Keep Available

• Lemons or oranges for electrolyte water
• Sea salt or Himalayan salt
• Approved breakfast/lunch/dinner ingredients
• Approved snacks or fruit, if specified
• Basic household cleaning supplies
• Toilet paper, tissues and trash bags

3.4 Allergy-Safe Shopping Rule

• Check the ingredient label.
• Avoid anything containing milk, egg, tomato, white rice, or soybeans.
• If the label is not clear, do not buy it for me.
• If the shop assistant recommends something, still check the ingredients.
• Send me a photo if you are unsure.

3.5 Substitution Rule

• Do not substitute with a different product unless you are sure it is safe.
• Message me with a photo of the possible replacement.
• Wait for confirmation if the item is for my food.

4. Octopus Card, Receipts, and Expenses

4.1 Octopus Card

I will provide an Octopus card for household purchases. No cash will be given. Please use the card only for approved household items.

The card may be used for:

• Groceries I asked you to buy
• Household cleaning products
• Basic home supplies
• Small urgent household items

Rules for the card:

• Do not use it for personal items unless I clearly approve it.
• Keep the card safe. If it is lost or stolen, tell me immediately.
• If the balance is running low, message me so I can top it up. Do not top it up with your own money.

4.2 Receipts

• Keep the receipt.
• Send a photo of the receipt to the WhatsApp group created specifically for receipt records — send it on the same day.
• If there is no receipt, send a short message to the same group with the amount, shop name, and what was bought.

4.3 Approval Before Spending

Please ask me before buying:

• Any single item above HK$300
• Any unfamiliar food item for me
• Any expensive meat, seafood, or fruit
• Any new cleaning product
• Any replacement appliance, tool, or household equipment

5. Work-From-Home Rules

I often work from home. Please follow these rules carefully so I can focus and attend meetings without interruption.

5.1 When I Am in a Meeting / Working Room Door Closed

If I am in a meeting, on a call, wearing headphones, or the working room door is closed:

• Do not talk to me.
• Do not interrupt me.
• Do not enter the working room.
• Message me instead.

Only interrupt me directly if there is a real emergency or safety issue.

5.2 What Counts as an Emergency

You may interrupt me immediately for:

• Fire
• Water leak
• Injury
• Burning smell
• Broken glass in a walkway
• Someone at the door who refuses to leave
• A serious appliance or electrical issue
• Anything unsafe

5.3 What Does Not Count as an Emergency

Please message me instead of interrupting for:

• Grocery questions
• Laundry questions
• Cleaning questions
• Meal questions
• Package questions, unless urgent
• Asking where to put something
• Asking whether to throw something away

5.4 Noise Rules During Work

When I am working, please avoid:

• Vacuuming near the working room
• Loud kitchen work
• Loud phone calls
• Moving furniture
• Knocking unless necessary

If noisy work is needed, please do it when I am not in a meeting.

5.5 Personal Cellphone Use

• No personal browsing, social media, videos, games, or personal messaging during the day.
• Work-related phone use is always fine — messaging me, sending receipt photos to the WhatsApp receipt group (see 4.2), checking this guideline, or using the phone for shopping or errands I asked for.
• After 9:00 pm, you may use your personal phone freely.
• In a genuine emergency, use your phone immediately as needed.

5.6 Personal Conduct During Work Hours

• Do not make or take personal calls (voice or video). Work-related calls to me are fine.
• Keep your phone on silent, and do not play loud music, TV, or videos.
• Do not invite or allow personal visitors into the home without my approval (see also 9.3).
• Do not leave the home during work hours without telling me first.

6. Room-by-Room Cleaning Standards

6.1 General Daily Standard

Every day, please keep the home clean, tidy, and calm. Daily tasks include:

• Make the bed neatly.
• Keep floors clean.
• Dust visible surfaces when needed.
• Empty trash only when it is full or smelly (not necessarily every day).
• Keep bathrooms clean and dry.
• Keep kitchen clean after use.
• Put things back in their proper place.

Do not throw away, move, or reorganize personal items unless I ask.

6.2 My Bedroom

Cleaning standard:

• Make the bed every day.
• Keep floor clean.
• Dust visible surfaces.
• Change bedsheets according to the weekly schedule or when requested.
• Keep the room tidy.

Do not:

• Open drawers or cabinets unless asked.
• Move personal items.
• Touch wallet, watches, documents, electronics, chargers, or medicine.
• Throw anything away without asking.

6.3 Working Room

This room is sensitive because I work here.

Cleaning standard:

• Clean quietly.
• Clean the floor.
• Dust only open and clear surfaces.
• Keep the room tidy without moving my work items.

Do not:

• Touch papers, notebooks, documents, cables, computer, keyboard, mouse, screens, chargers, or desk items.
• Unplug anything.
• Put water or cleaning spray near electronics.
• Enter when the door is closed or when I am in a meeting.

6.4 Reading Room

Cleaning standard:

• Dust shelves carefully.
• Keep floor clean.
• Keep the room tidy.
• Handle books carefully only if necessary.

Do not:

• Put water near books.
• Use wet cloth on books.
• Spray cleaning product near books.
• Move papers, notes, or bookmarks.

6.5 Bathrooms

Daily standard:

• Clean toilet bowl, toilet seat, and outside surfaces.
• Clean sink.
• Wipe mirror.
• Keep shower area clean and dry.
• Empty bathroom trash when needed.
• Check toilet paper, tissues, hand soap, and towels.

Weekly standard:

• Deep clean toilet, sink, mirror, shower, floor, and corners.
• Wash towels and bath mats.
• Check for mold, smell, leaks, or clogged drains.

6.6 Kitchen

Daily standard:

• Keep counters clean.
• Keep sink clear.
• Wash dishes and utensils after use.
• Sanitize dishes in the disinfection cabinet.
• Clean stove after cooking.
• Wipe dining area after meals.
• Take out trash if full or smelly.

Weekly standard:

• Check fridge and pantry.
• Clean expired or spoiled food only after confirming with me, unless it is clearly rotten or unsafe.
• Wipe appliance surfaces.
• Wipe fridge inside.
• Organize food and supplies.

7. Laundry and Wardrobe System

7.1 Laundry Sorting

Please wash each type of laundry as its own separate load. Do not mix different types together in the same wash.

• White clothes
• Colored clothes / socks / towels
• Underwear and intimate apparel (see 7.6)
• Delicate or special-care clothing (see 7.3)
• Bedsheets
• Cleaning cloths and rags

7.2 Washing Machine Guide

I prefer machine washing over hand-washing. Our washing machine has three main modes. Pictures of each mode are posted near the machine — match the load to the right mode.

Case 1 — Normal clothes (white; colored / socks / towels; bedsheets; cleaning rags):

• Use the Normal / Standard mode.
• Regular detergent; follow the water temperature on the garment labels.

Case 2 — Delicate clothes (check 7.3 first for items to ask about):

• Use the Delicate / Gentle mode.
• Mild detergent, cool or warm water, low spin. Use a mesh bag for very delicate items.

Case 3 — Underwear and intimate apparel (see 7.6):

• Use the Underwear / Intimate mode.
• Put bras and delicate items in a mesh bag; mild detergent; no bleach.

7.3 Special Clothing

Ask me before washing:

• Wool
• Silk
• Suits
• Expensive clothing
• Delicate clothing
• Clothes with special labels
• Anything you are unsure about

If the label says dry clean only, do not wash it at home.

7.4 Stains and Damage

• Do not scrub too hard.
• Do not use bleach unless approved.
• Take a photo and message me.
• Ask before using strong stain remover.

If clothing is damaged, shrunk, torn, or discolored, tell me immediately.

7.5 Folding, Ironing, and Storage

• Fold clothes neatly.
• Iron only items that need ironing.
• Put clothes back in the correct place.
• Do not reorganize my wardrobe without asking.
• If you are unsure where something belongs, message me.

7.6 Underwear and Intimate Apparel

Handle these with extra care and privacy:

• Wash them as a separate load using the Underwear / Intimate mode (Case 3 in 7.2), never mixed with other laundry (see 7.1).
• Put bras and delicate items in a mesh laundry bag. Only hand-wash if a label specifically says to.
• Use mild/gentle detergent. No bleach.
• Air-dry them — do not tumble dry unless I say so. Do not wring or twist bras out of shape.
• Do not iron intimate apparel.
• Dry them in a discreet spot, not in shared or visible areas.
• Fold and store them in their own drawer; do not reorganize it.
• If any item is damaged, stained, or stretched, tell me.

8. Cleaning Products and Safety

8.1 General Safety Rules

• Use cleaning products only as instructed.
• Wear gloves when using strong cleaners.
• Keep cleaning products away from food.
• Keep windows open when using strong-smell products.
• Store cleaning products safely after use.

8.2 Never Mix Chemicals

8.3 Sensitive Surfaces

Be careful with:

• Electronics
• Computer screens
• Books
• Wood surfaces
• Marble or stone surfaces
• Leather
• Delicate fabrics

Do not use strong chemicals on these surfaces unless I approve.

9. Door Access, Building Entry, and Security

9.1 Door and Lock Rules

The front door uses fingerprint access — there are no physical keys.

• Keep the front door locked. Check that it is properly closed and locked when leaving or entering.
• If the fingerprint lock is not working (fails to read, low battery, error, or won't open/close), tell me immediately.

9.2 Hygiene on Entry

Every time you come home from outside — groceries, errands, trash, deliveries, or any trip out:

9.3 Visitors and Entry

Do not let anyone enter the home unless I have clearly approved it. This includes:

• Friends
• Relatives
• Delivery people
• Repair workers
• Building staff
• Unknown visitors

If someone comes to the door and I did not tell you in advance, message me first.

9.4 Building Staff and Repair Workers

If building management, repair workers, or technicians come:

• Do not let them enter unless I confirmed first.
• Ask for their identity or reason for visit.
• Message me immediately.
• If I am unreachable, do not let them in unless there is an emergency.

10. Deliveries, Mail, and Packages

10.1 Packages

You may receive packages if needed, but please follow these rules:

• Please open my packages for me. Do the opening outside the home (at the doorway or the outside entry area), so packaging, dust, and mess stay outside.
• Wipe the unpacked contents with sanitizer before placing them in the box. Use a sanitizing wipe on each item.
• Place the sanitized contents into the box kept for this purpose.
• Take the outer packaging (cardboard, wrapping, fillers) to the bin/recycling outside — do not bring it into the home.
• Handle the contents gently and do not damage anything while unpacking. Do not use or keep any of the contents for yourself.
• Message me when a package arrives and again once you have unpacked it.
• If a package looks damaged, leaking, unexpected, or you are unsure whether to open it, leave it sealed and message me first with a photo.

10.2 Mail and Letters

• Do not open my mail or letters.
• Put mail in the designated box.
• If something looks urgent, message me with a photo of the envelope only.

10.3 Food Delivery

• Check the name and order if possible.
• Remove the plastic bag and put the content into our own utensil and place on the table.
• Message me.
• Do not taste or open food unless asked.

11. Maintenance and Repair Reporting

Please report household problems early. Small problems can become bigger if ignored. Message me immediately if you notice:

When reporting, please send: a short description, a photo or video if helpful, and whether it is urgent.

12. Emergency Procedures

12.1 Emergency Priority

In an emergency, follow this order:

1. Keep yourself safe.
2. Help prevent immediate danger if safe to do so.
3. Call emergency services if needed.
4. Call or message me.
5. Inform building management if relevant.

12.2 Emergency Examples

• Fire
• Smoke or burning smell
• Serious injury
• Water flooding
• Gas smell
• Electrical sparks
• Someone trying to enter the home
• Broken glass in a dangerous place
• Medical emergency

12.3 Emergency Contacts

See the Emergency Contacts & Locations sheet in the reference section for numbers and important home locations.

13. Digital and Privacy Rules

Please treat everything inside the home as private.

13.1 Photos and Videos

Do not take or post photos or videos of:

13.2 Devices and Documents

Do not use or touch:

13.3 Private Information

Do not share my personal information with others, including:

14. Travel or When I Am Away

When I travel or am away from home, please keep the home safe, clean, and organized.

14.1 Before I Travel

• Laundry is handled if needed.
• Trash is removed.
• Kitchen is clean.
• Perishable food is checked.
• Doors and windows are secure.
• Important items are in place.

14.2 While I Am Away

• Keep the home clean.
• Check for leaks, smell, pests, or unusual issues.
• Keep doors and windows secure.
• Message me if anything unusual happens.
• Do not let visitors enter unless I approve.
• Do not reorganize rooms unless asked.

14.3 Before I Return

• Bedroom is clean.
• Bathroom is clean.
• Kitchen is clean.
• Trash is removed.
• Warm water and normal morning items are ready if I return in the morning.

A tick-box version of this is on the Interactive Checklists page (Travel Checklist).

15. Performance Review and Feedback

15.1 Main Standards

1. Safety
2. Honesty
3. Food allergy rules
4. Privacy
5. Cleanliness
6. Clear communication
7. Respect

15.2 Feedback Style

If something needs to be corrected, I will explain it clearly. Please do not feel afraid to ask questions. If you make a mistake:

• Tell me early.
• Do not hide it.
• Ask how to fix it.

Mistakes can usually be fixed. Hiding problems creates bigger problems.

15.3 Regular Review

We will review the routine after the first week and again after the first month. We can adjust:

• Cleaning schedule
• Breakfast routine
• Grocery system
• Laundry system
• Communication style
• Rest and working arrangement

16. Priority Rules

When many things need to be done, please follow this priority order:

1. Safety and emergencies
2. Food allergy rules
3. My work and meeting privacy
4. Breakfast and morning drinks
5. Clean kitchen and bathrooms
6. Laundry
7. Daily tidying
8. Deep cleaning
9. Organization tasks

If you are unsure what to do first, message me.

17. Ask Me First List

Please ask me first before:

• Throwing away personal items
• Moving documents, books, electronics, valuables, or personal belongings
• Opening drawers, cabinets, or mail (opening packages is fine — see 10.1)
• Buying expensive items
• Buying unfamiliar food for me
• Using new ingredients for my food
• Substituting grocery items for my food
• Letting anyone enter the home
• Allowing repair workers inside
• Leaving the home during work hours
• Washing delicate or expensive clothing
• Using bleach or strong cleaning chemicals
• Rearranging rooms, bookshelves, wardrobe, or storage areas
• Taking photos or videos inside the home
• Using my computer, phone, iPad, or chargers

18. Never Do List

19. Always Do List

Emergency Contacts & Home Locations

Keep this information in an easy-to-find place. Fill in the blanks together.

Important Home Locations (learn where these are)

Octopus Card & Receipt Log

Record every household purchase here (or in the shared receipt log).

Change Log

Every addition or adjustment to these guidelines is tracked here. Newest at the top.

How to update: When we agree on a change, add the date, bump the version, describe the change in one line, and note who made it.