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We've all been there - you bring a new domestic helper into your Singapore household, and suddenly your bathroom essentials start vanishing into thin air! One minute you've stocked up on toilet rolls, the next your supplies have suspiciously dwindled.
For employers, this can feel like the beginning of a whodunit mystery. Did the kids go on a toilet paper kicking spree? Is there a phantom paper-product burglar on the loose? Or is your new Filipino or Indonesian maid simply super liberal with her usage?
Flushing Out the Truth Behind Rapid Toilet Roll Turnover
While it's totally normal for toilet paper consumption to increase with an additional household member, some helpers do seem to have an uncanny ability to make rolls disappear at light speed. You find yourself restocking long before anticipated, or catching your maid desperately wringing out that last scratchy sheet.
So what gives? Are maids really that wasteful and excessive with toilet paper? Or could there be other factors at play?
**Possible Reasons for Rapid TP Burnout**
There could be a few reasons why your maid seems to blaze through toilet paper faster than a bear in the woods:
1) It's a Numbers Game
Let's be real - most maids spend way more time at home than the average employed Singaporean. With increased toilet visits, the roll replenishment rate is bound to rise.
2) Period Woes
Unless you exclusively hire male helpers (in which case, we need to talk), feminine hygiene needs can drive up usage. During their cycles, maids may be extra liberal with toilet paper for comfort.
3) Cultural Differences
In some Southeast Asian countries, water is the main bathroom cleaning method rather than dry paper. Your helper may not grasp just how conservative with TP she needs to be.
4) Unexpected Usage
You'd be surprised where toilet paper can end up! From cleaning spills to replacing dish towels, some maids co-opt the rolls for unintended purposes.
Strategies to Manage Your Maid's TP Usage
So what's a perplexed employer to do when the toilet paper keeps pulling a vanishing act? Here are some handy tips:
Set Clear Expectations
Have an open dialogue about your expectations for toilet paper usage. Explain that it's an expensive household item that needs conserving.
Consider a Switch
If you use ultra-plush, triple-ply toilet paper, a switch to more economical sheets could stretch your supplies further. Or use a bidet.. It’s more environmentally friendly and washes your butt cleanly too!. =)
Buy in Bulk
Load up on toilet paper during sales and stockpile enough of a buffer to avoid emergency drugstore dashes.
Implement Portions
Some employers choose to portion out a set number of toilet rolls for their maids to use over a given time period.
Check-In Frequently
If overconsumption persists, gently remind your maid of the costs and apply any agreed penalties for excessive use.
And should you want to change a helper to one who is a lot more sensitive and thrifty (fingers crossed!), you can try SearchMaid. We connect you with pre-screened domestic workers from ethical agencies across Singapore. Browse candidates by ratings and reviews to find a better match.
