Recording Guide

Picking up clutter from the ground and putting it away

Picking up misplaced items and returning them to their proper place to keep the space tidy.

Making and changing beds

• Changing bedsheets or pillowcases.

Picking up trash

Picking up loose trash or litter inside the home and placing it in a trash can or trash bag.

Taking out trash and recycling

Activities that involve filled trash bags, household bins, or recyclable materials.

• Emptying small household trash cans into a larger bag.
• Separating recyclables from general household waste.
• Tying off trash bags and placing them outside for collection.

Loading the dishwasher (machine)

This task requires a dishwasher.

• Placing used or dirty plates into the dishwasher.

Unloading dishwasher and putting away dishes

This task requires a dishwasher.

• Putting clean plates from the dishwasher into a cabinet.

Hand-washing dishes, pots, and pans

Wash by hand in a sink under running water, using a sponge or dish towel — never clothing or rags. Includes pots, pans, kitchen utensils, and small kitchen appliances. Gloves are not allowed, so use a soap that is gentle on your hands.

• Washing dishes in a sink.

Drying and putting away clean dishes

This task should still take place in a kitchen.

• Wiping wet dishes.
• Placing clean plates and utensils on a drying rack or in a cabinet.

Wiping counters, stovetop, and sink

• Wiping the sink dry after washing dishes.
• Wiping a dirty stovetop.
• Scrubbing kitchen counters to remove hardened residue or dirt.

Clearing the dining table after a meal

Activities that involve clearing the dining table after a meal.

• Removing used plates, cups, utensils, napkins, or leftover items from the table.
• Gathering used dishes and carrying them to the sink, dishwasher, or cleanup area.
• Wiping crumbs or small spills after the table has been cleared.

Cleaning inside of appliances (microwave, oven, fridge)

Activities should only involve kitchen appliances such as the microwave, oven, and fridge.

• Cleaning fridge drawers.
• Wiping the inside of a microwave.

Collecting laundry and loading the washer

Only automatic washing machines are allowed. Older manual models are not permitted.

• Carrying a laundry basket of clothes and loading them into an automatic washing machine.

Moving laundry from the washing machine to the dryer / hanging to dry

Side-loading electric dryers are allowed. The torso may go out of frame only while you look up or reach for something high.

• Collecting clothes from the dryer and hanging them on a rack or outside to dry.
• Placing clothes on hangers and hanging them to dry.

Collecting dried laundry from a dryer or clothesline

Taking already-dried laundry out of a dryer or off a clothesline before folding or putting it away.

• Removing dry clothes from a dryer and putting them into a laundry basket.
• Taking dried clothes down from a clothesline or drying rack.

Folding clothes, towels, and linens

The quality of folding is extremely important and should be comparable to what you might see at a department store. Make sure clothes are right-side out before folding.

You may fold either seated or standing.

Seated: fold on a table or ironing board. Folding on your lap, the sofa, or the bed is not allowed.

Standing: fold the garment in your hands. You may pick clothes up from or set them down on any surface (including a sofa or bed) between folds.

• Folding clothes after drying.
• Taking clothes from a basket and folding them on an ironing board.

Hanging or putting away clean clothes in wardrobe, closet, or drawers

Activities that involve organizing clean clothes.

• Placing clean clothes in a clothing cabinet.
• Arranging clothes in a cabinet by section (for example, separate sections for pants, shirts, and towels).
• Placing clean clothes on hangers and organizing them on a hanging rack.

Ironing or steaming garments

Ironing should be done on an ironing board. The iron should be either shown being plugged in or should be plugged in while recording. Then, you should show yourself putting it on the appropriate settings and turning it on.

• Ironing clothes on an ironing board.
• Using a clothes steamer to remove wrinkles from garments.

Lint rolling clothes

Removing lint, hair, or dust from clothing using a lint roller or similar clothing-safe tool.

• Rolling lint from shirts, pants, jackets, or other clothing on a flat surface or hanger.
• Replacing or peeling the lint roller sheet when it becomes full.

Hand-sewing

Sewing fabric by hand with a needle and thread. Keep the fabric, needle, thread, and both hands visible while working. Small handheld sewing machines are not permitted for this task.

• Mending a small tear or seam by hand.
• Sewing on a button.
• Hemming fabric with hand stitches.

Machine-sewing

Using a household sewing machine to stitch, mend, hem, or join fabric. Small handheld sewing machines are not permitted for this task. Position the camera so the fabric, both hands, and needle are visible. Keep fingers clear of the moving needle. Switch the machine off before changing the needle, clearing a jam, or placing fingers near the needle mechanism. The recording must include actual sewing, not setup alone. Do not create meaningless stitches.

• Guiding fabric through the machine to sew a useful seam or hem.
• Mending a tear or loose seam with the sewing machine.
• Joining fabric pieces for a real sewing project.

Sweeping dirt on indoor floors into dustpan and disposing

This activity should only be done indoors with an indoor broom. All swept dirt must be gathered into a dustpan and disposed of in a trash bin.

Mopping floors

Mop indoor floors only. Both hands must remain visible while mopping. You may use a mop or a long-handled short-bristled scrubbing brush. Do not use a long-bristled broom or a short-handled brush.

Wiping floors

Wiping indoor floors by hand with a cloth, wipe, or towel to remove spills, dust, or dirt. Use a floor-safe cleaning method and keep both hands visible when working close to the floor.

• Wiping a small spill from the floor with a cloth.
• Cleaning floor corners or edges by hand.
• Wiping visible dirt from indoor floor tiles.

Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and floors

Vacuuming carpets, rugs, or floors with a vacuum cleaner.

Cleaning surfaces

Cleaning household surfaces such as shelves, desks, tables, counters, and other non-floor surfaces. Use appropriate cleaning tools, such as a cloth, wipe, or small hand vacuum. The torso may go out of frame only while you look up or reach for something high.

• Wiping down a bookshelf with a cloth, or vacuuming it with a small hand vacuum.
• Wiping a computer desk to remove accumulated dust.
• Wiping shelves, side tables, or other household surfaces.

Cleaning bathrooms (toilet, tub, sink)

Cleaning items and surfaces inside the bathroom.

• Scrubbing the toilet or tub.
• Mopping the bathroom floor.

Cleaning windows and mirrors

The torso may go out of frame only while you look up or reach for something high.

• Wiping a window with a towel and window-cleaning spray.
• Using a window squeegee or similar tool to clean windows or mirrors.

Cleaning pedestal and ceiling fans

Cleaning fan blades, guards, and nearby fan surfaces using safe, appropriate tools. The fan must be turned off before cleaning. For ceiling fans or high fan surfaces, use a stable step stool or suitable long-handled cleaning tool.

• Wiping dust from the blades and guard of a pedestal fan.
• Cleaning reachable ceiling fan blades with a cloth or suitable fan-cleaning tool.
• Removing dust from a fan cover before putting it back in place.

Wiping door handles, switches, keyboards, and mice

The torso may go out of frame only while you look up or reach for something high.

• Wiping a door handle.
• Wiping accumulated dirt from a light switch.
• Wiping a keyboard and mouse.

Cleaning cabinets and drawers

Cleaning the inside or outside of household cabinets and drawers with appropriate cleaning tools. Remove or organize contents as needed, clean the surfaces, and return items when finished.

• Emptying and wiping the inside of a kitchen or bathroom drawer before returning its contents.
• Cleaning cabinet doors, handles, shelves, and interior surfaces.
• Removing crumbs, dust, or spills from drawers and cabinets.

Cleaning electronic screens with a microfiber cloth

Clean electronic screens with a clean microfiber cloth. Ensure that no personal information is visible. Ideally, the screen should be off. Never spray liquid directly onto a screen. A phone should take no longer than 30 seconds to clean, and a large TV screen should take no longer than 2 minutes.

• Wiping fingerprints and dust from a television or monitor.
• Cleaning a phone, tablet, or laptop screen with a microfiber cloth.
• Folding or repositioning the cloth to continue with a clean section.

Assembling furniture

Assembling furniture from separate components using the supplied hardware and appropriate hand tools. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and keep the work area stable and clear. You may stand, sit, squat, or kneel as necessary while assembling the furniture. Do not repeatedly assemble and disassemble the same object.

• Assembling flat-pack shelves, a table, a chair, or a cabinet.
• Attaching legs, panels, shelves, hinges, or handles.
• Tightening screws, bolts, or cam fasteners during assembly.

Disassembling furniture

Taking furniture apart into reusable components with appropriate hand tools. Support pieces while removing fasteners and organize the hardware for safe storage or later reassembly. You may stand, sit, squat, or kneel as necessary while disassembling the furniture. Do not repeatedly assemble and disassemble the same object.

• Removing legs, shelves, drawers, doors, or panels from furniture.
• Unscrewing bolts, screws, or cam fasteners.
• Sorting and bagging removed hardware.

Assembling or upgrading a desktop computer

Assembling or upgrading a desktop computer from compatible components. Keep the computer and all components powered off and disconnected from wall electricity throughout the task. Do not open the metal enclosure of a power supply, work on laptops or phones, or handle swollen or damaged batteries. Remove or cover paperwork, shipping labels, license keys, and personal information before recording. Do not repeatedly assemble and disassemble the same computer or components.

• Installing memory, storage, a graphics card, fans, or a power supply.
• Connecting internal power or data cables.
• Installing a motherboard or cooling component.
• Installing or closing desktop-computer case panels.

Removing curtains from rods, tracks, or hooks

Removing curtain fabric from an installed rod, track, or hook system. Use a stable, appropriate step stool only when needed and keep the curtain hardware under control.

• Sliding curtains off a rod.
• Unhooking curtains from rings, gliders, or track hooks.
• Folding or setting aside the removed curtains.

Hanging curtains on rods, tracks, or hooks

Hanging curtain fabric on an existing rod, track, or hook system. Use a stable, appropriate step stool only when needed and finish by arranging the curtain safely.

• Sliding curtain panels onto an installed rod.
• Attaching curtains to rings, gliders, or track hooks.
• Spacing and straightening the hanging curtain panels.

Installing curtain rods or tracks

Installing a curtain rod or track and its mounting hardware. Follow the product instructions, use proper anchors and tools, and do not drill where electrical wiring or plumbing may be present.

• Measuring and marking bracket or track positions.
• Installing brackets, anchors, or a curtain track.
• Securing and leveling the rod or track.

Washing and chopping produce

Activities that involve washing or preparing food before cooking or eating.

• Cutting onions.
• Washing potatoes.
• Draining meat.
• Washing fish before cooking.
• Using a kitchen meat grinder or slicer.

Measuring and mixing ingredients

Using measuring equipment for food.

• Making waffle batter.
• Using a measuring cup or spoon while making dough.

Blending or using a food processor

Blending ingredients or using a food processor as part of a real food-preparation task. Keep the appliance stable and follow its safety instructions; never reach near moving blades.

• Making a smoothie or sauce with a blender.
• Using a food processor to chop, puree, shred, or mix ingredients.
• Loading the appliance, operating its controls, and transferring the processed food.

Stovetop cooking

Cooking with a stove. While waiting for food to cook or fry, hands may briefly become idle, but should not be completely still for more than a few seconds.

• Cooking sausages.
• Frying fish.
• Cooking waffles.

Cooking rice with rice cooker

Preparing rice using an electric rice cooker. Show real, active preparation: cleaning the cooker, measuring and rinsing the rice, adding water, placing the pot, closing the lid, plugging it in, and starting it. Stop the video after the cooker is turned on. If the cooker still has old rice in it, clean it fully before starting.

• Rinsing rice in the inner pot before adding the correct amount of water.
• Putting the rice cooker pot in place, closing the lid, and starting the cooker.
• Cleaning up the measuring cup, rice bag, or counter after starting the cooker.

Oven cooking and baking

Baking or cooking food in an oven, including baked goods and pastries.

• Kneading bread.
• Making donuts.
• Decorating a cake.

Plating and serving meals

Preparing a meal before eating or serving it on a table.

• Placing rice on a plate and serving it on the dining table.
• Transferring a cooked meal from a pan to a plate.

Packing lunches and leftovers

• Placing leftover food in containers.
• Preparing food before going to work or school.

Brewing coffee or tea

Preparing coffee, tea, or another hot drink.

• Using an espresso machine to prepare a drink.
• Brewing tea and adding milk to a cup.

Sharpening or honing knives

Sharpen or hone a kitchen knife using a whetstone, honing rod, manual pull-through sharpener, or other approved manual tool. Work on a stable, non-slip surface and keep fingers outside the blade path. Do not use electric sharpeners, powered grinders, belt sanders, improvised sharpening devices, or workshop blades. Do not test the knife's edge during the recording. Never test sharpness by touching or sliding a finger along the cutting edge.

• Honing a kitchen knife with a honing rod.
• Sharpening a knife on a whetstone.
• Using a guided or pull-through knife sharpener according to its instructions.

Unpacking grocery bags

• Removing groceries from a paper bag or box.
• Carrying groceries from the car to the kitchen.

Stocking the fridge and freezer

Restocking the fridge or freezer with food or newly bought groceries.

• Placing meat in the freezer.
• Arranging eggs in a fridge egg tray.

Stocking the pantry

• Arranging groceries on shelves.
• Opening packaged groceries and transferring them into separate containers or baskets.

Removing items and trash from car

Removing loose items, clutter, and trash from inside a car and placing them in the correct container or storage location.

• Collecting receipts, wrappers, bottles, or other trash from seats and floor areas.
• Removing personal items from cup holders, door pockets, and the center console.
• Sorting reusable items from trash before throwing trash away.

Washing and rinsing the car exterior

Washing and rinsing the outside of a car using water and car-safe cleaning tools. Record active washing or rinsing, not waiting time.

• Spraying or rinsing dirt from the car exterior.
• Washing exterior panels with a sponge, mitt, or cloth.
• Rinsing soap from the car after washing.

Drying the car with a towel

Drying the outside of a car with a towel or drying cloth after washing or rinsing.

• Wiping water from car doors, hood, roof, or trunk.
• Drying exterior panels with a towel after rinsing.
• Wringing or changing towels as needed while drying.

Scrubbing wheels and applying tire shine

Cleaning car wheels or tires and applying tire shine or a similar tire-care product when available. Use appropriate cleaning tools and avoid unsafe traffic areas.

• Scrubbing wheel rims with a brush or cloth.
• Cleaning dirt from tires.
• Applying tire shine and wiping excess product.

Cleaning car windows and mirrors

Cleaning car windows, windshield, rear window, or mirrors with glass cleaner or an appropriate cloth.

• Wiping the windshield or side windows.
• Cleaning side mirrors or rear-view mirror surfaces.
• Removing streaks from car glass.

Vacuuming car seats, floors, and mats

Vacuuming seats, floor areas, mats, or reachable interior surfaces inside a car.

• Vacuuming crumbs from car seats.
• Vacuuming the car floor or footwell.
• Removing and vacuuming car mats.

Wiping the dashboard, console, and door panels

Wiping interior car surfaces such as the dashboard, center console, cup holders, and door panels.

• Wiping dust from the dashboard.
• Cleaning cup holders or the center console.
• Wiping interior door panels or handles.

Cleaning car seats and upholstery

Cleaning fabric, leather, or synthetic car seats and upholstery with appropriate tools or cleaning products.

• Wiping stains or dust from car seats.
• Brushing or spot-cleaning seat fabric.
• Cleaning upholstery seams or reachable seat surfaces.

Applying and buffing wax or polish

Applying and buffing car wax, polish, or a similar exterior finishing product. Record active application or buffing on car surfaces.

• Applying wax or polish to a car panel with an applicator or cloth.
• Buffing polish from the car exterior.
• Working in small sections and wiping residue as needed.

Washing a motorcycle or motor scooter

Wash the exterior of a parked motorcycle or motor scooter with the engine off and cool. Use vehicle-safe cleaning tools and avoid spraying water into electrical openings or the exhaust. Avoid direct spray on electrical connectors, air intakes, chains, brakes, and wheel bearings.

• Rinsing and washing the body panels, frame, or fenders.
• Cleaning wheels and other accessible exterior parts.
• Rinsing away soap and wiping the motorcycle or motor scooter dry.

Watering and tending indoor plants

This task must be filmed indoors, using proper planting equipment.

• Repotting an indoor plant.
• Watering plants indoors.
• Trimming leaves.

Filling dog or cat food and water bowls

This task must involve dogs or cats only.

• Refilling a dog's or cat's food or water bowl.
• Mixing dog or cat food.

Cleaning dog or cat bowls, litter boxes, or cages

This task must involve dogs or cats only.

• Washing dog or cat bowls.
• Refilling or cleaning litter boxes.
• Scrubbing a dog or cat cage.

Brushing and grooming dogs and cats

This task must involve dogs or cats only. Some shaky footage is allowed since dogs and cats are unpredictable, as long as the footage remains usable.

• Bathing a dog.
• Trimming a dog's or cat's claws.

Watering the garden or lawn

Watering must be done with proper gardening tools, such as a watering can or hose.

Sweeping paved porches, patios, or walkways

Both hands and the torso must remain visible when handling long-handled tools. Use a proper tool or piece of equipment.

Bagging leaves and other organic material

• Picking up trash or leaves in the yard and placing them in a trash bin or bag.

Tending a vegetable or flower garden

This activity must be done outdoors.

• Pruning a plant.
• Harvesting produce (vegetables, fruits, or leaves).
• Picking flowers.