Housework Skill
The Housework skill in inZOI covers all domestic activities related to keeping a home clean, functional, and well-furnished. It encompasses cleaning, doing laundry, repairing broken objects, refurbishing worn furniture, and crafting new furniture at a workbench. This is one of the most practical skills in the game, as every household eventually needs maintenance.
How to Level Housework
Housework experience is gained by performing domestic chores and maintenance tasks. There are four main categories of activity that raise this skill.
Cleaning
The most common way to gain Housework experience is through everyday cleaning. All of the following actions contribute to the skill:
Action | Details |
|---|---|
Vacuuming | Use a vacuum cleaner on dirty floors; removes dust and debris |
Mopping | Mop floors after spills or general dirt buildup |
Washing Dishes | Clean dirty dishes at the kitchen sink |
Cleaning Bathtubs | Scrub bathtubs and showers in the bathroom |
Wiping Tables | Wipe down counters, tables, and other surfaces |
Doing Laundry | Wash and dry clothes using a washing machine and dryer |
The cleanliness system in inZOI means that objects and rooms naturally get dirty over time. Neglecting cleaning causes the environment to deteriorate, which can negatively affect a Zoi's mood and comfort. Regular cleaning prevents this while steadily raising the Housework skill.
Repairing
When household objects break, Zois can attempt to repair them manually instead of calling a professional service. Repairable items include appliances, plumbing fixtures, and electronic devices. Repairing objects grants Housework experience, but comes with risks:
Repairing electronic or electrical items carries a risk of electrocution. The Zoi may receive a shock if the repair goes wrong.
Electrical repairs can also cause fires if mishandled, potentially damaging the home further.
Higher Housework skill reduces the chance of repair failures and associated hazards.
As an alternative to manual repair, players can hire a professional repair service through the Pocket Market for 100 Meow. This fixes the object instantly but does not grant any skill experience.
Refurbishing
Refurbishing is unlocked at Housework Level 2. This action allows Zois to restore worn or degraded furniture to better condition. Refurbishing applies to soft furniture items like couches and sofas. Electronics and hard surfaces cannot be refurbished; those must be repaired instead. Refurbishing grants Housework experience and extends the useful life of furniture without needing to buy replacements.
Furniture Workbench Crafting
The Furniture Workbench is a crafting station that allows Zois to build furniture from component parts. Crafting at this workbench raises the Housework skill (not the Handiwork skill, which uses the separate Crafting Table). The following items can be crafted:
Item | Components |
|---|---|
Computer Chair | Backrest, Legs |
Computer Desk | Tabletops, Legs |
Floor Lamp | Body, Base |
Computer | Monitor, Main Body, Keyboard and Mouse |
Each crafted item uses preset models. Players select from available component options rather than designing freely. The Furniture Workbench must be purchased and placed in the home before crafting can begin.
Job Activities
Working at certain jobs passively raises Housework. Cleaning duties at locations like the Deli or Burger Shop involve mopping, wiping, and dish washing, all of which count toward Housework experience.
Level Unlocks
Reaching specific Housework levels unlocks new interactions and furniture items.
Level | Unlock |
|---|---|
Level 2 | Refurbish furniture interaction |
Level 3 | Premium Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (furniture item) |
Level 7 | Prestige Front Load Washing Machine (furniture item) |
Unlocked furniture items become available for purchase and placement in the home. The Premium Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and Prestige Front Load Washing Machine are upgraded versions of standard cleaning appliances.
Housework vs. Handiwork
Housework and Handiwork are separate skills that are sometimes confused because both involve making things. The key distinction:
Skill | Crafting Station | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
Housework | Furniture Workbench | Cleaning, repairing, refurbishing, crafting furniture (chairs, desks, lamps, computers) |
Crafting Table | Crafting tools, jewelry, gems, and other small items |
Using the Furniture Workbench raises Housework. Using the Crafting Table raises Handiwork. Make sure to use the correct station depending on which skill you want to train.
Trait Connections
Several traits interact with the Housework skill and related activities:
Trait | Effect |
|---|---|
Perfectionist Zois are more particular about cleanliness and may autonomously clean more often | |
Sentinel Zois take a protective approach to home maintenance | |
Collaborative Zois may help with household chores when living with others | |
Volunteer Zois may assist neighbors or community members with cleaning tasks |
Ambitions
The Neat Freak ambition is directly connected to Housework. Zois with this ambition are driven to keep their living space spotless and gain additional satisfaction from cleaning activities. Pursuing this ambition naturally leads to high Housework skill levels.
Known Issues
Some players have reported a bug where a Zoi may freeze or become unresponsive while using the Furniture Workbench. If this occurs, canceling the action or traveling to another lot usually resolves the issue. This bug has been reported to the developers.
Tips
Let things get dirty before cleaning in bulk to gain more Housework XP per session.
Repair broken objects manually instead of calling the 100 Meow service to earn skill experience.
Be cautious when repairing electronics; electrocution and fire risks are real at low skill levels.
Unlock Refurbish at Level 2 early to gain an additional way to practice the skill.
The Furniture Workbench raises Housework, not Handiwork. Use the Crafting Table if you want to level Handiwork instead.
Pair the Perfectionist trait with housework-focused gameplay for the most natural synergy.
Working part-time cleaning jobs at food shops is a way to earn Meow while leveling Housework simultaneously.