How to Choose a Cleaning Company in Switzerland: 7 Things to Verify Before You Book
Choose the right cleaning company in Switzerland: 7 non-negotiable checks (insurance, Abnahmegarantie, declared workers), red flags that cost tenants money, real price ranges by service type, and 10 questions to ask before signing anything.
Switzerland has thousands of cleaning companies — from solo operators to large service providers. Choosing the wrong one can mean wasted money, a failed apartment handover inspection, or damage to your property with no one to hold accountable. Choosing the right one means a clean home, a passed inspection, and a provider you can rely on long-term. This guide tells you exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and what to avoid when hiring a cleaning company in Switzerland.
Types of Cleaning Services in Switzerland
Not every cleaning company offers every service. Before comparing providers, know which category your need falls into:
| Service Type | What It Covers | When You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Regular cleaning (Unterhaltsreinigung) | Weekly or bi-weekly household cleaning | Ongoing home maintenance |
| End-of-tenancy cleaning (Endreinigung/Abnahmereinigung) | Deep clean on move-out, covering all surfaces and appliances | Moving out of a rental property |
| Spring cleaning (Frühjahrsputz) | One-time thorough clean of the entire home | Seasonal reset |
| Office and commercial cleaning | Regular or one-time cleaning of business premises | Business environments |
| Window cleaning (Fensterreinigung) | Interior and exterior glass and frames | As needed, often seasonal |
| Post-construction cleaning | Dust, debris, and material residue after renovation | After building work |
| Carpet and upholstery cleaning | Steam or dry cleaning of carpets and soft furnishings | Stains, move-out, seasonal |
Confirm that the company you are considering specialises in the specific service you need — end-of-tenancy cleaning in particular requires a different skill set and equipment than regular household cleaning.
7 Things to Check Before Hiring a Cleaning Company
1. Business Registration and Legitimacy
A legitimate Swiss cleaning company should be registered in the Handelsregister (commercial register). For larger contracts, you can verify registration at zefix.ch. Unregistered operators working cash-in-hand cannot provide professional invoices, have no accountability, and are not covered by Swiss employment law — which creates liability for you if they are injured on your property.
2. Liability Insurance
Ask directly: does the company carry liability insurance (Betriebshaftpflichtversicherung) that covers damage caused during cleaning? A professional company answers yes immediately and can provide proof. This insurance covers broken items, water damage from cleaning, and any property damage caused by the cleaning team. Without it, you have no recourse if a cleaner cracks your worktop or damages your parquet floor.
3. Employee Contracts (No Undeclared Labour)
Switzerland takes undeclared labour (Schwarzarbeit) seriously. Cleaning companies that employ undeclared workers expose you — as the client — to potential liability. Ask whether the company pays into Swiss social security (AHV/IV/EO/ALV) for all its employees. Professional companies are transparent about this.
4. Handover Guarantee for End-of-Tenancy Cleaning
If you are booking end-of-tenancy cleaning specifically, this is non-negotiable: the company must offer a written Abnahmegarantie (handover guarantee). This means if the landlord's inspector flags deficiencies, the company returns and re-cleans at no extra cost.
Companies that do not offer this guarantee are betting you won't notice the omission — or are not confident enough in their work to stand behind it. Do not use them for a move-out clean.
5. Verified Customer Reviews
Look for reviews that mention:
- Specific service type (end-of-tenancy, regular cleaning, etc.)
- Whether the deposit was returned in full (for move-out cleans)
- How the company handled problems or complaints
- Promptness and reliability
Review platforms relevant in Switzerland: Google Reviews, local cantonal directories, and platform-specific feedback if booked through a comparison service.
6. Itemised Quotation
A professional company provides a written, itemised quote that specifies:
- Which rooms and areas are covered
- Which appliances are cleaned (oven, extractor, fridge, etc.)
- Whether window cleaning is included
- Whether carpet cleaning is included
- Whether the handover guarantee is included at this price
- The total price without hidden add-ons
A quote that is a single flat figure with no breakdown is a warning sign.
7. Communication and Responsiveness
How a company responds to your initial inquiry tells you how they will respond when there is a problem. A company that is slow to respond, vague about terms, or unable to answer basic questions about their insurance or guarantee is not a company you want cleaning your home or responsible for your deposit.
Red Flags to Avoid
Prices that seem too low Cleaning labour in Switzerland has a minimum wage that varies by canton but is generally CHF 20–24/hour. A company quoting CHF 10/hour per cleaner is either underpaying workers (undeclared labour), cutting the scope of the clean, or will add hidden surcharges.
No written confirmation Any professional engagement should be confirmed in writing: the scope of work, the price, the date, and the guarantee terms. Verbal agreements are unenforceable when disputes arise.
Payment in cash only Professional Swiss cleaning companies invoice and accept bank transfer or card payment. Cash-only operators are often working undeclared and cannot provide a formal invoice.
No inspection before quoting For large or move-out cleans, a reputable company either inspects the property before quoting or asks detailed questions about size, condition, and specific requirements. A company that quotes the same flat rate without asking about your oven's condition or the presence of mould in the bathroom is not pricing your job — it is guessing.
Pressure to sign immediately A professional service has no need to pressure you. If someone is insisting you book today or the price doubles tomorrow, it is a sales tactic, not a service commitment.
Cleaning Costs in Switzerland: What to Expect
Understanding market rates helps you identify both unrealistically cheap and genuinely inflated quotes.
Regular Cleaning (Weekly or Bi-Weekly)
| Apartment Size | Typical Hourly Rate | Typical Session Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-room | CHF 22 – CHF 35/hour | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| 2-room apartment | CHF 22 – CHF 35/hour | 2 – 3 hours |
| 3-room apartment | CHF 22 – CHF 35/hour | 3 – 4 hours |
| 4-room apartment | CHF 22 – CHF 35/hour | 4 – 5 hours |
Some companies offer flat-rate sessions by apartment size. Either model is fine — compare total session cost, not just hourly rate.
End-of-Tenancy Cleaning
| Apartment Size | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-room | CHF 280 – CHF 480 |
| 2-room apartment | CHF 380 – CHF 650 |
| 3-room apartment | CHF 480 – CHF 850 |
| 4-room apartment | CHF 620 – CHF 1,100 |
| 5-room house | CHF 850 – CHF 1,600+ |
Note: carpet cleaning, window exterior cleaning, and cellar cleaning are often priced separately.
Office Cleaning
Commercial cleaning is typically priced on a monthly contract basis. For a 10-person office:
- Regular cleaning (2–3x per week): CHF 400 – CHF 900/month
- Full sanitisation or deep clean: CHF 300 – CHF 800 per session
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Use these questions when evaluating any cleaning company:
- Are you registered in the Swiss commercial register?
- Do you carry liability insurance? Can you provide proof?
- Are all your employees declared under Swiss social security?
- For end-of-tenancy cleans: do you offer a written Abnahmegarantie?
- What does your quote include, and what is explicitly excluded?
- How soon can you come back if the handover inspection reveals a problem?
- Do you bring your own cleaning products and equipment?
- What happens if a cleaner breaks something in my home?
- Do you provide a written confirmation before the cleaning appointment?
- Can you share references or reviews from similar jobs in my area?
Any professional provider answers all ten without hesitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I provide cleaning products or does the company bring them?
Most professional companies bring their own commercial-grade cleaning products and equipment. This is preferable — they know which products work on Swiss limestone-heavy water deposits and which are safe for specific surfaces. Confirm this when booking.
Can I book a cleaning company for a single appointment?
Yes. Most companies take one-off bookings as well as regular contracts. One-off services typically cost slightly more per session than an ongoing monthly arrangement.
What should I do if I'm not happy with the clean?
Contact the company immediately — before or on the same day. A professional service will return to re-clean at no charge when notified promptly. Do not wait days to raise a complaint; it weakens your position.
Is it better to hire a company or an individual cleaner?
Individual cleaners often cost less per hour but carry no insurance and cannot provide a formal invoice. For regular household cleaning with good communication, an individual can work well. For end-of-tenancy cleaning where a handover guarantee is essential, always use a registered company.
How do I find cleaning companies in my area in Switzerland?
Local searches, word of mouth, and online comparison platforms are the main options. Comparison platforms like Ofero allow you to submit one request and receive multiple verified offers — saving the time of researching and contacting companies individually.
Find Verified Cleaning Companies Through Ofero
Ofero connects Swiss households and businesses with verified cleaning companies — for regular cleaning, end-of-tenancy cleans with handover guarantee, and office cleaning services.
Submit one request and receive multiple quotes from licensed, reviewed providers in your area. Compare, ask questions, and book with confidence.