10 Tips: How to Find the Right Cleaning Company

There are thousands of cleaning companies in Switzerland — from sole proprietors to large enterprises. The choice can be overwhelming, and unfortunately, there are also bad apples. With these 10 tips, you will make the right decision and avoid costly mistakes.

A note for expats and English speakers: The Swiss cleaning market operates somewhat differently from other countries. Understanding local norms around liability insurance (Betriebshaftpflicht), the handover guarantee (Abnahmegarantie), and typical pricing structures will help you navigate the process confidently.

1. Get Multiple Quotes

Obtain at least 3–4 quotes. This gives you a feel for the market and allows you to compare prices and services. The price differences are often astonishing: for the same 3-room apartment, quotes can range from CHF 350 to CHF 800.

Tip: With SwissOfferten, you receive multiple quotes from verified companies in your region free of charge — without tedious individual enquiries.

When comparing, pay attention to:

2. Check for Insurance

A reputable cleaning company has business liability insurance (Betriebshaftpflichtversicherung). Ask explicitly and, if in doubt, request proof.

Why is this important?

If something gets damaged during cleaning — a scratched glass shower screen, a discoloured carpet, or a shelf falling down — without the company's insurance, you are left with the costs.

Red flag: If a company cannot give a clear answer about insurance, look elsewhere.

3. Check References and Reviews

Ask for references or read online reviews. Google reviews provide a good insight into work quality.

How to evaluate reviews correctly:

4. Handover Guarantee for Move-Out Cleaning

For move-out cleaning, a handover guarantee (Abnahmegarantie) is invaluable. The company returns free of charge and rectifies any issues if the landlord or property management finds deficiencies at the apartment handover.

What a good handover guarantee covers:

What it does NOT cover:

5. Written Quote with Service Description

Insist on a written quote with a detailed service description. This avoids misunderstandings and unpleasant surprises.

The quote should include:

6. Choose a Local Company

Local companies know the local conditions and can be on-site quickly if problems arise. Additionally, expensive travel surcharges do not apply.

Advantages of local companies:

7. Consider Price-Performance Ratio

The cheapest provider is not always the best — and the most expensive is not automatically the best either. Look at the overall package.

Warning signs of prices that are too low:

Realistic hourly rates in Switzerland:

8. Test Communication and Responsiveness

How quickly and professionally does the company respond to your enquiry? This says a lot about their work ethic and reliability.

Good signs:

Bad signs:

9. Clarify Cleaning Products and Materials

Are eco-friendly cleaning products used? Are all materials included in the price? This is especially important for households with children, pets, or allergy sufferers.

Ask specifically:

10. Flexibility and Availability

Can the company also step in at short notice? What happens with schedule changes? How accommodating are the cancellation terms?

Important to clarify:

Checklist: 15 Questions to Ask the Cleaning Company

Print out this checklist and go through the questions before booking:

Red Flags — When to Avoid a Company

Watch out for these warning signs:

Conclusion

Take your time with the selection. A good cleaning company saves you time, money, and stress in the end. Pay attention to insurance, handover guarantee, and a written quote — and do not be blinded by the lowest price.

Easier with SwissOfferten: Submit a free enquiry and receive 3–4 quotes from verified cleaning companies in your region. Save time searching and compare at your leisure.