10 Tips for Choosing the Right Cleaning Company
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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:
- Are the services comparable? (Some quotes exclude windows, for example)
- Is the price a fixed price or an estimate?
- Are materials and travel included?
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:
- At least 10-15 reviews for meaningful insight
- An average of 4.0+ stars is good
- Read the 2-3 star reviews especially (the most honest ones)
- Watch for recurring criticisms (e.g., "always late", "cleans superficially")
- Be wary of companies with only 5-star reviews and little text, these could be fake
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:
- Follow-up cleaning within 24-48 hours
- All cleaning deficiencies (but not pre-existing damage)
- No additional costs for re-cleaning
- Ideally: accompaniment to the apartment handover
What it does NOT cover:
- Pre-existing damage (scratches, discolouration, mould)
- Damage caused by furniture or the move itself
- Exterior window cleaning
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:
- Exact list of all rooms and services
- Fixed price or hourly rate (with estimated duration)
- Whether materials and travel are included
- Appointment and approximate duration
- Payment terms
- Handover guarantee (yes/no, conditions)
- Cancellation terms
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:
- Shorter travel = lower price
- Know the regional standards for apartment handovers
- Can respond quickly for follow-up work
- Often verifiable through local recommendations
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:
- Under CHF 25/hour: Probably undeclared work (Schwarzarbeit) or exploitative wages
- No insurance to save costs
- Poor quality leading to rework
- No written contract
Realistic hourly rates in Switzerland:
- Individual cleaner: CHF 30-40/hour
- Cleaning company: CHF 35-55/hour
- Specialised end-of-tenancy cleaning: CHF 40-60/hour
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:
- Response within 24 hours
- Friendly and competent communication
- Clear statements about services and prices
- Willingness to answer questions
Bad signs:
- No response within 2-3 days
- Only vague price information on the phone
- No inspection offered for larger jobs
- Pressure to book immediately
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:
- Does the company bring all cleaning products?
- Are ecological / skin-friendly products used?
- Are vacuum cleaner, mop, etc. included?
- Are there surcharges for special products (e.g., for natural stone)?
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:
- Minimum lead time (1 day? 1 week?)
- Cancellation deadlines and costs
- Flexibility with schedule changes
- Weekend or evening availability (important for office cleaning)
Checklist: 15 Questions to Ask the Cleaning Company
Print out this checklist and go through the questions before booking:
- Are you insured? (Betriebshaftpflicht)
- Do you offer a handover guarantee? (for move-out cleaning)
- What exactly is included in the price?
- Is the price a fixed price?
- How long does the cleaning take approximately?
- Do you bring all materials and equipment?
- What cleaning products do you use?
- What about cancellations?
- How quickly can you respond for follow-up work?
- Do you have references or online reviews?
- How long have you been in the industry?
- How many employees do you have?
- Will I receive a written quote?
- How is payment handled?
- Do you have experience with my type of job?
Red Flags, When to Avoid a Company
Watch out for these warning signs:
- No written quotes
- Only cash payment accepted
- No provable insurance
- Unrealistically low prices
- Aggressive sales tactics
- No fixed address or website
- Only reachable via WhatsApp
- No reviews or only fake reviews
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.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
How many quotes should I get for a cleaning service?
How do I verify that a cleaning company in Switzerland is trustworthy?
Does a cleaning company need insurance in Switzerland?
How much does a professional cleaning company charge in Switzerland?
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