Search for "cleaning company near me" and you will find dozens of names, all promising reliability and sparkling results. For newcomers who do not yet know the local market, choosing is hard: Who is behind the website? Are the staff insured? And what does a quote actually include? Knowing how to find a good cleaning company in Switzerland is less about the nicest photos and more about checking a handful of facts.
This guide gives you five criteria that we would check ourselves – from the commercial register to the fine print on cancellation.
How to find a good cleaning company: why it matters
Someone who cleans your home has your keys, works around your belongings and may be alone in your flat. A cleaning company that cuts corners on employment and insurance can leave you exposed if something goes wrong – for example if a cleaner has an accident on a wet floor in your bathroom.
Undeclared work is also a real issue in household services. SECO's step-by-step guide explains how employers must register employment relationships and settle wages correctly to avoid undeclared work. With a company, this responsibility lies with the employer – but only if the company actually does it.
1. Commercial register and UID number
A legitimate business in Switzerland can usually be identified clearly.
- Look for the company name, legal form and address in the website's imprint.
- Check the entry in the commercial register via the federal Zefix search, and look up the company identification number (UID) in the UID register.
- Sole proprietorships below a certain turnover are not always obliged to register, so a missing entry is not automatically a red flag – but there should always be a traceable owner, address and phone number.
A mobile number and a first name only, with no address, is a reason to ask more questions.
2. Employment and insurance
This is the criterion most people forget, yet it matters most.
Ask directly:
- Are the cleaners employed by the company, with social insurance contributions paid?
- Are they covered by accident insurance?
- Does the company have business liability insurance in case something is damaged?
Occupational safety is part of professional cleaning. Suva's checklist for cleaning and maintenance of buildings covers hazardous substances, slippery floors, ladders and window cleaning – a serious company will know these topics.
3. Clear pricing: fixed price or hourly rate
Price models vary widely, which makes quotes hard to compare. What matters is transparency.
| Model | Advantage | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed price per job | You know the final amount in advance | Scope must be clearly defined |
| Hourly rate | Flexible for regular cleaning | Ask for a realistic time estimate |
| Subscription / regular visits | Planning security, same cleaner | Minimum term and notice period |
A trustworthy quote states what is included: rooms, kitchen appliances, windows, blinds, cleaning products and equipment, travel. For a move-out, it should also say whether the company attends the handover and re-cleans if necessary.
Asking for photos instead of a vague description is a good sign – it shows the company wants to price the actual condition of your home. We explain the factors that influence the amount in our guide to cleaning company cost in Switzerland.
4. Reviews and references – read them properly
Online reviews help, but only if you read them critically.
- Look for patterns: Several reviews mentioning punctuality, the same cleaner or good communication are more meaningful than one glowing five-star rating.
- Read the negative ones: How did the company respond? A calm, factual answer is a good sign.
- Check the dates: Recent reviews say more than ones from years ago.
- Ask neighbours and colleagues: In Switzerland, personal recommendations are still one of the best sources.
Be sceptical of profiles that only have a handful of very similar reviews posted within a short period.
5. Contract, cancellation and complaints
Before you agree, clarify the practical rules in writing – a short email confirmation is enough for private households.
- What happens if you need to cancel or reschedule a visit?
- What is the notice period for regular cleaning?
- Who replaces your cleaner during holidays or illness?
- How are complaints handled – will they come back to fix something?
- How are keys handed over and stored?
Warning signs to take seriously
- Cash only, no invoice.
- No written quote, just a figure on the phone.
- Pressure to decide immediately.
- Evasive answers about insurance and employment.
- A price far below all other quotes for the same scope.
Common mistakes when choosing a cleaning company
- Choosing on price alone: The cheapest quote often excludes things you assumed were included.
- Not asking about insurance: It only becomes relevant when something goes wrong – and then it is too late.
- Describing the home too vaguely: "A normal three-room flat" leads to inaccurate quotes.
- Skipping the trial: For regular cleaning, a first visit shows whether the chemistry and quality fit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a cleaning company in Switzerland is legitimate?
Look for a traceable company name, address and owner, check the entry in the commercial register via Zefix or the UID register, and ask how staff are employed and insured. A written quote and invoice are standard.
Should cleaning staff be insured?
Yes. Employees must be registered for social insurance and covered by accident insurance. A company should also have liability insurance for damage in your home. Ask before you book.
Is a fixed price better than an hourly rate for cleaning?
A fixed price gives certainty for one-off jobs such as deep or move-out cleaning. For regular cleaning, an hourly rate can work well if the time estimate is realistic and agreed in advance.
How do I find a cleaning company near me?
Search online for your town or canton, check reviews for patterns, ask neighbours or colleagues for recommendations and request quotes from two or three companies using the same description and photos.
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