Cleaning – Costs, Services & Tips for a Clean Home
A clean home or a thoroughly cleaned apartment at handover not only creates a sense of well-being, but also saves time, nerves – and in the best case, even money. Professional cleaning companies take care of everything: from regular maintenance cleaning to window and carpet cleaning, all the way to final move-out cleaning with handover guarantee.
But how much does cleaning in Switzerland really cost? Which services are included? And when is a professional worth it compared to DIY?
In this guide, you’ll find a clear overview of all typical cleaning services, realistic price ranges, important cost factors, and practical saving tips – so you get exactly the cleaning that fits your home and budget.
How much does a cleaning cost?
Cleaning prices in Switzerland mainly depend on apartment size, level of dirt, number of windows, and whether a handover guarantee is required. Professional cleaning companies usually work either with flat rates based on the number of rooms or – less commonly – with hourly rates between CHF 45–65 per hour.
The following price ranges provide realistic guidance.
Costs by apartment size
1–1.5 rooms
Typical scope: kitchen, bathroom, floors, basic window cleaning
Cost: approx. CHF 350–450
2–2.5 rooms
A classic for moving apartments – more windows and full bathroom cleaning
Cost: approx. CHF 450–650
3–3.5 rooms
More space, more windows, often an additional balcony or basement
Cost: approx. CHF 650–900
4–5 rooms
Ideal for family apartments with extensive cleaning (multiple bathrooms, large window fronts)
Cost: approx. CHF 950–1,500
Single-family house
Cost: approx. CHF 1,500–2,500
Typically included
● Kitchen & appliances (without interior oven/fridge cleaning, depending on provider)
● Bathrooms incl. fittings
● All floors
● Windows inside & outside (basic scope)
● Surfaces & dust removal
Costs by effort
With/without handover guarantee
A handover guarantee ensures the company will re-clean at its own cost if the landlord is not satisfied. This increases planning security – and the price.
Surcharge: approx. CHF 50–100
Heavy dirt
Vacant apartments, greasy kitchens, mold, heavily limescaled bathrooms, or floors not cleaned for a long time require more time and materials.
Surcharge: +20–30%
Balcony / basement / terrace
Additional areas increase the scope but are usually affordable.
Cost: CHF 50–150
Number of windows / large window fronts
Many windows or special designs (skylights, sliding doors, conservatories) are often charged separately.
Cost: CHF 20–40 per window / CHF 40–80 per large element
Carpet cleaning vs. hard floors
Hard floors are cleaned quickly. Carpets often require special machines or foam systems.
Carpet cleaning: CHF 5–10 per m² extra
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The Most Important Cost Factors in Cleaning Services
Apartment size & number of rooms
The more rooms that need to be cleaned, the more extensive the work becomes – especially if there are multiple bathrooms, large kitchens, or spacious living areas. Additional rooms such as storage areas, offices, or hobby rooms also increase the effort required.
Condition of the apartment (e.g. limescale, grease, nicotine)
Heavily soiled surfaces require intensive cleaning products and significantly more time. Particularly stubborn are burnt-in grease in the kitchen, limescale deposits in bathrooms, or nicotine residue on walls and ceilings.
Number of windows & window types / window size
Windows are among the most time-consuming elements of a move-out cleaning – especially with large glass surfaces or hard-to-reach windows. Frames, shutters, blinds, and sliding doors further increase the workload.
Kitchen & appliance cleaning
The kitchen is usually the most labor-intensive part of an apartment cleaning. Ovens, refrigerators, extractor hoods, and cooktops require deep cleaning, especially when grease and residue have built up over time.
Bathroom condition
Bathrooms show dirt most visibly. Limescale, mold, soap residue, and heavily soiled grout often require special treatments. A well-maintained bathroom can be cleaned quickly, while a heavily soiled one can double the effort.
Additional rooms (basement, hobby room, attic)
Many cleaning companies do not automatically include basements or attics. These areas are often dusty, cluttered, or difficult to access and require additional time for clearing and surface cleaning.
Extras (floor treatment, carpets, upholstery)
Special floors such as parquet, stone, or vinyl require different cleaning methods (wet cleaning, polishing, special care). Carpets and upholstered furniture may require shampooing or spray extraction, depending on condition.
Regional price differences
In cities such as Zurich, Basel, or Geneva, cleaning services are often more expensive due to higher labor and rental costs. In rural areas, prices are usually somewhat lower for the same quality of service.
Cleaning Services in Detail and Their Costs
Professional cleaning companies offer far more than simple vacuuming and surface cleaning. Depending on apartment condition, materials, and requirements, effort and pricing vary. The following categories show what services typically include – along with realistic price ranges based on Swiss market practice.
Move-Out Cleaning with Handover Guarantee
Classic end-of-tenancy cleaning covers all required areas such as kitchen, bathroom, windows, floors, sockets, fixtures, and hard-to-reach spots. A handover guarantee means the company will re-clean at no extra cost if the landlord or property manager is not satisfied.
Cost: approx. CHF 490–2,000, depending on apartment size (1–5 rooms)
Window & Shutter Cleaning
Window cleaning is particularly time-consuming, especially with many window wings, louvered shutters, or difficult-to-reach areas. Professional cleaners ensure streak-free results, including frames and sills.
Costs:
● Windows (inside & outside): CHF 10–20 per wing
● Louvered shutters: CHF 10–20 per unit
Kitchen Cleaning (Oven, Extractor Hood, Refrigerator)
The kitchen is often the most demanding room. Burnt-in oven residue, grease buildup in extractor hoods, and refrigerator interiors require professional products and experience. These services are often charged separately for move-out cleanings.
Costs:
● Oven: CHF 30–50
● Extractor hood: CHF 30–50
● Refrigerator: CHF 20–40
Bathroom & Sanitary Cleaning
Limescale, dull fixtures, discolored grout, and soap residue can quickly make bathrooms look neglected. Cleaning companies use professional descalers, steam devices, and special brushes for a perfect result.
Cost: CHF 100–200 per bathroom (depending on effort & size)
Floor Cleaning (Parquet, Stone, Carpet)
Different floor types require different cleaning methods. Parquet must be treated gently, stone floors can be polished, and carpets often need deep cleaning.
Costs:
● Wet cleaning parquet/stone: CHF 2–5 per m²
● Carpet shampooing: CHF 10–20 per m²
Special Cleaning (Nicotine stains, mold, pet hair)
Special cases require dedicated products and methods. Nicotine adheres strongly to surfaces, pet hair embeds deeply, and mold requires professional treatment including cause analysis.
Costs:
● Nicotine cleaning: CHF 10–20 per m²
● Pet hair removal: CHF 50–100 per room
● Mold removal (surface level): CHF 200–400
DIY Cleaning or Hiring a Cleaning Company?
Many people ask themselves: should I do the cleaning myself or hire a professional cleaning company?
The answer depends heavily on available time, level of dirt, handover deadlines, and personal standards. This section helps you realistically assess what you can handle yourself – and when hiring a professional is the better choice.
What You Can Do Yourself
Many cleaning tasks can easily be handled on your own – especially if the apartment is well maintained and you have enough time. Typical DIY tasks include basic surface cleaning, regular floor care, and cleaning individual rooms.
DIY is particularly suitable if there is no strict handover deadline and no heavy soiling.
Typical DIY Cleaning Tasks:
● Wiping kitchen surfaces & cooktops
● Vacuuming and mopping floors
● Cleaning bathrooms “normally” (without stubborn limescale)
● Dusting, cleaning windowsills, wiping furniture surfaces
● Light window cleaning under good conditions
● Advantage: You save money
● Disadvantage: High time investment, no handover guarantee
When Hiring a Cleaning Company Makes Sense
A professional cleaning company is always the best solution when time pressure is high, cleaning effort is significant, or a strict move-out deadline exists. Property managers and landlords check cleanliness very carefully – especially kitchens, bathrooms, and windows.
Professionals know landlord standards, bring the right equipment and products, and often handle the entire handover process.
A cleaning company is recommended if:
● A move-out cleaning with a fixed handover date is required
● Bathrooms are heavily soiled (limescale, silicone joints, mold)
● There is heavy grease buildup in the kitchen
● Nicotine residue or persistent odors are present
● The apartment is large (from approx. 3 rooms and up)
● You are working full-time or have little available time
● Windows are difficult (shutters, many panes, large glass fronts)
● Advantage: Handover guarantee, professional results, stress-free
● Disadvantage: Higher costs – depending on size, several hundred Swiss francs
Saving Tips for Your Cleaning
With a few smart measures, you can significantly reduce the cost of professional cleaning or your own workload.
1. Choose the right date
Weekdays and dates outside peak moving periods are noticeably cheaper.
Savings: up to 15–20%
2. Do pre-cleaning yourself
If you remove heavy dirt in advance (e.g. pre-clean the kitchen, wipe surfaces), cleaning companies need less time.
Savings: 1–2 hours of labor
3. Clean windows yourself
Windows are often one of the most expensive items. Cleaning windows and shutters yourself can save a lot.
Savings: CHF 100–300
4. Pre-clean fridge & oven
These appliances often require intensive work. Pre-cleaning them reduces costs significantly.
Savings: CHF 30–50
5. Compare quotes (at least 3 providers)
Price differences of 15–30% are common – especially with or without a handover guarantee.
Savings: CHF 50–200
6. Air out & prepare the apartment
Accessible rooms, cleared surfaces, and open cabinets save time.
Effect: Fewer hours → lower costs
Professional Cleaning Is Worth It – Save Time, Secure Quality
Thorough cleaning is more than just tidying up. It protects the building fabric, improves living comfort, and provides legal security during move-out. While DIY cleaning may be sufficient for light dirt, professional cleaning saves enormous time and stress for heavily used apartments, large spaces, or tight deadlines.
Those who compare services and realistically assess the apartment’s condition can easily find the best solution – DIY or professional.
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