Home cleaning has become a common service in French-speaking Switzerland. According to the Federal Statistical Office, more than 15% of Swiss households use a regular domestic cleaner. This trend is easy to understand: long working days, tiring commutes, and the real need to come home to a clean apartment without spending the whole weekend cleaning. But how do you compare prices, cleaning frequency, legal obligations and reliable providers? This guide covers everything you need to know before booking a home cleaning service in French-speaking Switzerland.
What is a home cleaning service in Switzerland?
A home cleaning service means having a qualified person come to your home to take care of the regular maintenance of your property. This person handles floor cleaning, bathrooms, the kitchen, dusting and everyday surfaces. The goal is simple: to free up your time by delegating household chores to someone competent.
In Switzerland, there are two main options. The first is to hire a domestic cleaner directly. You find the person yourself, through an advert or word of mouth. You then become their employer. This means you must declare their salary, pay AHV/IV/APG social security contributions, take out accident insurance, which is mandatory from the first hour worked, and draft an employment contract that complies with the Swiss Code of Obligations. Many private individuals are unaware of these obligations or neglect them, which exposes them to fines and civil liability in case of an accident.
The second option is to use a placement agency or a cleaning company. The agency takes care of everything: staff selection, reference checks, social security declarations, professional liability insurance, and replacement in case of absence. You receive an invoice, you pay it, and that is it. No paperwork, no legal risk.
In French-speaking Switzerland, most people looking for regular home cleaning use a specialised company. The reason is practical: managing social security contributions, finding a replacement when the cleaner is ill, and making sure everything is compliant requires time and administrative knowledge. A company like MénageSimple in Geneva or in Lausanne takes care of all these aspects.
Home cleaning: how much does it cost in French-speaking Switzerland?
The price of home cleaning in French-speaking Switzerland depends on whether you hire directly or use a company. If you hire directly, the gross hourly wage of a domestic cleaner is generally between CHF 25 and CHF 30 per hour. But you must add social security contributions, such as AHV, IV, APG and unemployment insurance, around 6.4% at your expense, as well as accident insurance and administrative costs. The real cost often exceeds CHF 33 to 35 per hour.
At MénageSimple, the rate is CHF 43.90 per hour, all included. This price includes the careful selection of the cleaner, reference checks, full social security contributions, professional liability insurance, guaranteed replacement in case of absence, and regular quality follow-up. No hidden fees, no surprises on the invoice.
To give you a concrete idea of the monthly budget:
- Studio or 2-room apartment — 2 hours every 2 weeks: around CHF 175/month
- 3 to 4-room apartment — 2.5 hours per week: around CHF 440/month
- 5-room apartment or larger — 3.5 hours per week: around CHF 615/month
The price difference between direct employment and using a company is justified by the services included. When you hire directly, you save on the hourly rate, but you take on all the management yourself: finding a replacement if the person is ill, which is often impossible at short notice, handling any conflict, and making social security declarations every quarter. With a company, everything is delegated.
For a detailed comparison of prices by region, see our page on cleaning lady rates by canton in Switzerland.
How often should you book home cleaning?
The ideal cleaning frequency depends on your situation: size of the property, number of occupants, whether you have children or pets, and your lifestyle. Here are practical benchmarks based on our clients’ experience.
Couples without children, 2 to 3-room apartment: a cleaning visit every two weeks is enough in most cases. The apartment stays clean between visits if you do a minimum of daily upkeep, such as dishes and kitchen surfaces. Budget: around CHF 175 to 220/month.
Families with children, 1 or 2 children: a weekly visit is the minimum recommended frequency. Children naturally create more mess: crumbs, marks on surfaces, and more intensive bathroom use. Some families with 3 children or more choose two visits per week. Weekly budget: around CHF 110 to 155 depending on the duration.
Pet owners: weekly cleaning is strongly recommended. Cat and dog hair quickly builds up on floors, rugs and furniture. Without regular cleaning, odours can also settle in. One visit per week with careful vacuuming of textiles makes a real difference.
Large houses, 5 rooms or more: even without children, the surface area to maintain justifies a weekly visit. Less-used rooms collect dust, and multiple bathrooms require regular maintenance to prevent limescale.
Our detailed article on the ideal cleaning frequency can help you determine the right rhythm for your household.
What is included, and not included, in a standard home cleaning service?
A standard home cleaning service covers the regular maintenance of your property. Here is what is generally included in each visit:
Included in standard cleaning:
- Vacuuming and washing all floors, including parquet, tiles and vinyl
- Kitchen cleaning: worktop, sink, hob, and exterior of household appliances
- Bathroom cleaning: toilet, washbasin, shower or bathtub, and mirrors
- Dusting surfaces: furniture, shelves and window sills
- Cleaning tables and chairs
- Emptying bins
- Cleaning marks on doors and light switches
What is generally not included:
- Ironing, which can be added on request; allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes
- Exterior window cleaning, which requires specific equipment
- Deep cleaning, such as inside the oven, defrosting the fridge, or intensive descaling
- Tidying and organising cupboards
- Cleaning balconies or terraces
The typical duration of a cleaning visit varies depending on the size of the property. Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for a studio or 2-room apartment, 2 to 2.5 hours for a 3 to 4-room apartment, and 3 to 4 hours for a property with 5 rooms or more. These durations apply to regular maintenance. For the first visit, allow an extra 15 to 30 minutes: the cleaner needs to discover the property and adapt to your home.
If you want additional services, such as cleaning inside the oven, interior window cleaning or ironing, simply mention this when booking. The duration of the visit will be adjusted accordingly.
How to choose a home cleaning company in French-speaking Switzerland
The home cleaning market in French-speaking Switzerland includes dozens of providers: local agencies, national platforms and independent cleaners. How do you choose the right one? Here are the criteria that really matter.
Professional liability insurance: this is the number one criterion. If the person cleaning your home breaks a valuable object or damages a surface, professional liability insurance covers the damage. Without insurance, you have to negotiate, and often pay. Check that the company has valid professional liability insurance.
Staff selection: a good company does not recruit just anyone. The process should include identity verification, reference checks, an in-person interview, and ideally a trial period. At MénageSimple, fewer than 5% of applications lead to a collaboration, which helps ensure a consistent level of quality.
Guaranteed replacement: is your cleaner ill or on holiday? A serious company should be able to offer you a replacement within 48 hours. This is a decisive advantage compared with direct employment, where you may be left without a solution for weeks.
Verifiable customer reviews: check Google reviews, testimonials on the company’s website, and do not hesitate to ask for references. Authentic and detailed reviews are a good indicator of reliability. Discover the reviews from our MénageSimple clients.
Warning signs: be cautious of abnormally low prices, especially below CHF 30 per hour, as there may be a risk of undeclared work. Also be careful if there is no written contract, if the company refuses to provide proof of insurance, or if it does not answer the phone.
MénageSimple operates throughout French-speaking Switzerland: Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg, as well as the cantons of Vaud and Valais. Our regional presence allows us to understand local specificities and provide a nearby, responsive service.
What happens during the first visit?
The first visit is always a period of adjustment, both for you and for the cleaner. Here is how it works in practice.
The cleaner arrives at your home and starts by walking through the property. She identifies the rooms, surfaces and specific details, such as floor type, fragile objects and areas that need more attention. This initial review takes a few minutes but is essential for organising the work efficiently.
We recommend preparing a short list of priorities. For example: “the bathroom and kitchen are the priorities; the guest room can be done last.” This list helps the cleaner focus on what matters most to you, especially if time is limited.
The first visits generally take 15 to 20 minutes longer than a routine cleaning visit. This is normal: the person does not yet know your home, needs to find the products, and checks where to put the equipment back. After 2 to 3 visits, a routine is established. The cleaner knows your apartment well and works much faster.
A practical tip: during the first visits, stay available, even by phone, to answer possible questions. “Can I use this product on the parquet?” “Should I clean inside the microwave?” These small exchanges help adjust the service to your expectations from the start.
Home cleaning and undeclared work: the risks in Switzerland
In Switzerland, a significant number of households employ a domestic cleaner without declaring them. According to some estimates, up to 30% of domestic workers work “off the books”, meaning without social security declarations or an employment contract. This practice is illegal and creates real risks for both parties.
For the employer, meaning you:
- Fine of up to CHF 5,000 in case of an inspection for failure to declare AHV contributions
- Direct civil liability in case of an accident: if your cleaner falls from a stepladder and is seriously injured in your home, you are responsible. Without accident insurance, the medical costs, loss of earnings and possible long-term consequences are your responsibility. This can potentially amount to tens of thousands of francs.
- No coverage if the person breaks or damages something in your home
For the employee:
- No AHV contributions: their old-age pension will be reduced
- No unemployment insurance in case of job loss
- No protection in case of a workplace accident
Using a declared company eliminates all these risks. The company is the legal employer, manages the contributions and insures the staff. As a client, you are simply the beneficiary of a service, with no employer responsibility. It is the safest and simplest solution.
For more information about declared wages in the sector, see our page on the salary of a cleaner in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions about home cleaning
Is home cleaning tax-deductible in Switzerland?
Yes, in some cantons. In Geneva, for example, home cleaning costs may be deductible from cantonal tax under certain conditions, such as old age, disability, or both partners working. The deductible amount varies by canton. Check with your cantonal tax administration.
Do I need to provide the cleaning products?
It depends on the company. At MénageSimple, you provide the basic cleaning products, such as multi-surface cleaner, glass cleaner and bathroom cleaner, as well as the equipment, such as a vacuum cleaner and mop. If you prefer eco-friendly or hypoallergenic products, you can make them available.
What happens if my cleaner is absent?
With a company like MénageSimple, a replacement is organised quickly. You are informed in advance and another qualified cleaner comes instead. If you hire directly, you have to find a solution yourself.
Is there a minimum commitment period?
At MénageSimple, there is no minimum commitment period. You can stop the service whenever you want, with reasonable notice. Some companies require a 3 or 6-month contract, so check the conditions before signing.
I have pets. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Simply mention the presence of pets when booking. Some cleaners have allergies or fears, and we take this into account when assigning someone. Pet owners often need a weekly visit to manage hair and odours.
Can I give my keys to the cleaner?
Yes, this is common practice. Most of our clients leave a set of keys with their cleaner so that the cleaning can be done while they are away. All our cleaners are carefully selected and their references are checked.
Should I give a tip?
Tipping is not mandatory. If you are satisfied with the work, a small gesture is always appreciated, but there is no obligation. Some clients give a tip at Christmas or at the end of the year.
How do I cancel or change an appointment?
At MénageSimple, you can change or cancel an appointment by phone or email. We ask for 48 hours’ notice for cancellations. In case of late cancellation, less than 24 hours before the appointment, fees may apply. Contact us for any questions about managing your appointments.
