Home cleaning has become a common service in Switzerland. Whether you work full-time, manage a large family or simply want to spend your free time differently, hiring a house cleaner is a practical and accessible solution. This guide explains everything you need to know about organising your home cleaning in Switzerland in 2026.
What does a standard home cleaning service include?
A home cleaning service generally covers the routine maintenance of your property. Here is what a standard service includes:
Living areas (lounge, bedrooms)
- Dusting surfaces (furniture, shelves, frames)
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Cleaning mirrors
- Light tidying (straightening cushions, folding throws)
Kitchen
- Cleaning worktops and the table
- Exterior cleaning of appliances
- Sink and taps
- Bin emptied
- Floor washed
Bathroom and WC
- Cleaning and disinfecting the toilet
- Sink, bathtub or shower
- Mirror
- Floor washed
Some tasks like ironing, interior window cleaning or oven cleaning can be added on request. Simply specify this when booking.
How to prepare your home before the visit
To help your house cleaner be efficient from the start, a few simple steps make a real difference:
- Clear the surfaces: put away paperwork, toys and personal items. The house cleaner cleans; she does not tidy your home.
- Flag your priorities: if the bathroom needs more attention this week, say so. Communication is key.
- Provide basic equipment: vacuum cleaner, broom, mop, cleaning products. Unless stated otherwise, the client supplies the equipment in Switzerland.
- Arrange access: key, entry code or be present. Many clients hand over a key to their house cleaner after a few visits.
These simple preparations help maximise the actual cleaning time. For more practical tips, see our article on how to keep your home clean between visits.
What frequency should you choose for home cleaning?
The right frequency depends on your property and your lifestyle. Here are our recommendations:
- Once a week: ideal for most households. This is the most popular frequency in Western Switzerland. It keeps the level of cleanliness consistent.
- Every 2 weeks: suits small apartments, people living alone or couples without children. Some light maintenance is needed between visits.
- Twice a week: recommended for large homes, families with young children or households with pets.
- One-off: for a spring clean, an event or a move.
To explore this topic further, read our dedicated article: how often should you clean your home?
How much does home cleaning cost in Switzerland?
Prices vary by canton, frequency and hiring method. Here is an overview of rates in 2026:
- Direct employment (registered): CHF 28 to 33/hour (gross salary + social charges)
- Via an agency: CHF 32 to 45/hour (all-inclusive)
- Undeclared work: CHF 25 to 30/hour (illegal, high risks)
At MénageSimple, our rates start from CHF 32/hour, all-inclusive (insurance, social charges, guaranteed replacement). The higher the frequency, the lower the hourly rate.
For a detailed price analysis, see our complete guide to cleaning prices in Switzerland or our article on home cleaning prices.
Agency vs direct employment: how to choose?
Two options are available for organising your home cleaning. Each one has its advantages.
Direct employment
You hire and register the house cleaner yourself. It is slightly cheaper, but you handle the administration: AVS registration, LAA insurance, payslips, finding a replacement when she is absent.
Going through an agency like MénageSimple
The agency takes care of everything: recruitment, reference checks, social declarations, insurance and replacement. You simply enjoy a clean home.
In practice, here are the main differences:
- Administration: you manage it (direct employment) or we manage it for you (agency)
- Replacement: you find someone (direct employment) vs guaranteed (agency)
- Cost: slightly lower with direct employment, but administration time also has a cost
- Quality: variable with direct employment, monitored by the agency
For most clients, the convenience of a turnkey solution easily justifies the price difference.
The MénageSimple approach to home cleaning
At MénageSimple, we have simplified home cleaning in Western Switzerland. Here is how it works:
- Online booking: enter your address, property size and preferred frequency
- Matching: we select an experienced house cleaner close to your area
- First cleaning: your house cleaner visits, you show her the property and your priorities
- Quality monitoring: after each visit, you can rate the service. We step in if needed.
We operate in Lausanne, Geneva, Nyon, Morges, Vevey, Fribourg, Neuchâtel and Sion.
FAQ about home cleaning in Switzerland
Do I need to provide cleaning products?
Generally, yes. The client provides the vacuum cleaner, mop and products. Some agencies, including MénageSimple, can supply professional products on request.
Can I change my house cleaner if it is not working out?
Yes. At MénageSimple, if the fit is not right, we assign you a new house cleaner at no extra cost.
How is the security of my home ensured?
All our house cleaners go through a rigorous recruitment process that includes reference checks and a supervised introductory cleaning. In addition, our liability insurance covers any potential damages.
What is the minimum duration of a visit?
At MénageSimple, the minimum duration is 2 hours. For a standard apartment (3-4 rooms), allow 3 to 4 hours per visit.
Do I need to be at home during the cleaning?
No, it is not necessary. Most of our clients give a key or access code to their house cleaner. You can come home and enjoy a clean property.
Is home cleaning tax-deductible in Switzerland?
In some cantons, cleaning costs can be partially deducted as maintenance expenses. Check with your cantonal tax authority.
