Skip to content
Checklist

Cleaning Checklist: What's Standard, What's Extra?

Unspoken expectations are worse than broken vases. Many conflicts between employers and cleaners start because nobody clearly discussed what's included in regular cleaning and what isn't. This checklist creates clarity: standard cleaning, deep cleaning and extras - printable, discussable and checkable.

Updated: September 2026·Reading time: 5 min
Answer in 30 seconds

Standard cleaning on every visit means vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathroom, toilet, kitchen, mirrors and bins. Oven, fridge, inside windows and limescale are deep cleaning, every 3-4 months and with extra time. Ironing, laundry, outside windows or the balcony are extras you agree separately.

  • In 3 hours a cleaner manages the standard clean of a 3- to 4-room flat, but not the deep clean on top.
  • Tick what you expect below and go through the list together on the first visit.
  • As the employer you provide cleaning products and equipment (Art. 327 CO).
Go to the checklist

Your Personal Checklist

Tick what your cleaner should do each visit - and print the list. So both sides know exactly what's expected.

Standard cleaning

Deep cleaning

Extras

Hand with a green pen ticking off a list on a clipboard, next to yellow cleaning gloves and cleaning products on the kitchen counter
Tick it off instead of guessing: the checklist separates standard cleaning, deep cleaning and extras.

Standard Cleaning: What Most People Expect Weekly

This is the core of any regular cleaning session. Most households expect these tasks every time - but only if you've discussed it beforehand, ideally already in the interview and on the trial day.

Clean Zurich apartment after deep cleaning

Deep Cleaning: Seasonal Clean Every 3-4 Months

Deep cleaning takes 2-3 times longer than a regular session. Plan extra time - and discuss the tasks in advance.

Extras: Not Included by Default

These tasks are not automatically part of a cleaning session. They must be agreed separately - and typically take more time (and therefore cost more). If you also want to hand over laundry and ironing regularly, check whether a housekeeper suits you better than a cleaner.

Next question

Is your household help registered, and what does she cost done right?

In a private household, AHV is due from the first franc of wages, even for a few hours a week. The calculator shows net wage, contributions and your total cost; registration follows from there with the same numbers.

Check cost and registration

Free Checklist: Hire Household Help Correctly

AHV, accident insurance, contract. All on one page, by email in 30 seconds.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in standard cleaning - and what isn't?
Standard typically includes vacuuming, mopping, bathroom, toilet, kitchen and dusting. Oven, windows or ironing are not included unless you agree on them separately.
Should I give my cleaner a written task list?
Absolutely. A short list (like this checklist) avoids misunderstandings and shows respect. Discuss the list together on the first visit.
Who buys the cleaning products?
Usually you as the employer provide cleaning supplies and equipment. This is legally correct - work materials are the employer's responsibility (Art. 327 CO).
How long does a cleaner need for a 3-room apartment?
Standard cleaning: about 2-3 hours. Deep cleaning: 4-6 hours. How many hours you really need depends on the size, condition and the cleaner's experience.
What if she doesn't finish everything?
Talk about it openly, in person or with a kindly worded WhatsApp message. Perhaps the time is too short, or expectations are too high. Adjust the task list or working hours together - no blame, just solutions.
What can a cleaner do in 3 hours?
In a 3- to 4-room flat, the standard clean: floors, bathroom, toilet, kitchen and dusting. Deep cleaning, laundry or ironing no longer fit in. What realistically fits into 3, 6 or 9 hours is set out in the guide to the tasks of a household helper.
Is deep cleaning the same as spring cleaning?
Not quite. Deep cleaning here is the round every 3-4 months: oven, fridge, inside windows, limescale and grout. Spring cleaning goes through the whole home once a year, down to outside windows, balcony and cellar. There is a separate spring cleaning checklist for it, room by room.
Do I need a checklist or a cleaning schedule?
The checklist settles what is part of a visit and what is extra. A cleaning schedule spreads the tasks over weeks and months, so when each one is due. Start with the checklist, then use the cleaning schedule template to build the weekly plan.

Related Articles

Salvador Jovells

Salvador Jovells, founder of Clino