Cleaning supplies & equipment: who provides what for your cleaner?
Short answer: you provide the material as the employer - that's what Art. 327 CO says. Only a handful of personal items your cleaner usually brings herself.
Your questions, answered in 10 seconds
Who buys the cleaning products?
You, as the employer - it's the law.
Do I need to provide a vacuum cleaner?
Yes, all work equipment is on you.
What does she bring herself?
Only personal items like shoes or gloves.
What if she uses her own material?
Then she's entitled to compensation.
Art. 327 and 327a CO - in plain language
Art. 327 CO: the employer provides the necessary tools and material - unless otherwise expressly agreed. If she uses her own material, she's entitled to compensation.
Art. 327a CO: the employer must reimburse necessary expenses regardless - mandatory, can't be waived to her disadvantage.
More on general employer duties in the household and the cantonal standard employment contract (NAV).
What your cleaner usually brings herself
Legally, you wouldn't have to provide these either - but experienced cleaners usually bring them out of habit. If she doesn't, just ask.
What you provide as the household
Check it off, print it, or take it straight to the shop - everything in one place.
Equipment - one-off purchase
Consumables - restocked monthly
Optional - by agreement
What does the starter kit actually cost?
A rough ballpark for the first shop - calculated straight from the list above.
CLEANING STARTER KIT
Rough cost to get started
Already own a vacuum or iron? Then you start well below this.
* * * CLINO.CH * * *
Agreeing on it protects both sides
Without a clear agreement
- •Uncertainty over who buys what
- •Cleaner may end up buying it herself
- •Friction right from the first conversation
With it written into the contract
- •Clear responsibility from day one
- •No silent costs for the employee
- •Far fewer misunderstandings
What if she prefers her own material?
Some cleaners prefer their own products - allowed, but with a right to compensation (Art. 327 para. 2 CO). Simplest fix: a fixed amount in the contract, e.g. CHF 20-30 a month.
The simplest way to settle this is directly in the employment contract template.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to provide my cleaner's cleaning products?
Yes. Art. 327 CO obliges you to - unless you expressly agree otherwise.
What if I don't own a vacuum cleaner?
Then you need to buy one. A mid-range model for CHF 150-300 is plenty for a private household.
Do I need to buy branded products?
No. Store brands like M-Budget or Coop Budget clean just as well - as long as they match the flooring.
Does this also apply to a nanny or caregiver?
Yes, the principle is the same for any household employee: work equipment is the employer's responsibility, regardless of the specific task.
What if she refuses to work without her own material?
Address it directly - it's usually just a misunderstanding. Write the responsibility into the contract to prevent future conflicts.
Who pays if a device breaks?
Normal wear and tear is on you as the employer. In case of gross negligence, the employee may share some responsibility - that would run through personal liability insurance.
Related reading
Contract and payroll - Clino prepares the rest
Write who provides the cleaning supplies directly into the employment contract. Clino generates the contract, payslip and AHV registration automatically - for CHF 19.90 a month.
Start for freeNote: This article does not replace legal advice. Prices are rough estimates as of July 2026 and may vary by shop.
