Find a Cleaner in Switzerland: Best Ways 2026
Finding a reliable cleaner is harder than it sounds. Classifieds mean chasing no-shows. Agencies often charge double. Word of mouth works - but only if you know the right people. Here are the routes that actually work, with honest costs and real trade-offs.
Already found a cleaner? Here's how to register her.
Found someone on tutti, Facebook or by referral? These four steps make the employment legal - Clino handles steps 2 to 4 in 5 minutes.
- 1Check residence status - EU/EFTA passport or valid Swiss permit (B, C, L, F).
- 2Employment contract - Wage, hours, tasks, holidays, notice period - in writing.
- 3OASI registration - Simplified procedure at the cantonal compensation office - mandatory from CHF 750/year.
- 4Accident insurance - Take out AIA - household liability does not cover domestic employees.
Clino prepares the contract, OASI registration and AIA policy in 5 minutes. CHF 19.90/month.
Register now →Overview: Where to find a cleaner?
In Switzerland there are five common ways to find a domestic helper. Each has pros and cons regarding cost, reliability and admin effort. The following table gives you a quick overview.
| Channel | Cost/hr | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classifieds | CHF 25-35 | Cheap, wide selection | No screening, undeclared work risk |
| Referral | CHF 25-35 | Trustworthy | Limited selection |
| Platform | CHF 30-45 | Vetted, rated | More expensive, may rotate staff |
| Cleaning company | CHF 35-55 | No paperwork, replacement | Most expensive |
| Job portals | CHF 25-35 | For regular work | Effort to post ad |
Important: Registration obligation
Classifieds & Online Platforms
Online platforms are the most popular way to find a cleaner. The selection is large and you can filter listings by region, availability and price.
General classified portals
tutti.chRecommendedSwitzerland's largest classified platform. Under "Services > Household & Cleaning" you'll find hundreds of listings in your area.
Visit tutti.ch →
RicardoKnown as an auction platform, Ricardo also has a services section. Less selection than tutti.ch, but some experienced providers with ratings.
Visit ricardo.ch →
jobs.ch / jobscout24.chFor regular engagements you can also post a job ad on major job portals. Worthwhile if you need a domestic helper for several hours per week.
Facebook GroupsIn Facebook groups like "Putzfrau Schweiz", "Haushaltshilfe Zürich" many people offer their services directly. You can view profiles and contact them directly. Check for reliability though.
Specialised placement platforms
These platforms specialise in matching cleaners. They vet applicants, offer rating systems and sometimes handle administration.
BatmaidNationwideOne of Switzerland's best-known cleaning platforms. Batmaid vets all cleaners, offers a rating system and handles invoicing. Prices from approx. CHF 33/hr. Cleaners are employed by Batmaid - you are not the employer.
Visit batmaid.ch →
putzfrau.chMatching platform that connects employers and cleaners. The platform provides the contact - employment and payroll you must handle yourself or via a service like Clino .
Visit putzfrau.ch →
HelplingInternational platform also active in Switzerland. Similar to Batmaid: you book online, Helpling handles the rest. Prices vary by region and frequency.
Visit helpling.ch →Caution with platform placement
Good to know: With platforms like Batmaid (CHF 33-45/hr), you are not the employer. If you want more control and lower costs, you can also hire your cleaner directly.
First message to a candidate
Brunner
online
Hello Mrs Brunner, I saw your ad on Tutti. We're looking for a reliable cleaner for our home in Zurich (4 rooms), about 3 hours a week. Would you still have availability?
10:14Hello! Yes, I still have one morning free. What tasks would it involve exactly?
10:31Great! Mainly floors, bathroom and kitchen. I'd love to meet you briefly first, would Thursday at 9am suit you? I'll register the job officially so everything is above board.
10:38Cleaning Companies in Your Area
Cleaning companies offer a full service: they employ the cleaners, handle insurance and payroll and simply send you an invoice. The costs are higher though.
Advantages
- ✓No admin effort for you
- ✓Replacement if sick or on holiday
- ✓Insurance covered
- ✓Professional cleaning products
Disadvantages
- ✗CHF 35-55/hr instead of CHF 25-35
- ✗Often rotating staff
- ✗Less personal relationship
- ✗Minimum booking times common
Reinigung in deiner Nähe finden
Gib deine PLZ oder deinen Ort ein und erhalte passende Links und Preisinfos.
Typical hourly rates of cleaning companies are CHF 35-55 per hour (incl. VAT). By comparison: a private cleaner costs CHF 25-35/hr gross, plus approx. 15% social contributions as employer. More in our cost guide.
The middle-ground solution
Hire your cleaner privately and use Clino for administration. You save compared to a cleaning company but have no paperwork. From CHF 19.90/month.
Read our step-by-step guide to hiring directly.
What to Check When Hiring a Cleaner
Found someone? Before you start, clarify these five points to avoid legal problems and unpleasant surprises.
Check residence status
EU/EFTA citizens may work in Switzerland (free movement). Third-country nationals need a valid work permit. Check the ID (B, C, L, N, F) before hiring. Without valid residence status you are liable.
Get references
Ask for references from previous employers. A reliable cleaner will gladly provide contacts. Call at least one reference and ask about punctuality, thoroughness and trustworthiness.
Agree a trial period
Agree a trial period of 1-3 months. During this time a shortened notice period of 7 days applies. This lets both sides check if it works.
Draft an employment contract
A written contract protects both sides. Record wages, working hours, tasks, holidays and notice period - our free contract template contains all mandatory clauses. Also use the contract checkto ensure your contract is complete.
Registration & Insurance
Register your cleaner with the OASI compensation office and take out accident insurance (AIA). The simplified procedure makes it easy. Everything in our guide Register your cleaner. Check beforehand with the undeclared work checkwhether your situation is in order.
Cost Comparison: Private vs. Company vs. Platform
What does a cleaner really cost? The answer depends on how you find and employ them. Here is a realistic comparison for 4 hours per week.
| Model | Hourly wage | + Extras | Effective/hr | approx. Month* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private cleaner (self-employed) | CHF 25-35 | ~15% | CHF 29-40 | CHF 520-720 |
| Cleaning company (all-in price) | CHF 35-55 | Inkl. | CHF 35-55 | CHF 630-990 |
| Platform (e.g. Batmaid, Helpling) | CHF 30-45 | Inkl. | CHF 30-45 | CHF 540-810 |
* Monthly costs based on 4 hours/week x 4.5 weeks. Calculate your individual costs with the Clino cost calculator.
Savings calculation
At CHF 30/hr and 4 hours per week, you save up to CHF 300/month with a privately employed cleaner (managed via Clino) compared to a cleaning company. Over the year that's CHF 3,600. Read more in our article What does a domestic helper cost?
For a detailed comparison between Clino and other solutions visit our Clino vs. Quitt.
Regional Differences: City vs. Countryside
Switzerland is small, but the differences in cleaner availability are considerable. In urban areas like Zurich, Geneva or Basel the selection is large but prices higher. In rural regions you're more likely to find someone through personal contacts or notices.
Cities (ZH, GE, BS, BE)
- Wide selection on all channels
- Higher hourly wages (CHF 30-35)
- Many platforms and companies active
- Stricter inspections by authorities
Rural areas
- Word-of-mouth is often the best way
- Lower wages (CHF 25-29)
- Less platform coverage
- Plan for longer travel times
The exact wage differences by canton can be found in our interactive guide Cleaner costs by canton. The general cost of living in Switzerland also affects what a cleaner costs in your region.
Checklist: How to Find the Right Cleaner
Use this 10-point checklist to systematically find the right domestic helper and be legally protected.
- ✓Clarify needs
How often, how many hours, what tasks? Just cleaning or also ironing, laundry, cooking?
- ✓Choose search method
Classifieds, platform, cleaning company or referral - depending on budget and requirements.
- ✓Meet several candidates
Meet at least 2-3 people. A short meeting is often enough to get a feel.
- ✓Check references
Call at least one reference. Ask about reliability and cleanliness.
- ✓Check residence status
EU/EFTA ID or valid work permit available?
- ✓Arrange trial cleaning
Invite the person for a paid trial cleaning. You'll see the quality directly.
- ✓Set budget
Expect CHF 29-40/hr effective (incl. social contributions). Use the cost calculator.
- ✓Draft employment contract
Record wages, tasks, working hours, holidays, notice period in writing. Have contract checked.
- ✓Register your cleaner
OASI registration via simplified procedure - easiest through Clino. Register your cleaner.
- ✓Ensure ongoing payroll
Monthly payroll, social insurance contributions, annual statement - Clino automates everything.
Hire a cleaner legally - in 5 minutes
Clino prepares payroll, AHV registration and employment contract - ready to sign and submit. CHF 19.90/month, and you don't need to draft or calculate anything yourself.
Start free nowFree Checklist: Hire Household Help Correctly
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cleaner cost per hour in Switzerland?
Do I need to register a privately hired cleaner?
Which is better: cleaning company or private cleaner?
How do I find a reliable cleaner in my area?
What happens if I don't register my cleaner?
Found a cleaner? Clino prepares the paperwork.
Payroll, social insurance, contract and wage statement - all automatic and legally compliant. For CHF 19.90/month. Cancel anytime.
First month free · Cancel anytime · 5 minutes setup
