DIY vs. Professional: When is a cleaning company in Zurich really worth it?

Many people in Zurich and the surrounding area face this question: Should I clean myself or is it worth hiring a professional cleaning service?
Both options have clear advantages – but also limitations. This guide helps you make the right decision for your situation.

1. DIY cleaning – ideal for small, regular tasks

For many everyday tasks, doing it yourself is perfectly sufficient:

• Vacuuming, mopping, wiping down the kitchen
• Quick bathroom cleaning in between
• Changing bed linen
• Minor stain removal
• Keeping things tidy

Advantages of DIY cleaning

• Cost savings
• You decide the pace and timing yourself
• Ideal for small apartments or single households
• Good solution when it's just about surface work

When DIY becomes problematic

• Stubborn dirt (limescale, grout, grease, odors)
• Lack of professional equipment
• Time constraints – Zurich is fast-paced, work & commuting often leave little room
• Stress during hectic phases of life
• Health problems or physical limitations

Especially in older buildings or renovated properties in Zurich, hidden dirt accumulates quickly that is nearly impossible to tackle without professional tools.

2. Professional cleaning – when a specialist team from Zurich is the better choice

A professional cleaning service brings know-how, experience and professional equipment that are not normally available in the household.

Typical situations where a professional is clearly superior

✓ Moving-out cleaning with acceptance guarantee

Landlords and property managers in Zurich are very strict during handover inspections. A professional ensures that windows, oven, refrigerator, limescale, window frames and grout are truly perfect.

✓ Construction cleaning & renovations

After a renovation, new kitchen or painting work, extremely fine construction dust accumulates – DIY is almost hopeless here. For example, the professional should have a construction vacuum cleaner with special filters.

✓ Medical practice & office cleaning

Especially in Zurich, where many companies, law firms and medical practices are located, hygienic, documented cleaning is crucial.

✓ Deep cleaning at home

For example with:

• Stubborn limescale
• Neglected apartments
• Pet hair & odor problems
• Greasy kitchen surfaces
• Hygienically sensitive areas (bathroom, toilet, shower)

✓ Specialist cleaning

Natural stone, parquet, carpets, upholstery – many materials require expert knowledge and specialized machines.

3. Cost comparison: DIY vs. Professional in Zurich

Typical guide prices for Zurich:

• Maintenance cleaning: from approx. CHF 44–50 per hour
• Moving-out cleaning incl. handover: depending on apartment size from approx. CHF 490.–
• Deep cleaning: from approx. CHF 65.– to 85.– per hour
• Window cleaning: from CHF 65.– per hour

When hiring a professional pays off financially

• When you save several hours of work that you can use more productively for professional or personal purposes
• When a failed handover inspection would cause expensive follow-up costs
• When damage from incorrect DIY cleaning could occur (e.g. natural stone, parquet, silicone joints)