Finding a good domestic helper: How to recognise quality

At a glance:

You can recognise a good domestic help service by its trained staff, a permanent point of contact with a regular stand-in, and a scope of services agreed in writing. For homes with high-end furnishings, knowledge of delicate materials and a discreet approach to your privacy are just as important. A reputable provider employs its staff on a permanent basis and is insured.

 

What distinguishes housekeeping from a simple cleaning service?

As well as cleaning, housekeeping encompasses the care of textiles, keeping the home tidy and preserving the value of the furnishings. Routine cleaning is usually limited to dusting, floors, the kitchen and the bathroom. Housekeeping, on the other hand, includes tasks such as washing and ironing, making beds and caring for delicate surfaces.

The extent of these tasks depends on the household. Before the first visit, you should therefore set out in writing which tasks are to be carried out regularly and which only as required. This task list prevents misunderstandings and helps a stand-in get up to speed quickly.

What qualifications should a domestic helper have?

A good domestic helper knows the right products and methods for different materials and works according to a set routine. In Switzerland, there are federally recognised qualifications in home economics, ranging from the two-year Federal VET Certificate (EBA) to the three-year Federal VET Diploma (EFZ).

Extensive experience is also a good sign, for example in the hospitality industry, where standardised cleaning procedures are common. Ask the provider what training their staff have, how new employees are onboarded and whether there is ongoing training.

How do professionals handle delicate materials?

Professionals choose cleaning products and methods suited to the material. Marble and other calcareous natural stones, for example, cannot tolerate acidic cleaners such as vinegar or descaling agents. Oiled parquet should only be wiped with a slightly damp cloth to prevent water from penetrating the wood. With stainless steel, high-gloss fronts or solid wood furniture, unsuitable cloths can quickly cause scratches or streaks. An experienced domestic helper will therefore test a new product on an inconspicuous area first.

During the initial consultation, mention what types of floors and surfaces you have and how they should be looked after. An experienced domestic helper will ask about this anyway. For more demanding tasks, such as a deep clean of parquet and natural stone or cleaning windows and glass, it is often worth hiring a specialist team.

Why is having a regular cleaner so important?

A regular cleaner gets to know your home, your habits and your preferences. You won’t have to explain on every visit where things belong or what matters to you. Over time, trust develops, partly because the cleaner knows when it’s better to ask than to decide alone. This is particularly important if the cleaner has a key and works while you’re not at home.

Also clarify what happens during holidays or illness. A good agency will have a trained stand-in and will let you know in advance who is coming. Discretion also means agreeing together on how keys are handed over and stored, and which rooms or cupboards are off-limits.

How can you recognise a reputable agency?

You can recognise a reputable agency by the fact that it employs its staff on a permanent basis, is insured, and sets out its services and prices in writing. Clarify these points before entering into a working relationship:

• Are the staff employed and registered with the AHV (Swiss old-age and survivors’ insurance) and accident insurance?
• Does the company have public liability insurance?
• Is there a designated contact person and a clear arrangement for cover in their absence?
• Is the scope of services set out in writing?
• Can you arrange a visit in your home before making a decision?
• Does the company adhere to the collective labour agreement for the cleaning sector?

If you choose to employ a domestic helper privately instead, you are responsible for all employer obligations yourself, from registering them with the AHV to taking out accident insurance. Our guide ‘Household help’ explains what this means in detail.

How do you get off to a good start with a new domestic helper?

A good start begins with a visit to your home. This allows the provider to inspect the rooms, floors and surfaces and assess how much time the work will take. Ask whether you can meet the person who will be coming to your home beforehand.

Next comes the task list. It sets out which tasks are required on each visit, which are only occasional, and what needs special attention, for example natural stone or delicate textiles. It should also cover key handover, working hours and who to contact.

In the first few weeks, it’s worth giving brief feedback after each visit. What do you like, and what should be done differently? A good domestic helper takes such feedback on board and adapts accordingly. After a few visits, the arrangement usually runs smoothly without further discussion.

Why does a professional domestic helper cost more?

The higher hourly rate charged by a specialist agency covers costs that cheaper options often leave out. These include social security contributions, accident insurance, holiday pay, training and the organisation of cover staff. When requesting a quote, also ask whether cleaning products and equipment are included and how additional work is charged.

Most cleaning firms in German-speaking Switzerland are also covered by the sector’s collective labour agreement. Under this agreement, travel time between clients counts as paid working time, and under certain conditions travel expenses and meals are compensated. For you, this means that fair working conditions are already included in the price.

Frequently asked questions about finding a domestic helper

How can I recognise a good domestic helper?

Look for training or extensive experience in housekeeping, a designated contact person and clear written agreements. A good provider will also ask about your floors and surfaces before starting work.

What is housekeeping?

Housekeeping refers to the comprehensive management of a household. As well as cleaning, this includes laundry, tidying and maintaining the condition of the furnishings.

What training does a professional domestic helper have?

In Switzerland, there are federally recognised qualifications in home economics, ranging from the two-year Federal VET Certificate (EBA) to the three-year Federal VET Diploma (EFZ). Extensive experience, for example in the hospitality industry, is also a good sign.

What happens if my domestic helper falls ill?

If you use a specialist agency, a trained stand-in will take over. If you employ someone privately, you must find a replacement yourself and continue to pay their wages for a limited period, provided the employment relationship has lasted more than three months or was entered into for longer than that.

Can I give my domestic helper a key?

Yes, this is common practice. Set out in writing who has the key, how it is to be kept and how it will be returned.

Why is it more expensive to hire a domestic helper through an agency?

The hourly rate includes social security contributions, insurance, holiday pay, training and cover for absences. Most cleaning firms are also bound by the sector’s collective labour agreement, which includes paid travel time between clients.

Conclusion: How do you find the right domestic helper?

If you have high standards, the most important factors are who you entrust your home to and how clearly the arrangement is defined. The hourly rate is just one of several criteria. Trained staff protect valuable surfaces, and a trusted contact person with a reliable stand-in ensures that your home stays well looked after even during absences. Clarifying these points before the first visit will save you from having to switch providers later.

Cleanova GmbH, a cleaning company based in Witterswil in the Leimental region, serves private households and properties between Basel and Laufen and works according to these principles. Its domestic help staff are permanently employed and insured, and Cleanova organises cover during holidays or illness. New staff complete an in-house training programme, and some team members have training in home economics or experience in the hospitality industry. During a no-obligation consultation in your home, you can discuss the tasks required and how you would like your home to be looked after, or call us directly on +41 61 723 04 81.