The move has been completed, the boxes are already in the new apartment, but in the old kitchen there is still grease on the oven and streaks on the windows. It is precisely at this moment that many tenants realize that aFinal cleaning of the apartmentis more than just a quick wipe. When handing over, what matters is not whether the apartment looks tidy at first glance, but rather whether the agreed cleaning has been completed and clearly documented.
In Switzerland, the effort depends heavily on the size of the apartment, condition, rental agreement and handover standard. If you first check the legal requirements, then systematically clean and finally document each room, you avoid unnecessary work as well as later discussions about follow-up cleaning costs.
Legal basis for apartment cleaning in Switzerland
The most important question is not: “How thoroughly can I clean?” It reads:What condition is actually due upon return?Art. 267 OR obliges tenants to return the apartment in the condition that results from its contractual use. In practice, this condition is often understood as being cleaned or “swept,” but the specific extent depends on the rental agreement and the condition of the apartment. TheRatgeber zur Wohnungsreinigung nach Schweizer Mietrecht.
“Sweep clean” is not the same as thoroughly cleaned
“Broom clean” does not automatically mean that every surface has to be painstakingly decalcified, the oven has to be completely degreased and every window has to be polished. This basically means a clean, empty and roughly cleaned condition. Waste, personal items and coarse dirt must be removed.
Athorough final cleaninggoes significantly further. Depending on the agreement, this includes, for example, windows, window frames, roller shutters, kitchen furniture inside and outside, ovens, refrigerators, sanitary facilities, floors, radiators and ancillary rooms. The decisive factor is what is stated in the rental agreement, in a separate submission form or in a written agreement.
The tenants' association points out that in the case of a comprehensive renovation, often only “broom clean” can be requested. Landlords must also set a grace period for subsequent cleaning before they can arrange for cleaning themselves and charge the costs. TheHinweise des Mieterinnen- und Mieterverbands zur Wohnungsabgabeare therefore particularly important when the administration makes flat-rate demands.
Practical rule:Do not clean according to the strictest standard that you have read somewhere, but according to the standard that your contract and the actual condition of the apartment require.
When professional cleaning makes sense
Legally, a professional company is not automatically required. However, it can make practical sense if the contract requires extensive cleaning, the apartment has been heavily used or the time until delivery is short. Even with sensitive surfaces, stubborn lime or many windows, the risk that private cleaning is not sufficient in individual areas increases.
AAcceptance guaranteeoffers a concrete advantage. The tenants' association recommends making sure that the cleaning company provides free follow-up cleaning in the event of complaints. Without such an agreement, it remains unclear who will pay for the additional use if there are still problems with the handover.
So don't just check the price before booking. Get confirmation in writing which rooms and work are included, whether windows, cellars, balconies and fixtures are included and how follow-up cleaning is regulated. This way you avoid paying for services that are not necessary and at the same time protect yourself from a cleaning standard that is too low.
Cleaning products and tools for final cleaning
A good preparation saves time and prevents you from working on a sensitive surface with the wrong product. You don’t need an unmanageable collection of products for final cleaning. You need suitable products for grease, lime, glass, floors and sanitary surfaces as well as tools that loosen dirt without damaging surfaces.
The basic equipment
Have everything ready before you start:
- Universal cleaner:For doors, cupboards, washable walls and other smooth, solid surfaces.
- Descaler:For fittings, shower glass, sinks and tiles. Test it first on an inconspicuous area.
- Oven or grease remover:For burnt-in residues, hobs, extractor hoods and heavily soiled kitchen surfaces.
- Glass cleaner:For windows and mirrors. A squeegee prevents streaks much better than a wet cloth alone.
- Sanitary cleaner:For toilets, showers and bathtubs. Allow it to take effect according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Microfiber cloths:Use separate cloths for the kitchen, bathroom, glass and sensitive surfaces.
- Buckets, scrubbers and Vacuum cleaner:The vacuum cleaner is used before wet mopping so that no mud from dust and water is created.
- Joint brush and old toothbrush:For corners, seals, hinges and hard-to-reach grooves.
- Glass scraper:For paint splashes or solid residues on suitable glass surfaces. Always work with sufficient liquid.
- Gloves and sturdy stepladder:Safety is part of the equipment, especially with windows, tall cabinets and extractor hoods.
What you shouldn't do wrong
Never mix cleaning products without checking them. Products containing chlorine in particular must not be combined with acidic products such as limescale removers. Ventilate while working and follow the application instructions on the labels.
Vinegar or aggressive abrasive cleaners are not a universal solution. Acid can attack natural stone and sensitive joints, hard scouring pads can scratch glass, stainless steel or ceramic hobs. The following applies to every surface: Soak the dirt first, work with little pressure and test the product on an inconspicuous area.
Room-by-room instructions for complete final cleaning
Work consistentlyfrom top to bottom and from back to front. Ceilings, lamps, tops and high cupboards come first, then walls, furniture, windows and finally the floors. This prevents dust from falling on surfaces that have already been cleaned.
Soak the kitchen first
First remove all food and items from cupboards, drawers and appliances. Spray the oven, extractor hood and hob with a suitable degreaser and let the agent work while you work on other surfaces.
Check in particular:
- Cabinet interior surfaces, edges and handles
- Oven, trays, rubber seals and glass
- Cob and wall area behind the stove
- Extractor hood, Filter area and visible top
- Refrigerator interior, door compartments and seals
- Faucet, sink and drain
- Skirts and floor under moving appliances
Soaking helps more than vigorous rubbing for burnt-on grease. Only use a glass scraper on suitable surfaces and never dry. Finally, wipe with clean water so that no cleaning agent residue remains.
Check the bathroom and toilet thoroughly
In the bathroom, work also begins with the action. Apply limescale remover to fittings, shower glass and calcified tiles, while cleaning mirrors, furniture and ventilation covers. Then rinse the treated surfaces thoroughly and dry them so that no new water stains appear.
The most common complaints are on shower seals, silicone edges, behind the tap, on the toilet base and under the toilet seat. Don't forget radiators, door frames, light switches, cupboard tops and the floor behind the toilet.
Living room and bedroom
Remove dust from ceilings, lamps, curtain rails, door panels, radiators and skirting boards. Carefully vacuum corners, built-in cupboards and places behind radiators. Small pockets of dust are particularly noticeable when rooms are left empty.
Only wipe sensitive floors with a damp cloth and use a suitable product for parquet or laminate. Remove adhesive residue, stickers or small paint splashes carefully instead of applying pressure with a sharp object. For clean windows and frames, you will find additionalTipps zum Fensterputzen.
A short visual guide can help you keep track of the cleaning order:
Don't forget the balcony and basement
On the balcony, remove leaves, dust, cobwebs and personal items. Clean the floor, railings and drains if they are part of the rental property. In the basement, free spaces, clean floors and removed waste count.
Finally, check the mailbox, attic, laundry room, storage rooms and all additional spaces that are rented out. An apartment can appear clean inside and still fail because of a forgotten basement compartment or a dirty balcony.
DIY or professional cleaning company in comparison
Cleaning yourself is particularly worthwhile if the apartment is manageable, there is enough time available and the rental agreement does not require a particularly high standard. A company makes more sense if there are lots of windows, a large kitchen, stubborn lime or a fixed handover date. The right decision not only depends on the budget, but also on the risk of subsequent cleaning.
Cost framework in Switzerland
Swiss price overviews for professional apartment cleaning typically stateCHF 409 for a 1-room apartmentand up toCHF 1,014 for a 6+ room apartment. TheKostenüberblick für Wohnungsreinigung in der Schweizoften places the average in a range of aroundCHF 400 to CHF 1,000.
One Second consideration works with prices per square meter. For a moving cleaning, for example, CHF 11.50 to CHF 16 per m² is called, for a basic cleaning, CHF 5 to CHF 9 per m². For a 3.5-room apartment with around 85 m², this corresponds approximately toCHF 980 to CHF 1'360for moving cleaning andCHF 430 to CHF 770for basic cleaning. These guideline values can be found in theSchweizer Übersicht zu Reinigungskosten.
| Apartment size | Price range CHF | Ø Price CHF |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 rooms | 350–700 | Not reported uniformly |
| 2.5 Rooms | 550-900 | Not reported uniformly |
| 3.5 rooms | 750-1'300 | Not reported uniformly |
| 4.5 rooms | 850-1'400 | Not uniformly reported reported |
| 5.5 rooms | 1'190–1'600 | Not reported uniformly |
The size ranges come from theComparis-Übersicht zu Endreinigungskosten. Another Swiss guideline often mentions something like CHF 6 per square meter. The table therefore does not show a binding offer, but rather an orientation. Condition, region, number of windows, adjoining rooms and acceptance guarantee can influence the specific price.
The market demands more planning
For 2026, an unemployment rate of5.3%is mentioned for cleaning staff, almost twice as high as the national average. Since 1. January 2026the job registration requirement for cleaning staff has also applied again. This information comes from theEinordnung von Mietrecht und Endreinigung für 2026.
This doesn't automatically mean higher prices for tenants, but bookings and short-term follow-up cleanings can be more difficult to coordinate. If you want to hire a company, you should clarify the appointment early and have the acceptance guarantee confirmed in writing.
Decision-making aid
DIY fits, if you have time for several work steps, have the equipment and the apartment is already in good condition. Nevertheless, calculate not only the cleaning time, but also materials, transport, window work and possible repairs.
Professional help fits in if the deadline cannot be postponed, the apartment is large or very dirty or you want to reduce the risk of a rejected handover. Aprofessionelle Endreinigung mit Abnahmegarantiecan then offer more security than the cheapest in-house solution.
Avoiding common mistakes when handing over an apartment
Many handovers fail not because of large amounts of dirt, but because of forgotten details and unclear agreements. A clean kitchen is of little help if the basement is still full, the mailbox has not been emptied or no one has noted what signs of wear were already there when you moved in.
The typical weak points
- Forgotten side rooms:The cellar, screed, laundry room, balcony and mailbox belong in the final inspection.
- Unclear damage:Drill holes, dowels, scratches or damaged fittings should be included not be discussed casually. Record what was agreed upon.
- Missing photos:Take photos of each room after cleaning, including floors, kitchen, bathroom, windows and adjoining rooms.
- Incomplete Key handover:Note which apartment, basement, mailbox and laundry room keys were turned in.
- No detailed protocol:The protocol should describe complaints specifically, not just note “not clean” in general.
Treat complaints correctly
Do not sign a protocol that confirms incorrect facts. If an area actually still needs to be cleaned, have the specific area and the agreed solution entered. If you have a different opinion, you can also record your different view in the minutes.
You should not simply accept a spontaneous request for expensive external cleaning. According to the tenancy law classification, if subsequent cleaning is necessary, the landlord must first allow a reasonable grace period before commissioning a company and demanding costs. This does not mean that every complaint is unfounded. It means that the processing must remain comprehensible and proportionate.
With a professional company, the acceptance guarantee is the most important protection. The provider should undertake to correct legitimate complaints free of charge. Check the terms and conditions before booking rather than finding out at handover that only a limited guarantee applies. You will find a suitable scope of services at theUmzugsreinigung mit Abnahmegarantie.
When handing over, it is not just cleanliness that counts, but proof of what was clean and what was actually complained about.
Photos do not replace a report, and a report does not replace photos. Together, both documents form reliable documentation in case the condition of the apartment is discussed later.
Your checklist for the hand-over day
On the day of delivery you should no longer start with a major basic cleaning. Plan a final round of checks in which you compare room by room with the contract, your own cleaning list and the photos. Small forgotten jobs can now be done while the apartment is completely empty.
The final check
Go through the apartment in this order:
- Check all rooms:Check floors, skirting boards, windows, frames, doors, light switches and radiators.
- Complete the kitchen:Oven, refrigerator, cupboards, extractor hood, hob and Look at the sink again.
- Check the bathroom:Check limescale, hair, soap residue, seals, toilet base and drains.
- Empty adjacent areas:Check the balcony, cellar, screed, mailbox and storage rooms.
- Read meter readings:Meter readings note and take photos if they are relevant for the handover.
- Sort keys:Have all keys ready and list them individually in the log.
- Take documents with you:Keep the rental agreement, handover documents, cleaning confirmation, photos and previous minutes to hand.
This Handover protocol
A good protocol contains the date, people present, the condition of the rooms, specific complaints, meter readings, keys and any agreements for subsequent cleaning or repairs. Get a copy or a photo of the signed document.
If a short-term complaint is made about something, remain objective. Check the area together, have it described in detail and clarify whether you can clean it yourself or whether an agreed acceptance guarantee applies. General statements such as “the whole apartment is not clean” help no one and should be replaced with concrete information.
After the successful submission, the old household is completed. The next practical task is then to transport furniture and boxes to the new apartment, with organized delivery and assembly if necessary. TIXPI can coordinate this part of the move planning as a digital transportation solution.
If you don't want to organize the cleaning effort yourself, visitTIXPI. TIXPI provides transparent transport and moving services, coordinates the process and supports you in bringing furniture and individual items to your new home without additional organizational stress.