Stairwell cleaning: compare quotes and prices

What does stairwell cleaning include?

Flights and landings form the core service. Handrails, balustrades, entrances and frequently touched surfaces may be added. Cellars, laundry rooms and lifts are not automatically included. Private apartment doors should also be distinguished from communal doors.

For several stairwells, storeys alone do not describe the work: long corridors, intermediate landings and separate entrances matter too. Their number and approximate height are enough initially; the company can assess the layout on site.

Choosing a suitable cleaning frequency

Frequency depends on use and incoming dirt. A busy entrance may need more attention than upper floors. Rain, snow, building work or a move can temporarily increase the workload.

Different tasks need not follow the same timetable. Stairs and handrails might be cleaned at every visit, with windows on a separate schedule. This is one possible arrangement, not a universal required frequency.

Every two weeks differs from twice monthly: in a planning year of 52 weeks, that means 26 versus 24 visits. Weekly means 52 visits, not simply four per calendar month. Agree how public holidays and missed visits are handled.

Care that suits the surface

Natural stone, ceramic, wood and textile surfaces need different care. Existing maintenance instructions and previous treatments should inform the method. Similar-looking stairs can respond differently to the same cleaning process.

Accumulated deposits, old care-product layers or persistent stains may need a separate deep clean. Assess this before a recurring contract begins. Routine cleaning is not the same as complete surface restoration.

Cleaning does not repair loose step edges, damaged handrails or failed lighting. Agree a way to report such observations; repairs and technical inspections remain separate services.

Keep the stairs safe to use

Wet floors or slippery product residues are particularly problematic on stairs. Suitable methods, prompt drying and clear warnings should form part of the work plan. Routes and handrails need to remain usable.

Equipment, cables and stored objects must not become obstacles themselves. Agree a suitable working time and inform occupants before unusual work. Arrange keys and access with the appointed company, not through a public request.

What does stairwell cleaning cost?

Storeys alone do not determine a reliable total. Wide landings, multiple entrances, additional rooms, materials and frequency change the time needed. Compare equivalent tasks and intervals.

A regional Swiss provider checked in October 2026 lists CHF 55 per hour including VAT, materials and local travel, minimum CHF 110 per visit. Another lists CHF 48.65 including VAT per storey without a clear billing period. These are not a comparable market range.

Independent calculation example: an assumed quote of CHF 150 per visit gives CHF 7’800 for 52 visits, averaging CHF 650 monthly. CHF 150 is an assumption, not a guide price. The quote must specify whether billing is a monthly fixed amount or based on actual visits.

• Included costs. Staff, travel, materials, VAT and any minimum charge.
• Additional work. Windows, an initial deep clean and exceptional soiling.
• Contract. Number of visits, holidays, cover and changes to the agreement.

A shared plan and practical quality checks

A short task list with frequencies gives managers, residents and cleaners the same reference. A completed checklist records the visit; occasional checks of the results also establish whether the agreed areas are clean.

Name a contact person and a process for reporting problems. Clarify holiday cover, missed visits and damage reporting. Snow clearing, grounds care and technical caretaking are included only when explicitly agreed.