How to Find a Cleaner in Berlin: The Complete 2025 Guide

Whether you're a busy professional, an expat adjusting to life in Germany, or simply someone who prefers to outsource home cleaning tasks, finding the right cleaner in Berlin can make your life significantly easier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through where to look, what it costs, how locals rate different services, and legal tips to keep everything above board.

Why You Might Need a Cleaner in Berlin

Life in Berlin can be fast-paced, especially for professionals, students, and families juggling multiple responsibilities. Hiring a cleaner isn't just about convenience—it can significantly improve your quality of life.

Common Reasons Berliners Hire Cleaners:

• Busy schedules: With long working hours and social commitments, cleaning often takes a back seat.

• Expats and newcomers: Many international residents seek English-speaking cleaners who are reliable and trustworthy.

• Short-term rental hosts: Airbnb and short-stay apartments require consistent, professional cleaning between guests.

• Post-party or seasonal cleaning: After events or during spring cleaning, many people hire help for deep cleaning.

• Elderly or mobility-challenged residents: Cleaners provide much-needed support to those unable to maintain their homes alone.

Where to Find a Cleaner in Berlin

The city offers many platforms and methods to help you find reliable, vetted, and even English-speaking cleaners. From apps to community recommendations, here are your best options:

1. Online Cleaning Platforms

These digital services allow you to book cleaners, see reviews, and often choose language preferences:

• Helpling – One of Germany’s largest platforms for freelance cleaners.

• Book A Tiger – Focuses on vetted, insured cleaners, ideal for regular and business cleaning.

• Cleanwhale.de – Offers online booking with transparent pricing, optional eco-friendly products, and English-language support.

• Putzfrau.de – A long-standing German platform connecting users with local domestic workers.

2. Classifieds Websites

If you prefer independent cleaners (often at lower rates), try:

• eBay Kleinanzeigen – Germany’s Craigslist-equivalent. Search under “Haushaltshilfe” or “Reinigung.”

• Quoka.de – Another local classifieds platform for finding cleaning and household services.

3. Facebook Groups

Community-based recommendations are powerful. Look in:

• “Berlin Expats”

• “Free Your Stuff Berlin”

• “Berlin Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets”

Often, cleaners themselves post their availability, or expats share their recommendations.

4. Direct from Cleaning Companies

Professional companies often offer consistent service and legal employment contracts. Some popular ones:

• Mr. Cleaner – Offers flexible cleaning services with optional business cleaning.

• Clean Agents – Berlin-based professional cleaning agency with customer service in English.

5. Word of Mouth

In Berlin’s close-knit neighborhoods, many people find trusted cleaners through:

• Friends or coworkers

• Apartment building groups or WhatsApp chats

• Local cafés or bulletin boards

Average Prices for Cleaning Services in Berlin (2025 Update)

Cleaning costs vary based on experience, services, and whether you go with a freelancer or agency. Here’s a breakdown of common pricing in 2025:

? Hourly Rates

• Regular Cleaning: €15–€25/hour (freelancers may charge less)

• Deep Cleaning: €30–€45/hour (more labor-intensive, includes descaling, oven cleaning, etc.)

? Flat Rates (Package Deals)

• Studio (1-room apartment): €50–€80

• 2-room apartment: €70–€110

• 3-room apartment: €100–€150

? Add-Ons & Extras

• Oven or fridge cleaning: +€10–€25

• Ironing or laundry: +€15–€25/hour

• Eco-friendly products: some platforms like Cleanwhale.de offer it for an extra €5–€10

• Supply fees (if not included): €5–€15

Tip: Always check if the price includes travel fees, VAT (MwSt), and cleaning supplies.

What Berliners Say About Local Cleaners (Reviews & Feedback)

To help you choose the best option, it’s worth looking into how other Berliners rate their cleaning experiences.

? Positive Feedback

• Punctual and reliable: Especially with agency-based services like Helpling and Mr. Cleaner.

• Thorough cleaning: Many users note that freelancers tend to be detail-oriented.

• English-speaking support: Cleanwhale and Book A Tiger are praised for language accessibility.

⚠️ Common Complaints

• Language barriers: Freelancers may not always speak English or German fluently.

• Last-minute cancellations: A common issue with independent cleaners on eBay Kleinanzeigen.

• Inconsistency: Some users report variability in performance when booking via platforms.

? Community Insights

• Reddit (r/berlin): Expats often share first-hand experiences with different services.

• Toytown Germany: A popular English-speaking forum with cleaner recommendations and tips.

• Google Reviews & Trustpilot: Great for researching company reputation and customer service quality.

Tips for Hiring the Right Cleaner

Choosing the right person or service requires more than just comparing prices. Here’s what to look out for:

• ✅ Legal status: Is the cleaner working officially? Freelancers must be registered, and Minijobbers should be declared.

• ✅ Insurance: Especially important in case of property damage or injury.

• ✅ Trial session: Start with one cleaning session before committing to a long-term schedule.

• ✅ Supplies: Clarify whether they bring their own cleaning materials or use yours.

• ✅ Language preferences: Especially important for expats. Some platforms let you filter by language.

Legal and Tax Aspects of Hiring a Cleaner in Germany

Hiring someone to clean your home involves more than just payment—it also has tax and legal implications.

? Declaring a Cleaner Legally

If you hire someone privately, you must register them through Minijob-Zentrale (https://www.minijob-zentrale.de). This ensures:

• Legal employment

• Insurance coverage (accidents, pensions)

• Avoiding fines for undeclared work

? Tax Deductions

• You can claim 20% of domestic service costs (up to €4,000 per year) on your tax return.

• This only applies to registered services (freelancers, Minijobbers, agencies).

⚖️ Risks of Undeclared Cleaners

• Fines for illegal employment (up to €5,000)

• No insurance protection

• No legal protection in case of theft or damage

Pro Tip: Agency-based services often take care of all legalities, giving you peace of mind.

Alternatives to Hiring a Personal Cleaner

If hiring a cleaner isn’t ideal right now, there are a few other options to help maintain a clean home:

? 1. Roommate Rotation

• Shared cleaning schedules with roommates are common in WG (Wohngemeinschaft) life.

? 2. Self-Service Platforms

• WeWash or WaschMal offer app-based laundry pickup and delivery.

• Some cleaning services also offer drop-off ironing or bedding washing.

? 3. Smart Cleaning Devices

• Robot vacuums like iRobot Roomba or Roborock are perfect for regular maintenance.

• Great investment for pet owners or those with allergies.

? 4. Local Laundromats & Dry Cleaners

• Available in almost every Kiez (neighborhood) and useful for items like curtains or comforters.

FAQs: Finding a Cleaner in Berlin

1. Is it legal to hire a cleaner without declaring them in Berlin?

No. Cleaners must be registered via Minijob-Zentrale or be self-employed with tax ID. Undeclared work is illegal and can lead to fines.

2. How much should I tip my cleaner in Berlin?

Tipping is optional but appreciated. €5–€10 per session is a common gesture for good service.

3. Can I find English-speaking cleaners in Berlin?

Yes, especially via platforms like Cleanwhale.de, Helpling, and Book A Tiger. Many freelancers also speak English, particularly in expat-heavy districts.

4. Are cleaning services available on weekends?

Yes, though some may charge a small weekend surcharge. Always check availability when booking.

5. Do cleaning companies bring their own supplies?

Most do, especially agencies. Freelancers may use your supplies unless otherwise agreed.

6. Can I cancel or reschedule my cleaner?

Depends on the platform or agreement. Most platforms allow rescheduling within 24–48 hours.

7. Which Berlin neighborhoods have the most cleaning service availability?

High-demand areas include Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, Charlottenburg, and Mitte due to the high number of expats and families.