How to find and choose a cleaner in Belgium - practical guide

Where people look first

Many people start with local recommendations from neighbours, colleagues or housing groups. Social media community boards and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups are commonly used to ask for immediate suggestions.

Online search and directories are the next step. On Websta you can browse providers by service and place at /marketplace/cleaning. Profiles on the platform present a provider’s services, photos, contact form and online booking where available, which makes it easier to compare at a glance.

• Ask your building manager, concierge or neighbours for recent experiences.
• Check local Facebook groups or neighbourhood platforms for immediate feedback.
• Use directory listings and platform profiles to shortlist several providers.

What checks to make before you hire

Before agreeing, confirm the person or company’s identity and how they operate. For a company ask for a business registration number or proof of registration; for a self-employed cleaner ask how they handle social contributions and invoicing.

Insurance and liability are important. Ask whether the cleaner or company has public liability insurance that covers accidental damage. Request a written invoice or receipt for payments so you have documentation for tax or reimbursement purposes.

• Confirm identity and a contact phone number.
• Ask for proof of business registration or how they declare income if self-employed.
• Check they have liability insurance and will provide an invoice.

Questions to ask a cleaner before you agree

Certain practical questions avoid surprises on the first visit. Ask which tasks are included in the quoted time, whether cleaning products and equipment are provided, and how cancellations are handled.

Clarify the frequency and duration of visits, whether the same person will come each time, and whether replacements are available if your regular cleaner is sick or on leave. If you need specific checks - for example working around pets, fragile items or security procedures - bring these up before the visit.

• What exactly is included in a standard clean?
• Do you bring your own supplies and equipment?
• Who will come to my home and what happens if they cannot?

Belgium-specific points to check

Belgium operates a service-voucher system for domestic help that many households use to pay legal cleaners and reduce administrative burden. If you want to use service cheques, ask the provider if they accept them and how they handle the administration.

Language expectations matter because Belgium has multiple language regions. In Flanders expect Dutch; in Wallonia expect French; in the German-speaking region expect German. Many providers in larger towns work across languages, but check that you and the cleaner can communicate clearly about tasks and safety.

If you plan to employ a cleaner directly rather than hire through a company, check the legal obligations for employment, social security and taxes in Belgium. Exact requirements vary, so confirm the current rules with official sources or a local advisor.

• Ask whether the provider accepts service cheques and how they manage them.
• Confirm language abilities of the cleaner if communication is important.
• If hiring directly, verify employment and tax obligations before starting work.

How quotes and payment are normally handled

Cleaners typically quote either per hour or per job. A walkthrough or initial visit may be needed for an accurate written quote. Always ask whether any travel time, supplies or VAT are included or charged separately.

Payment methods can include bank transfer, card, cash or service cheques where applicable. On Websta card payments from customers are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe; the provider sets the prices. Insist on a clear invoice or receipt for each payment.

• Get a written quote that lists tasks, time and what is included.
• Clarify accepted payment methods and request an invoice.
• Ask about cancellation terms and whether repeat visits have a fixed rate.

How to compare cleaners on Websta

Websta profiles display services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking where available. Use these elements to compare what each provider actually offers rather than relying only on a short description.

Look for profiles that list specific services and show recent photos of work or equipment. Use Websta’s marketplace to post a task with your location and requirements if you prefer to receive offers from multiple providers rather than contacting each one individually.

• Compare service lists and photos to see real examples of work.
• Use the contact form or online booking to ask the same set of questions to several providers.
• Post a task on the marketplace to invite offers and compare written quotes.

Final practical tips before your first clean

Be present for the first appointment if possible, or agree a clear checklist and key location of supplies. Leave clear instructions for access and parking, and note any fragile areas.

Keep a record of agreements - tasks, schedule, price and who will provide the supplies. If something goes wrong, having that written record makes it easier to resolve disputes.

• Agree a checklist and take photos where needed.
• Keep the first visit short and focused so you can adjust expectations.
• Collect a written invoice and contact details after the first clean.