It almost always starts gradually. An apartment that gets out of control. Not overnight—but over months, sometimes years. Stacks that grow higher. Hallways that get narrower. A smell that settles in. And at some point, you no longer know where to start.
Anyone in this situation—whether as the person affected, a relative, or a landlord—usually has one burning question: What does it cost to have such an apartment professionally cleaned? And how does the process actually work?
This article answers exactly that—honestly, without sugarcoating, and without unnecessary technical terms.
Why “just cleaning” is not enough for a messy apartment
Anyone who has never stood in front of a real messy apartment often underestimates what they are dealing with. It’s not about an untidy room. It’s about contamination that has built up over a long period in floors, walls, joints, and textiles. Smells that go deeper than any surface. Sometimes mold. Sometimes pests.
Regular cleaning simply doesn’t go far enough here. What is needed is a structured approach: first clearing out (decluttering), then deep cleaning, then disinfection—and, if necessary, professional odor neutralization. Each of these steps has its purpose. And each is part of an overall concept that ultimately makes the apartment livable again.
What does it cost to have a messy apartment cleaned?
The honest answer is: it depends. But that doesn’t mean you’re left in the dark. A realistic guideline looks like this:
Apartment Size | Light Contamination | Medium Contamination | Severe Contamination
- 1-room (up to 40 m²): €500–1,500 | €1,500–3,000 | €3,000–5,000
- 2-room (up to 60 m²): €800–2,500 | €2,500–4,500 | €4,500–7,500
- 3-room (up to 80 m²): €1,200–3,500 | €3,500–6,000 | €6,000–10,000
- House (from 100 m²): €2,000–5,000 | €5,000–8,000 | €8,000–15,000
These numbers may seem high at first glance. But they reflect the actual effort—staff, materials, disposal, time. If you see cheaper offers, you should carefully check what is actually included.
What factors influence the price?
Not every messy apartment is the same. The most important cost drivers are:
- The level of contamination—light dust costs little, biological contamination significantly more
- The size of the apartment
- The location (floor, parking situation, disposal routes)
- Additional services such as pest control (from €300), odor neutralization (€250–800), or mold removal (€500–3,000)
Another factor many people don’t know: if usable items are present—metals, electronics, furniture—they can be offset in the offer and reduce the total cost.
Deep cleaning, disinfection, odor neutralization – what is really necessary?
After clearing out, the apartment is empty—but rarely clean. Sticky floors, grease residues in the kitchen, discolorations on walls, residues in sanitary areas: all of this requires a professional deep cleaning that goes far beyond normal wiping.
When it comes to odors—and they are almost always present in messy apartments—no air freshener will help. Smells are embedded in the material: in damp substances, organic residues, sometimes even in the walls themselves. Professional ozone treatment combined with specialized cleaning agents can help here—but only if the source of the odor has been removed first. Reputable providers explain this openly instead of simply selling a treatment.
When clearing out and cleaning belong together
Sometimes people ask: “Can’t I just clear out the apartment myself and then only hire cleaning?” In theory, yes—but in practice, often not a good idea. Anyone inexperienced underestimates the physical and psychological strain. And those who are emotionally involved often struggle to sort things consistently.
An Entrümpelungsunternehmen that offers both services from a single source not only saves time—it ensures that cleaning and clearing are coordinated. The result is more thorough, faster, and often cheaper than two separate orders.
If you want a detailed overview of the costs for having a Messie Wohnung reinigen, you will find a comprehensive breakdown of all price factors there—including additional services and tax deductibility. This also applies when a messy house needs to be cleaned.
The first step is the hardest—and the most important
Anyone who wants to have a Messie Wohnung reinigen often waits far too long. Out of shame, uncertainty, or fear of being judged. Yet the first step—a phone call, a request via photos—is usually much easier than expected.
Reputable providers do not judge. They ask, they listen, they provide an honest assessment. No pressure, no disapproving looks. Just structured help for a situation that is difficult to solve alone.
By the way: costs for cleaning a messy apartment can be claimed as a household-related service for tax purposes—up to 20 percent of the expenses can be deducted from taxes. This significantly reduces the financial burden.
FAQ
What is the average cost of cleaning a messy apartment?
Costs typically range from €500 to €15,000 depending on size and level of contamination. For a 2-room apartment with medium contamination, €2,500 to €4,500 is a realistic range. A free estimate provides clarity before making any decision.
How long does it take to clean a messy apartment?
It depends heavily on the condition. Light cases can be completed in one day. In severe cases—with clearing out, disinfection, and odor neutralization—it can take three to seven days or more.
Can I deduct the cleaning costs from taxes?
Yes. As a household-related service, up to 20 percent of the costs can be deducted from taxes. It is important to have a proper invoice—cash payments are not accepted by the tax office.
Does the affected person need to be present during cleaning?
No, this is not required. Many clients are relatives or landlords who simply hand over the key. Upon request, the progress is documented, and the apartment is handed over in a clean, ready-to-use condition.