Are you debating whether to handle the housework yourself or look into professional cleaning? For expats living in the Netherlands, this is about much more than just chores. You have just arrived; you have a new job, a new home, and a social life that still needs building.
Your weekends are precious. They should be for meeting new people, exploring your new city, or simply recharging. Instead, you find yourself with a cloth in your hand, staring at a dusty windowsill and a stained bathroom mirror. A messy home drains your energy and creates a mental “to-do” list that never seems to disappear.
The real question isn’t whether you can clean it yourself. The question is: do you want to spend your scarce free time doing it, or will you choose to outsource cleaning and invest in your quality of life?. When you hire a service, you aren’t just buying a clean house, you are buying back your time.
The hidden costs of DIY cleaning
You might think cleaning doesn’t take that much time, but the reality is often different. While many estimate it takes 2–3 hours a week, it often adds up to 4–6 hours when you include everything from the bathroom and kitchen to vacuuming and mopping.
That time usually comes at the expense of your weekend. Instead of a Saturday bike ride to the beach or a Sunday morning at a café, you are scrubbing the shower or vacuuming every room.
Beyond time, there are financial and mental costs:
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Cleaning Supplies: Specialized cleaners and tools can easily cost €15–30 per month.
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Mental Burden: The guilt of procrastinating and the constant motivation needed to start cleaning takes away more peace of mind than you might realize
The “Pro” difference: Why professionals clean better
A professional sees what you overlook. They tackle the dust behind cabinets, lime buildup in shower corners, and grease in the extractor fan. This is the difference between “it looks okay” and true professional maintenance.
Professional cleaning also requires deep knowledge of materials. Using the wrong product on a natural stone countertop or a wooden floor can cause permanent damage. Professionals work efficiently using specific routes—from top to bottom and dry to wet—to ensure dust doesn’t resettle.
A key principle they use is the Circle of Sinner. This method balances four factors to get the best results:
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Chemicals: The type of cleaning agent used.
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Time: How long the product sits.
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Mechanical Action: The amount of scrubbing.
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Temperature: The use of warm or cold water.
By adjusting these factors, such as letting a product soak longer to reduce the need for harsh scrubbing, pros achieve better results faster than the average DIYer
Why outsource cleaning services as an expat?
For many expats, the decision to outsource cleaning services is about more than just a tidy home—it’s about preventing damage to your rental or new property. Long-term limescale or grease buildup can damage fixtures, leading to unnecessary repair costs later.
As someone who moved to the Netherlands for a new opportunity in tech, finance, or the creative sector, your days are already busy enough. Why spend three hours on cleaning a bathroom when you could be exploring the Zaanse Schans or meeting friends in the city?
Why EasyClean is the ideal match
As an expat, you value clarity. You don’t want unexpected price changes or the hassle of endless messaging. With EasyClean, you can book a cleaner online, see the price instantly, and receive immediate confirmation.
Our expat cleaning services provide:
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Expertise: Trained professionals who know how to handle Dutch homes.
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Custom Plans: You decide the focus, whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or windows.
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Transparency: You know exactly what you pay upfront.
In a life already full of DigiD, taxes, and municipal paperwork, EasyClean gives you the mental space and a clean home without the stress.
Conclusion: Reclaiming your weekend
There is no right or wrong answer, but if you value your free time more than the cost of a service, outsourcing is the way to go. A clean home provides the mental room to build your new life, make friends, and enjoy the Netherlands.
Professional cleaning is more flexible than you think. You aren’t locked into a long-term contract and can even start with a once-a-month service to see how it feels. The real question is: what do you want to do with your weekends?
