Alternatives to Helpling: Top 5 Cleaning Services in Germany (For Expats in 2025)

If you’ve ever booked a cleaner who never showed up or felt neglected by customer service, you might already know the deal. Helpling works well in theory, but in practice? It can be a pickle.

If you're an expat in Germany, tired of wobbly results, sketchy pricing, and marketplace roulette, there are better options. These five platforms are trusted by the expat community, rank well on Google, and actually deliver.

👉 Looking for a Cleaner in Germany?
A4ord Cleaning Services – Transparent rates, vetted pros, English-speaking support, and easy online booking.

👉 Find Cleaning Services in Berlin •Munich •Hamburg

Now, meet the contender:

Helpling – for scale, but not always consistent

Website: helpling.de

What to know:
Helpling is Germany’s best-known platform for cleaning services. You can browse profiles, compare prices, and book online. However, it's a marketplace, so experiences vary wildly depending on which cleaner you choose.

Why it stands out:
It's everywhere. Helpling has thousands of freelancers and covers almost every German city. For some, it works well. For others, it's hit or miss.

What expats notice:

• Easy to use, but quality varies
• App is smooth, but support is slow
• Cleaner no-shows are a common complaint

Top 5 Competitors For The Best Cleaning Service

A4ord – for the best English-speaking experience

Website: a4ord.com

What to know:
A4ord is built for expats. There is no profile scrolling, no guessing. Just tell them what you need, and you will be matched with a vetted cleaner who shows up, speaks English, and knows what "deep clean" means.

Why it stands out:
A concierge-style service with flat-rate and hourly options, active in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt.

What expats love:

• Reliable booking without the back-and-forth
• Friendly support that actually replies
• Transparent pricing and guarantees

SPIC AND SPAN – for English-first concierge simplicity

Website: spicandspan.de

What to know:
SPIC AND SPAN. doesn’t leave you guessing. They assign vetted cleaners and handle everything through an English-first interface. Ideal for last-minute cleans or short-notice help.

Why it stands out:
Bookings in under 60 seconds, all cleaners background-checked, no subscriptions or dubious platform fees.

What expats love:

• Fast and simple booking
• Consistent results
• Full support via email, phone, or chat

CleanWhale – for tech-savvy users who want control

Website: cleanwhale.de

What to know:
Flat pricing, add-ons, and instant scheduling—CleanWhale is what you'd expect from a modern app-based service. It is popular on Reddit and praised for its flexibility.

Why it stands out:

Bookings with upfront prices and no negotiation. Includes add-ons like fridge, oven, or post-renovation cleans

What expats love:

• Easy digital interface
• All-in pricing with no surprises

Mr. Cleaner – for quick booking and regional reliability

Website: mrcleaner.de

What to know:
Mr. Cleaner is a Germany-based cleaning service that focuses on residential and commercial cleaning. It’s known for regional reliability and same-day appointments, especially in larger cities. The website is English-accessible and offers transparent online pricing.

Why it stands out:

Real-time booking confirmation via phone or online. Services include basic cleaning, end-of-tenancy, and deep cleans. Clear pricing and scheduling with follow-up support. 4.5★+ on Google Maps for major cities

What expats love:

• Easy booking flow without endless profiles
• Fast response for urgent cleaning jobs
• Option to pay by invoice, PayPal, or online transfer
• Good choice for offices and flats alike

Book a Tiger – for the app-first crowd

Website: bookatiger.com

What to know:
Quality is inconsistent. Some users report great results, while others mention missed appointments or poor follow-up. Still, the booking flow is simple and modern, especially if you’re used to app-based platforms.

Why it stands out:
One of the more popular alternatives to Putzperle, Book a Tiger offers app-based booking with upfront pricing and cleaner profiles.

What expats love:

• Real-time cleaner availability
• App and website in English
• Works well in major metro areas

Why Consider Alternatives to Helpling?

Helpling is popular, but popularity doesn’t equal consistency. These platforms offer better transparency, stronger expat support, and more reliable outcomes:

• Concierge matching vs. profile roulette
• Clear rates and cancellation terms
• Better responsiveness from real humans

How We Selected These Providers

• Listed in top Google search results for “cleaning services Germany”
• Trusted by the expat community via Reddit, Yelp, and expat blogs
• Ratings ≥ 4.5 on Google Maps or Trustpilot (when available)
• Available in 3+ major cities
• Verified or background-checked cleaners
• Bonus: A4ord Score – our internal rating for expat-friendly UX

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Is A4ord better than Helpling?
Yes — if you want no guesswork, no back-and-forth, and real human support. A4ord assigns you a cleaner who actually shows up.

Can I book a one-time clean without a long-term commitment?
Absolutely. A4ord, CleanWhale, Cleanflat, and SPIC AND SPAN. All allow one-time bookings.

What if I need help urgently?
SPIC AND SPAN. and A4ord often supports next-day or even same-day requests in major cities.

Do these platforms bring their own cleaning supplies?
Most do — A4ord, SPIC AND SPAN, and CleanWhale cleaners bring everything. MyCleaner uses eco-safe supplies by default.

Which service is best for recurring weekly cleans?
A4ord, MyCleaner, and Cleanflat offer plans for regular bookings. A4ord lets you request the same cleaner for each visit.

Do I need to speak German to use these platforms?
Nope. A4ord and SPIC AND SPAN are 100% English-first. The others offer English interfaces or filters.

Does Helpling offer customer support in English?
Not consistently. While the app and website are partly available in English, support response times and language fluency vary. A4ord and SPIC AND SPAN, both provide full English-speaking support.

Can I request the same cleaner each time?
Helpling doesn’t guarantee it — some cleaners may accept, but it’s not a built-in feature. A4ord and MyCleaner both offer recurring bookings with the same vetted cleaner.

Are these platforms insured in case something goes wrong?
Helpling includes basic insurance in many bookings, but it’s tied to specific conditions. A4ord has a replacement and support guarantee, and SPIC AND SPAN. handles damage or emergencies through their support team.

Ditch the Roulette, Go With The Best

Helpling might be everywhere, but consistency matters more. A4ord, SPIC AND SPAN, and CleanWhale give expats the experience they actually need: smooth booking, clear pricing, and cleaners who don’t flake.

👉 Looking for a Cleaner in Germany?
A4ord Cleaning Services – Transparent rates, vetted pros, English-speaking support, and easy online booking.

👉 Find Cleaning Services in Berlin • Munich • Hamburg