Switzerland is often described by people from all over the world as clean and pure. But is Switzerland actually cleaner than other European countries? And why do the Swiss seem to love cleanliness so much?
In this article, we want to get to the bottom of these and many other questions surrounding Switzerland’s clean image.
Is Switzerland cleaner than other countries?
Cleanliness is difficult to quantify statistically, resulting in a lack of reliable figures for comparison with other nations. Nevertheless, almost all tourists attest to Switzerland’s high level of cleanliness. The focus is primarily on the clean city centers of the larger cities of Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, and Bern.
But it’s not just in Switzerland’s major cities that a high level of cleanliness prevails. Some might even accuse the Swiss of being obsessed with cleanliness . However, there are hardly any people who aren’t ultimately glad that Switzerland is so clean.
The focus on waste prevention is also noticeable in many ski resorts. Great importance is placed on maintaining a clean image and attracting tourists precisely because of this. Litter is therefore unwelcome on the ski slopes, and hefty fines of 300 Swiss francs or more are sometimes imposed, which act as a strong deterrent.
Why is Switzerland so clean?
Cleanliness in Switzerland has been a major topic of discussion for many years. However, in earlier times it wasn’t always as pristine as it is today. Since ski resorts and spas enjoy a high reputation abroad, it’s not just a matter of aesthetics, but also simply a question of money.
The more visitors rave about Switzerland’s cleanliness, the more tourists will come to the country. More money will be spent, which benefits many Swiss citizens. Naturally, cities and towns that are heavily reliant on tourism will benefit the most. More money flows into their coffers, allowing for increased spending on cleanliness.
The pristine Alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and idyllic landscapes – all this is almost unbearable when a mountain of trash is growing next door. Unlike many other nations, Switzerland recognized this early on and has taken significant action. For example, there are targeted cleanliness inspections. Smiley-face ratings help to record even the slightest deviations from perfection. And Swiss municipalities invest considerable sums in these inspections. The population seems to approve, as more than 90% of people are satisfied with the cleanliness of Swiss cities.
Cigarette butts littering the ground, chewing gum on the floor, and overflowing trash cans – these are all rare sights in Switzerland these days. This meticulousness, however, comes at a price, and not every other country can afford it. Compared internationally, Switzerland is in a remarkably good financial position, so hardly anyone should complain about excessively high waste disposal fees.
Plans, clear coordination, and numerous employees of the waste disposal companies help ensure that even during major events, the trash disappears from the streets in record time. Many tourists are surprised at how quickly the trash can be swept from the streets.
Not only cities, but also apartments are clean
The obsession with cleanliness, which makes some other countries somewhat envious, is not only noticeable in public spaces. Swiss homes also look very well-maintained.
When renting an apartment, it’s not enough to just leave it swept clean. Everything, and I mean absolutely everything, needs to be cleaned. In neighboring Germany, however, it’s customary to simply give the apartment a quick wipe-down after moving in and hand over the keys.
Neither the windows nor the toilet undergo any special cleaning. New tenants in Switzerland can therefore feel right at home immediately, and landlords don’t have to worry about getting the apartment back into a presentable condition.
Cleanliness is by no means limited to new rentals or apartment handovers . In Switzerland, it’s customary for guests to remove their shoes to avoid bringing unnecessary dirt into the house. It also shouldn’t be surprising if hosts disappear into the kitchen to do the dishes right away.
Of course, all of this can be taken to extremes. Therefore, it’s important to find a healthy balance between cleanliness and free time.
How can cleanliness be transferred to one’s own home?
Since keeping one’s apartment constantly clean can be very time-consuming, more and more Swiss people are hiring a cleaning service. This makes it easy to receive guests at any time and still exercise regularly, pursue hobbies, or spend time with family.
Use Suuber to outsource the cleaning of your home. This not only saves you a lot of time, but also reduces stress. The extra time you no longer need for cleaning usually proves beneficial in several ways.
The additional free time leads to less stress, a more harmonious family life, and can thus have unexpected positive effects on work.
So take advantage of the opportunity and book a cleaning lady with Suuber to keep your home clean.
