How to hire or offer deep cleaning services in Colombia

An administrator in Medellín showed me a quote that said simply “complete cleaning.” That line could mean cleaning a kitchen for four hours or turning over an apartment after construction. That is where almost all problems begin: periodic domestic cleaning, deep cleaning, and disinfection are mixed up as if they were the same thing.

Quick answer: to hire properly, define in writing the areas, expected result, supplies, machinery, personnel, time, and the party responsible for social security. To offer the service, publish that same information along with real photos, coverage area, and a “starting from” price that explains what is included.

Day cleaning and deep cleaning: they are not the same contract

According to the Ministry of Labor and the Substantive Labor Code, when a person does periodic domestic cleaning in a home under instructions, an employment relationship exists. It can be agreed upon verbally or in writing, but the proportional payment of the minimum wage, transportation subsidy when applicable, benefits, and coverage for health, pension, and occupational risks must be clear. In the guide on how to hire day cleaning without misunderstandings we explain that common scenario in more detail. [C1]

In contrast, a one-time deep cleaning—for property turnover, end of construction, industrial kitchen, or office—is usually contracted as a specialized service with a company or an independent contractor. There, the commercial scope governs: a quote, service provision contract or invoice, agreed-upon result, and ARL (Occupational Risk Administrator) managed by the provider. Careful: calling it a “service” does not erase an employment relationship if, in practice, there is subordination and a permanent schedule.

Situation	Regular relationship	What to verify
Periodic home cleaning	Domestic employment	Proportional payment, benefits, and social security
One-time deep cleaning	Service provision	Scope, PILA, ARL, and supplies
Company service	Commercial contract	Invoice, covered personnel, and warranty

What a real deep cleaning should include

I would be wary of any package that promises to “disinfect everything” without a visit, photos, or questions. A good scope separates the kitchen, bathrooms, accessible windows, floors, baseboards, high dust, grease, construction residue, and disinfection of contact surfaces. It also clarifies exclusions: high-rise facades, moving heavy furniture, pest control, and debris removal require different equipment or providers.

The quote should state who is bringing the industrial vacuum, steamer, ladders, cloths, and products; how many workers will be there; how long the shift lasts; and how delicate surfaces are protected. “Biodegradable” is not enough: ask for the product's data sheet or name and agree to a test on a small area. The frustrating side is that preparing this scope takes more time, but it avoids the classic additional charge halfway through the job.

How to quote without making up a national price

There is no mandatory single price for deep cleaning in Colombia. In Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali, the value changes based on square meters, actual condition, access, number of workers, duration, and machinery. That is why I prefer a “starting from” base price with visible conditions, followed by a fixed quote after receiving photos or making a visit. [C3]

According to the UGPP, if you are an independent contractor and your income reaches at least one SMMLV (Legal Monthly Minimum Wage), you must manage contributions through PILA on an IBC (Base Contribution Income) of 40% of the contract's monthly income, or apply the cost presumption when applicable. Confirm your case with an accountant. For commercial clients, it may also be useful to review the supporting document when hiring someone not required to invoice and the guide on withholding tax for independent services. [C2]

How to hire with fewer risks and misunderstandings

Before handing over keys, verify the identity, relevant references, PILA, and active ARL of the personnel who will do the work. A company must confirm in writing that its team is covered; an independent contractor manages their own affiliation. Do not assume that the client's internal ARL automatically covers an external provider.

Leave a photographic inventory of delicate objects and agree on who authorizes changes. I would avoid paying 100% in advance to a new contact: use a reasonable advance if there is a purchase of supplies and leave the balance due upon review. For offices, add access hours, key management, restricted zones, and waste disposal. Never send full personal documents via chat without verifying the recipient.

How to offer the service and receive clearer contacts

A useful advertisement acts like a mini quote. Use a specific title—for example, “deep apartment and end-of-construction cleaning in Cali”—list coverage, experience, equipment, supplies, availability, and starting price. Upload your own photos of the equipment and approved results; no images taken from Google. Explain what information you need to quote and during what hours you answer WhatsApp.

There is a concrete opportunity: the cleaning category showed little active supply visible on Colombia Move when reviewing the marketplace on August 9, 2026. That data does not guarantee clients, but it does show a digital offering still empty within a services section that already gathers other specialties. Facebook and WhatsApp groups are good for quick reach; a permanent listing gains in order, photos, location, and the possibility of being found later. [C4]

Step-by-step to get your ad ready

First, choose the cleaning category and define if you serve homes, offices, commercial spaces, or end-of-construction jobs. Then, write a realistic coverage area by city and neighborhood, upload between four and eight clear photos, set a starting price with a unit—shift, square meter, or package—and detail what changes the quote. Finally, check the WhatsApp number, publish, and respond with a short form: location, area, photos, date, and special need.

Do not promise national availability if you only work in one area, nor use “certified disinfection” without backing. An honest response like “I need to see photos before confirming” filters better than giving an improvised figure. If the client and the provider can compare the same scope, the conversation stops being a confusing negotiation and becomes a concrete decision.

Frequently asked questions

❓ What is the legal difference between hiring a domestic worker and a deep cleaning service?

Periodic domestic cleaning under subordination creates an employment relationship; specialized deep cleaning is usually agreed upon as a one-time service. In the first case, proportional salary, benefits, and social security apply; in the second, the scope, result, invoice or contract, and the provider's own coverage are defined.

❓ What documents must an independent provider present?

Request identification, relevant references, and valid proof of PILA and ARL before starting. For a commercial client, a RUT, invoice, or supporting document may also be required, depending on the provider's tax obligation; it is advisable to validate this with the accounting department.

❓ How much does a deep cleaning or disinfection service cost?

There is no single national rate: the value depends on the area, state, city, number of operators, time, and machinery. Request a "starting at" reference price and a fixed quote including inclusions and exclusions after sharing photos or allowing a visit.

❓ Who provides the supplies and machinery?

In a specialized service, the provider usually includes the products and machinery defined in the quote. However, the parties may agree otherwise; put it in writing along with brands or data sheets, quantities, delicate surfaces, and any surcharges for special equipment.

❓ Does it cost money to post cleaning services on Colombia Move?

No, posting is free and Colombia Move does not charge a commission for leads received. This condition was verified on the marketplace on August 9, 2026; the provider controls their listing and speaks directly by phone or WhatsApp with potential clients.

❓ How do I avoid scams or misunderstandings?

Define in writing the areas, supplies, duration, price, payments, and expected result before beginning. Verify identity and ARL, document the initial state with authorized photos, and avoid handing over keys or sensitive documents without confirming who will be receiving the service.