Helpling stopped in the Netherlands: what happened and what are the alternatives?

For years many Dutch people booked a cleaner via Helpling. Anyone who now goes to helpling.nl is taken to the international site, which no longer mentions the Netherlands. What happened, and how do you now arrange a cleaner?

What happened to Helpling

• January 2023: Helpling Netherlands B.V. was declared bankrupt by the Amsterdam court (according to the public bankruptcy records on 11 January 2023).
• 11 April 2025: the Supreme Court dismissed Helpling's appeal in the case brought by FNV. This upheld the appellate court's ruling that the cleaners who worked via the platform were in an employment relationship with Helpling (ECLI:NL:HR:2025:543).

The case also considered that Helpling capped rates, ran payments through its own system, and largely dictated the relationship between the client and the cleaner.

What does that mean for you as a customer?

For customers it's especially important: know how the cleaner is hired. There are roughly three ways:

Method	How it works	Watch out
Hire a private cleaner	Direct appointments with a cleaner	There are rules for you as a client; check rijksoverheid.nl
Via a cleaning company	The company provides the cleaner and invoices	Often more expensive per hour, but includes replacement and a single point of contact
Via a platform	Book online or post a job	Check who the employer or contractor is, who is liable and how payment works

What should you look out for in an alternative?

• A clear price, with no hidden subscription or enrolment fees
• Free cancellation and flexible termination
• A regular cleaner for a regular appointment
• Genuine reviews from real customers
• Clarity on insurance and damages

321clean

At 321clean you can book a cleaner online at a fixed hourly rate, or post a job with photos and receive quotes from cleaners and cleaning companies in your area. View the prices or the frequently asked questions.