Professional industrial cleaning in French-speaking Switzerland
Industrial cleaning bears no resemblance to standard office or residential cleaning. It is a discipline in its own right, requiring heavy equipment, advanced technical skills and in-depth knowledge of production environments. Factories, warehouses, manufacturing workshops, logistics halls, food processing sites, pharmaceutical laboratories: each industrial facility generates specific types of soiling that demand tailored cleaning protocols.
In French-speaking Switzerland, the industrial landscape is dense and diverse. From precision watchmaking in the Jura arc to food industry giants along the Lake Geneva arc, and from pharmaceuticals to logistics platforms in Valais, each sector imposes its own cleanliness and safety standards. SOS Nettoyage is the industrial cleaning specialist throughout French-speaking Switzerland. We work on sites of all sizes, with one commitment: flawless results that meet the most demanding standards. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Types of industrial facilities we clean
Production plants
Production plants are the core of our industrial cleaning business. Whether it involves assembly lines, bottling lines, mechanical manufacturing halls or electronic assembly areas, each facility presents unique challenges. Our teams are skilled in cleaning:
- Industrial floors: bare concrete, polished concrete, epoxy resin, technical tiles, industrial PVC tiles
- Metal structures: frameworks, mezzanines, walkways, stairways, handrails
- Production areas: workstations, conveyors, sorting tables, work surfaces
- Technical areas: electrical rooms, compressor rooms, boiler rooms
- Staff areas: changing rooms, washrooms, canteens, break rooms
Cleaning a plant during operations requires working in close coordination with the site manager to plan interventions without disrupting production. We frequently work at night, on weekends or during scheduled maintenance shutdowns.
Warehouses and logistics centres
Warehouses and logistics centres in French-speaking Switzerland are vast spaces (often several thousand square metres) that accumulate dust, packaging residue, forklift tyre marks and various soiling. Our services include:
- Mechanical sweeping with ride-on industrial sweepers
- Floor washing with industrial scrubber-dryers
- Cleaning of traffic aisles and loading docks
- Dusting of racking and high-level storage shelves
- Cleaning of picking zones and order preparation areas
- Cleaning of receiving and dispatch docks
Regularity is essential in a warehouse: a clean floor reduces slip risks for operators and improves the lifespan of handling equipment. We offer weekly or monthly maintenance contracts adapted to the volume of activity.
Manufacturing and mechanical workshops
Mechanical workshops, machining workshops and welding workshops generate heavy soiling: cutting oils, greases, metal swarf, abrasive dust, welding residue. Cleaning these environments requires specific techniques and products:
- Professional degreasing of floors and machinery
- Vacuuming of metal swarf with suitable industrial vacuums
- Cleaning of inspection pits and collection channels
- Stripping of floors clogged with hydrocarbons
- Anti-slip treatment of floors after cleaning
Industrial floors: a chapter apart
The industrial floor is the most heavily used surface on a production site. It endures forklift traffic, product splashes, mechanical impacts and extreme temperatures. Its cleaning is fundamental, not only for hygiene but also for worker safety (slip risk) and regulatory compliance.
SOS Nettoyage uses the latest generation of industrial scrubber-dryers capable of treating up to 3,000 m² per hour. For heavily soiled floors, we carry out chemical or mechanical stripping followed by restoration (resin application, anti-slip treatment).
Machines and production equipment
Cleaning production machinery is a technical service that goes well beyond simple dusting. It involves degreasing, decontaminating and restoring equipment to extend its lifespan and maintain its performance. We work on:
- Machine tools (lathes, milling machines, grinders): degreasing, swarf removal
- Packaging lines: cleaning and disinfection
- Tanks and vessels: interior cleaning, descaling, disinfection
- Ventilation and extraction systems: duct, filter and hood cleaning
- Conveyors and conveyor belts: cleaning and degreasing
Silos and storage tanks
Cleaning silos and storage tanks is a high-risk intervention requiring strict safety protocols (confined space, explosion risk, oxygen-depleted atmosphere). Our teams are trained and certified to work in these environments:
- Grain, powder and pellet silos: vacuuming, scraping, high-pressure cleaning
- Process tanks (food, chemical): CIP (Clean In Place) or manual cleaning
- Storage tanks (liquids, hydrocarbons): residual draining, cleaning, degassing
Each confined space intervention is subject to a specific work permit, atmosphere analysis and the presence of an external safety watch, in accordance with SUVA directives.
Industrial cleaning techniques
High-pressure cleaning
High-pressure cleaning is the leading technique in industrial cleaning. Our professional equipment delivers pressures of 100 to 500 bar with hot (up to 90°C) or cold water, depending on the application:
- Low pressure (100-150 bar): fragile surfaces, routine cleaning
- Medium pressure (150-300 bar): industrial floors, walls, equipment
- High pressure (300-500 bar): stripping, stubborn residue removal, heavily soiled concrete cleaning
- Ultra-high pressure (500+ bar): hydro-stripping, surface preparation, coating removal
Adding professional detergents to the high-pressure circuit enhances the cleaning action on greases and organic residues.
Industrial vacuuming
Industrial vacuuming is essential for removing dust, swarf, granules and solid debris. Our equipment includes:
- Mobile industrial vacuums (wet and dry) with large capacity
- Central vacuum systems for large-scale interventions
- ATEX-certified vacuums for explosive atmosphere zones (combustible dust, flammable vapours)
- HEPA vacuums for fine dust and sensitive environments (pharmaceutical, electronic)
Industrial degreasing
Degreasing is a fundamental operation in mechanical workshops, industrial kitchens and production sites. We use:
- Alkaline degreasers: effective on animal and vegetable fats (food industry)
- Solvent-based degreasers: for mineral oils and heavy industrial greases
- Water-based degreasers: environmentally friendly solutions for moderate soiling
- Steam degreasing: dry steam cleaning (170°C) with no chemical residue
The choice of degreaser is dictated by the nature of the grease, the type of surface and the environmental standards applicable to the site.
Cryogenic cleaning (dry ice)
Cryogenic cleaning uses dry ice pellets (CO2 at -78°C) projected at high speed. This technique offers unique advantages for industrial cleaning:
- No secondary residue: the ice sublimates instantly
- No water: ideal for electrical and electronic equipment
- No abrasion: preserves surfaces and mechanical part tolerances
- Cleaning in place: no need to dismantle machinery
- Effective on: adhesive residue, inks, paints, oils, resins, rubber
SOS Nettoyage uses cryogenic cleaning for production machinery, injection moulds, electrical equipment and surfaces where water and chemicals are prohibited. This technique is particularly valued in the watchmaking and electronics industries in French-speaking Switzerland.
Mechanical sweeping and washing
For large surface areas (warehouses, car parks, production halls), manual cleaning is neither effective nor cost-efficient. We deploy a fleet of industrial cleaning machines:
- Ride-on sweepers: sweeping 3,000 to 10,000 m²/h
- Scrubber-dryers: simultaneous washing and drying, 1,500 to 5,000 m²/h
- Industrial single-disc machines: stripping, polishing, crystallisation of floors
Industry sectors and specific requirements
Food industry
The food industry is subject to the strictest cleaning and disinfection requirements. Food safety is non-negotiable. SOS Nettoyage works in dairies, industrial bakeries, slaughterhouses, canneries, breweries and food packaging companies in French-speaking Switzerland.
Specific requirements:
- Compliance with HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) standards
- Validated cleaning-disinfection (C&D) protocols
- Use of products approved for food contact
- Full traceability of cleaning operations
- Surface microbiological analysis after cleaning (on request)
- Maintenance of the cold chain during the intervention
Pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry
The pharmaceutical sector in French-speaking Switzerland (Lake Geneva region, Jura arc) imposes some of the highest cleanliness standards in the world. Cleaning cleanrooms, GMP production areas (Good Manufacturing Practice) and quality control laboratories requires absolute rigour.
Specific requirements:
- Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
- Cleanroom cleaning (ISO classes 5 to 8)
- Staff trained in clean zone behaviour (gowning, material flow)
- Qualified and validated cleaning products for the pharma environment
- Complete documentation of each operation (batch records)
- Validation of cleaning processes
Logistics and distribution
Logistics platforms and distribution centres in French-speaking Switzerland handle considerable volumes of goods. Cleaning must be fast and effective so as not to hinder operations.
Our logistics services:
- Mechanical sweeping and floor washing (several thousand m²)
- Cleaning of loading and unloading docks
- Dusting of high-level racking and shelves (cherry picker)
- Cleaning of sorting and packaging areas
- Maintenance of staff areas (changing rooms, canteens, washrooms)
Watchmaking and microtechnology
The Swiss watchmaking industry is synonymous with perfection. Manufacturing and assembly workshops require a dust-free environment to preserve the quality of movements and components.
Specific requirements:
- Cleaning of cleanrooms and controlled environments
- HEPA vacuuming of micro-particles
- Cryogenic cleaning of precision moulds and tooling
- Cleaning of micro-assembly workstations
- Cleaning protocols compatible with quality certifications (ISO 9001)
Mechanics and machining
Precision mechanics and machining workshops are ubiquitous in French-speaking Switzerland. Cleaning these environments is dominated by the challenge of cutting oils, metal swarf and industrial greases.
Our services:
- Complete degreasing of workshop floors
- Vacuuming of swarf and metal residue
- Cleaning of machine tools (CNC lathes, machining centres, grinders)
- Cleaning of oil recovery pits
- Anti-slip treatment of floors after degreasing
Standards and certifications
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points)
The HACCP standard is the international benchmark for controlling health risks in the food industry. It requires rigorous cleaning protocols including:
- Hazard identification (biological, chemical, physical) at each stage
- Critical Control Points (CCPs) where cleaning is decisive
- Documented and validated cleaning and disinfection procedures
- Verification through regular microbiological testing
- Records of all cleaning operations
SOS Nettoyage trains its teams to meet HACCP requirements and adapts its protocols to each food processing site.
ISO 14001 (Environmental management)
The ISO 14001 standard concerns environmental management. For industrial cleaning, it involves:
- Use of low environmental impact products
- Rigorous management of cleaning wastewater (no discharge into the network without treatment)
- Waste reduction related to cleaning
- Traceability of chemicals used
- Continuous improvement of environmental practices
OHSAS 18001 / ISO 45001 (Occupational health and safety)
The OHSAS 18001 (replaced by ISO 45001) standards govern occupational health and safety management. They require:
- Risk assessment before each cleaning intervention
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Training of personnel for site-specific risks
- Work permits for high-risk interventions (confined spaces, work at height, ATEX zones)
- Emergency plan in case of accident
Safety on industrial sites
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Each industrial cleaning intervention requires the wearing of PPE suited to the site and identified risks:
- Safety helmet: mandatory in production and storage areas
- Safety boots (S3 standard): protection against impacts, punctures and slips
- Safety glasses: when using high pressure, chemicals or air-blasting
- Hearing protection: in noisy areas (> 85 dB)
- Respiratory mask (FFP2/FFP3 or cartridge mask): dust, chemical vapours
- Protective gloves: suited to the products handled (chemical, mechanical, thermal)
- Fall arrest harness: for work at height (cherry pickers, silos, roofs)
ATEX zones (Explosive atmospheres)
ATEX zones are environments where explosive atmospheres can form (presence of combustible dust, flammable gases or vapours). Cleaning in ATEX zones requires:
- Exclusive use of ATEX-certified equipment (vacuums, lighting, tools)
- Mandatory hot work permit for any spark-generating operation
- Personnel trained in explosion risks and emergency procedures
- Atmosphere analysis before and during the intervention
- Prohibition of any non-certified equipment in the zone
SOS Nettoyage has ATEX-certified industrial vacuums (zones 1, 2, 21 and 22) and trains its operators in explosive atmosphere safety protocols. We work notably in grain silos, paint shops, solvent storage areas and wood processing facilities.
Confined spaces
Cleaning in confined spaces (tanks, silos, vessels, pipes, shafts) is one of the most dangerous industrial cleaning interventions. Our protocols follow SUVA directives:
- Mandatory confined space entry permit
- Atmosphere measurement (O2, CO, H2S, LEL) before and during the intervention
- Forced ventilation of the confined space
- Permanent monitoring by an external operator (safety watch)
- Rescue equipment immediately available (harness, winch, SCBA)
- Continuous communication between operator and safety watch
Industrial cleaning prices in French-speaking Switzerland
| Service | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Routine industrial cleaning (floors, surfaces) | 50 – 70 CHF/h |
| Technical cleaning (machines, equipment) | 60 – 80 CHF/h |
| Industrial high-pressure cleaning | 70 – 100 CHF/h |
| Cryogenic cleaning | 90 – 130 CHF/h |
| ATEX zone cleaning | 80 – 120 CHF/h |
| Confined space cleaning (tanks, silos) | 90 – 130 CHF/h |
| Industrial floor degreasing | 5 – 12 CHF/m² |
| Mechanical sweeping/washing (large area) | 0.50 – 1.50 CHF/m² |
| Weekly warehouse maintenance package | On request |
| Complete industrial site cleaning package | On request |
Industrial cleaning prices vary considerably depending on:
- The surface area to be treated and the complexity of the facilities
- The type of soiling (dust, grease, chemical residue, organic matter)
- The standards to comply with (HACCP, GMP, ISO)
- The safety constraints (ATEX zones, confined spaces, work at height)
- The intervention schedule (night, weekend, production shutdown)
- The frequency (one-off, weekly, monthly, annual contract)
SOS Nettoyage provides a free, detailed quote after a technical site visit. The price is guaranteed and transparent: no hidden fees, no unpleasant surprises.
Planning and organising interventions
Cleaning during production shutdowns
Most in-depth industrial cleaning interventions are planned during production shutdowns: scheduled maintenance, company holidays, production changeovers. This allows access to all areas and working without time constraints.
SOS Nettoyage plans these interventions several weeks in advance in coordination with the site’s maintenance or production manager. We deploy reinforced teams to meet restart deadlines.
Regular maintenance during production
Routine maintenance (sweeping, floor washing, washroom and changing room cleaning) can be carried out during production hours by adapting our interventions to the workflow. We work in zones, without disrupting ongoing operations.
Emergency interventions
An accidental spill, contamination, or disaster: SOS Nettoyage can mobilise an emergency team to secure the site and carry out cleaning. Also see our disaster and fire damage cleaning service for crisis situations.
Service areas
SOS Nettoyage provides industrial cleaning throughout French-speaking Switzerland:
- Genève: ZIMEYSA, Plan-les-Ouates, Meyrin industrial zones, airport
- Vaud: Lausanne, Yverdon-les-Bains, Renens, Bussigny, Cossonay and Nord vaudois industrial zones
- Neuchâtel: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle (watchmaking), Val-de-Travers, Neuchâtel
- Fribourg: Givisiez industrial zone, Bulle, Romont
- Valais: Sion, Sierre, Monthey (chemicals), Viège, Martigny
- Jura: Delémont, Porrentruy, Saignelégier (watchmaking)
Why choose SOS Nettoyage for industrial cleaning
- Recognised specialist in industrial cleaning in French-speaking Switzerland
- State-of-the-art equipment: high pressure up to 500 bar, cryogenics, ATEX vacuums, large-format scrubber-dryers
- Trained personnel in HACCP, GMP, ISO standards and SUVA safety protocols
- Total flexibility: night and weekend interventions, planned shutdowns, emergencies
- Regulatory compliance: we document every intervention for your quality audits
- Professional liability insurance covering industrial site interventions
- Free, no-obligation quote: contact us for a technical site visit
Also discover our office and commercial premises cleaning, post-construction cleaning and facade cleaning services.
Frequently asked questions about industrial cleaning
What is the difference between industrial cleaning and office cleaning?
Industrial cleaning is aimed at production environments (factories, warehouses, workshops) and uses heavy equipment (high pressure, scrubber-dryers, industrial vacuums) along with powerful professional products. Office cleaning concerns commercial spaces and uses lighter methods. The skills required are very different: industrial cleaning demands training in chemical risks, confined spaces, ATEX zones and sector-specific standards (HACCP, GMP). SOS Nettoyage masters both domains.
Can you clean while the factory is in production?
Yes, for routine maintenance (floors, washrooms, changing rooms, staff areas). We adapt our interventions to the production rhythm and work in zones so as not to disrupt operations. For in-depth cleaning of machines and production areas, we prefer to intervene during planned shutdowns (maintenance, holidays, weekends). Our planning is always coordinated with your site manager.
How do you guarantee HACCP compliance?
Our teams working in the food industry are trained to HACCP requirements. We exclusively use cleaning and disinfection products approved for food contact. Each intervention is documented with a traceability sheet detailing the products used, concentrations, contact times and results. On request, we carry out surface swabs to verify disinfection effectiveness through microbiological analysis.
Do you have ATEX-certified equipment?
Yes, SOS Nettoyage has industrial vacuums certified ATEX zones 1, 2, 21 and 22, as well as compliant lighting and tools. Our operators are trained in explosion risks and ATEX zone work procedures. Before any intervention, we carry out a risk analysis and an atmosphere check with a calibrated multi-gas detector.
What is the response time for emergencies?
For emergency situations (product spills, contamination, disaster), SOS Nettoyage can mobilise a team within 2 to 6 hours depending on the location in French-speaking Switzerland and the availability of required equipment. We have an on-call service for contracted clients, with guaranteed response times.
Is cryogenic cleaning suitable for all machines?
Cryogenic cleaning is extremely versatile. It is particularly suited to production machinery that cannot be cleaned with water (electrical equipment, injection moulds, printing machines). It is also ideal for precision mechanical parts as it generates no abrasion. However, it is less effective on very thick soiling (multi-millimetre grease layers) where prior chemical degreasing is recommended.
Do you offer regular maintenance contracts?
Absolutely. The majority of our industrial clients operate with a maintenance contract that guarantees regular visits (daily, weekly or monthly) at preferential rates. The contract includes a detailed specification, an intervention schedule and a dedicated account manager. Contracts are flexible and adapted to your evolving needs.
How do you manage industrial cleaning waste?
Waste management is an integral part of our service. Wastewater containing chemicals or hydrocarbons is collected and disposed of through approved channels. Solid residues (swarf, dust, sludge) are sorted and removed according to their classification. We provide the waste tracking slips required by Swiss environmental protection legislation. No uncontrolled discharge is tolerated.