Frequently asked questions
Questions about the service
What is the job description of a helper, and how does a helper service differ from a traditional cleaning service?
In addition to cleaning, Helpper can help with cooking, laundry, childcare, elderly care, pet care and light gardening and yard work. Things you don't usually get help with from a cleaner.
What kind of work experience do the helpers have?
Our Filipino helpers are experienced domestic workers with several years of experience working in Singapore or Finland. They all have experience in cleaning, childcare and cooking. Many of our facilitators also have experience working as private caregivers for elderly families. Check out our easier options here.
What language do the helpers speak?
Our helpers speak English and varying levels of Finnish. You can also receive service assistance from Curon in Finnish.
What can a helper manage to do during, for example, a half or a full workday?
The best thing about our service is its flexibility: you can decide for yourself which tasks you want the helper to focus on during their working hours. If you need service for only a half-day once a week, this time is usually sufficient in most households for tasks like maintenance cleaning and quick meal preparation, or alternatively, maintenance cleaning and laundry care.During a full workday, the helper can usually take care of weekly cleaning, laundry, and ironing, as well as prepare a delicious meal in most households. Alternatively, they can also focus more on elderly care or childcare.
You are responsible for familiarizing the helper with your household and guiding them in their work.
What kind of cleaning tools and supplies should I have for the helper's visit?
The helper will use your home's cleaning tools. It is good to have a vacuum cleaner, a window squeegee, a mop with clean replacement mop heads, and cleaning cloths – microfiber cloths are best suited for the purpose. We recommend washing the cleaning cloths after each use at a minimum of 60 degrees. Additionally, you should have the cleaning products you prefer, including at least one neutral all-purpose cleaner. Your helper will suggest any tools you might need if something is missing.
How do we handle grocery shopping and recipes?
The most common approaches are: the helper suggests a recipe, and you purchase the necessary ingredients; or you provide the helper with a recipe, do the shopping, and the helper prepares the meal. You can also, time permitting, arrange with your helper for meal planning and grocery shopping.
How do the helpers travel between their work locations?
The helpers travel by public transportation, so we aim to optimize the travel routes during the workday to make them as efficient as possible.
Will the helper have the keys to our home? Or can I be at home while the helper is working?
We can make your keys into a donation paper, or you can be there when the helppers are working in your home. On your first visit, it's a good idea to be there to guide the helper, so they can familiarise themselves with the way your home works.
How does Curon act as a responsible employer?
It is important to us that our helpers have good working conditions and that they are properly trained, both for the job itself and for working in Finland. We follow the Collective Agreement for the Facility Services Sector in employment relations, and our helpers are salaried employees. Our helpers have also not paid for any costs related to relocating to Finland, such as flights or residence permits, themselves.
Questions about minimum order, price and billing
What is the monthly price of the service?
Our pricing is simple: you pay a visit-based or weekly rate, and your monthly bill depends on the number of visits within the month. The minimum regular order is one half-day visit, but you get a more affordable hourly rate if you book a helper for a full day multiple times per month. See our price list
Do I pay a different price for different tasks, such as cleaning windows, the oven, and the refrigerator, or for childcare?
Our price is always the same, regardless of the tasks. You can flexibly choose the helper's tasks yourself.
What is the minimum order for the service, and is it possible for me to book a helper for evening or weekend visits? Are there additional costs for work done in the evenings or on weekends?
To make the most of our helper service, you need to book a regular helper visit for at least half a day every other week. Our helpers' working hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM. Evening and weekend work can be arranged on a case-by-case basis. See our price list
Do you offer VAT-exempt support services for home care to the elderly or other eligible individuals?
Yes, we are authorised by the authorities to provide VAT-free support services in the Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa areas. Persons who need support due to reduced functional capacity, for example due to age or illness, can receive assistance services free of VAT. Support services are also available to people who do not need municipal home care or home services. Contact us and we will assess whether you qualify for a tax-free service. See our price list
Are there other costs added to the price of the service, such as travel expenses?
Our prices include travel costs via public transportation, in Helsinki area within HSL's ABC zone. We strive to plan our helpers' travel times as efficiently as possible. However, if your home is in a remote location or in an area with poor transportation connections, so that the helper's one-way travel time exceeds one hour, we will include the excess travel time as part of the working hours. In such cases, we also recommend booking a full-day service or sharing a full-day service with a neighbor, for example.
What is the notice period for canceling the service, and can I try the service first?
You can try the service for 14 days without notice. Thereafter, the notice period is one or two months, depending on the service package chosen. See our terms of service
How much is the household tax deduction, and how can it be claimed?
The tax authority determines the amount of the deduction annually. In 2025, the household tax deduction is 35% of the service cost, with a maximum of €1,600 per person per year. The deductible portion is €150 per person per year. The household deduction is individual, so, for example, you and your spouse can receive a combined annual deduction of up to €3,200 if there are two taxpayers in the household. You can report the deduction amount directly on your tax card or during your tax filing. Upon request, we can provide you with the total amount of invoices you have paid during the year, which you can report to the tax authority.
Read more about the household deduction at vero.fi
How often can I cancel the service? Can I cancel the service, for example, due to a trip?
You can also cancel individual shifts, for example, due to a trip, as long as you inform us at least two days in advance. However, we encourage you to keep the shifts even during your trips – what could be nicer than returning to a clean home! If you travel frequently and do not wish to use the helper service during your vacations or trips, you can also redirect your shift for the use of friends or other family members. This way, we can also ensure that your familiar helper continues working in your household after longer vacations.
What to do if someone in our household falls ill within less than 48 hours of the start of a shift?
In case of illness, please contact our service number as soon as possible, so we can assess the situation together.
Does your company have insurance for potential damages?
Yes, we have liability insurance covering damages up to €1 million. The insurance company always makes the final decision on what damages will be covered.
Have your employees had a criminal record check?
We check the criminal records of employees who regularly work with children and/or the elderly.
Contact us and arrange for a helper to assist you
Request more information
Nothing so small that you can't contact us! Contact us to discuss how we can make your life easier. We're happy to help.
We operate in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen and Lahti.