Let’s be honest—who actually has time for spring cleaning? Between work, family, and trying to have some kind of social life, deep cleaning my home always seems to drop to the bottom of my to-do list. (And let’s not even talk about the pile of laundry that has become a permanent resident on my chair.)
But here’s the thing—I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring the mess only makes it worse. So, after years of trial and error (and a few near breakdowns while searching for a lost sock), I’ve found a five-step method that makes spring cleaning manageable—even for us busy folks.
If you’re juggling work, kids, or just trying to survive life in the Algarve, this is for you. Let’s get it done quickly and painlessly!
Step 1: Plan & Prioritize (Trust Me, It Helps!)
One spring, I made the mistake of just jumping into cleaning with no plan. Three hours later, I was sitting on the floor surrounded by random papers, half-cleaned shelves, and zero motivation. Lesson learned!
Now, I make a quick checklist before I start:
✔️ Prioritize the areas that actually matter (kitchen, bathroom, living room).
✔️ Set a time limit—I give myself one hour max per session.
✔️ Break it down into small tasks (because “clean the house” sounds impossible).
Need a full checklist? Check out my Spring Cleaning Checklist for a detailed breakdown of what to clean in each room.
Pro tip: If you have no time, do a 15-minute sprint each day. Or, better yet, hire a cleaning service and spend your time on something more fun—like a beach day in Vilamoura.
Step 2: Declutter First (Otherwise, You’re Just Moving Junk Around)
I once tried to vacuum around a pile of kids’ toys instead of putting them away. Spoiler alert: It didn’t work.
Before you start scrubbing, do a quick declutter:
➡️ Grab three bags: Keep, Donate, Toss—no overthinking.
➡️ Start with the easy stuff: expired food, old magazines, mystery cables.
➡️ If you haven’t used it in a year, do you really need it?
For families with kids, turn it into a game: Who can fill a bag of donations the fastest? (Bonus: fewer toys to trip over later.)
Step 3: Get the Deep Cleaning Done (The Least Fun but Most Satisfying Part)
Okay, this is where we actually clean. I know, I know—it’s the hardest part, but stay with me.
- Wipe down surfaces (yes, even the top of the fridge!)
- Scrub the bathroom like your in-laws are about to visit.
- Vacuum places you haven’t seen in months (under the couch, anyone?).
- Refresh soft furnishings (curtains, sofas, mattresses)—trust me, your allergies will thank you.
Shortcut: If this sounds exhausting, just call a cleaning service. Seriously. I did this last year and suddenly had an entire Saturday free to enjoy the sun in Tavira. Zero regrets Get a professional deep clean here.
Step 4: Make It Feel Fresh (Because a Clean Home Should Smell Like One, Too!)
Nothing says "I just cleaned" like fresh air and citrus-scented magic.
✔️ Open the windows—let that Algarve breeze do some of the work for you.
✔️ Add some plants—they make any room look better.
✔️ Use natural fresheners—a bit of lemon and baking soda goes a long way.
If you have no time, just spray some air freshener and call it a day. No judgment here.
Step 5: Keep It Clean (Or At Least Try…)
Want to avoid this level of cleaning chaos next time? Daily maintenance is key.
🔹 5-minute rule: If it takes less than 5 minutes, do it now.
🔹 One small task per day—wipe the counters, do a quick vacuum, toss out the junk mail.
🔹 Get help if you need it—seriously, there’s no shame in booking a regular cleaning service. Life’s too short to spend all your free time scrubbing!
Final Thoughts (Because We’re Busy People)
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little planning, decluttering, and deep cleaning, you can refresh your home without losing your sanity.
But if you’re looking at this list and thinking, “Nope, still too much work,” don’t stress. That’s what cleaning services like Fenix Cleaning are for.
👉 Need a deep clean in Faro, Tavira, or Vilamoura? Call in the professionals, save yourself the time, and go enjoy the Algarve sunshine. You deserve it!