Spring is finally here in the Algarve! The sun is shining brighter, the days are getting longer, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your home after the cooler months. Whether you're getting ready for the summer season, preparing for visiting family and friends, or just want to start fresh, this guide is for you. I live here too, and I know what truly works best for keeping your home in the Algarve clean, fresh, and ready for the sunny months ahead. Let’s tackle it together, room by room!
A quick tip: Most of the best cleaning products can be found in local supermarkets like Pingo Doce, Continente, or Intermarché. Brands like Cif, Ajax, and Dettol are widely available and do a fantastic job. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly approach, check out Auchan’s natural cleaning range or grab some vinagre branco and bicarbonato de sódio from any grocery store—these are my go-to essentials for powerful, budget-friendly cleaning!
1. Kitchen
What to Clean:
- Cabinets & Drawers: Empty, wipe down inside and out, and reorganize.
- Fridge & Freezer: Remove expired items, clean shelves with a mix of baking soda and water.
- Oven & Microwave: Use white vinegar and baking soda for grease removal.
- Stovetop & Extractor Fan: Remove built-up grease with desengordurante CIF.
- Sink & Drain: Pour boiling water with vinegar to freshen up drains.
- Small Appliances: Wipe down coffee makers, toasters, and blenders.
Time-Saving Tip: Clean as you cook! Wipe spills immediately to prevent hard-to-remove stains. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.
2. Living Room
What to Clean:
- Sofas & Upholstery: Vacuum and use a fabric freshener like Vanish Oxi Action for stains.
- Curtains & Blinds: Wash or steam clean.
- Windows & Glass Surfaces: Clean with a mix of vinagre branco, soap, and water for a streak-free and eco-friendly shine.
- Carpets & Rugs: Deep clean with Vanish Carpet Cleaner or a steam cleaner.
- TV & Electronics: Wipe with a microfiber cloth and a bit of alcohol isopropílico.
- Bookshelves & Decor Items: Dust and declutter.
Time-Saving Tip: A Swiffer duster is your best friend for quickly trapping dust without having to move everything around. I always keep one handy!
3. Bedroom
What to Clean:
- Mattress: Sprinkle bicarbonato de sódio, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum.
- Bedding & Pillows: Wash and sun-dry for a fresh scent.
- Closets & Wardrobes: Declutter, donate, and clean inside with Dettol Multiuso.
- Nightstands & Lamps: Wipe with a damp cloth and Cif multiuso.
- Mirrors & Windows: Clean with a mix of vinagre branco, soap, and water.
Time-Saving Tip: If you’re like me and struggle to keep closets tidy, vacuum storage bags are a lifesaver for seasonal clothes!
4. Bathroom
What to Clean:
- Shower & Bathtub: Use Cillit Bang Anticalcário to remove limescale (great eco-friendly alternative is vinegar with soap).
- Toilet: Disinfect with Domestos Gel.
- Sink & Faucet: Scrub with Cif Creme - my favorite product ever!
- Tiles & Grout: Clean with vinagre branco and an old toothbrush.
- Mirrors: Clean with a mix of vinagre branco, water, and soap for a streak-free and natural shine.
- Cabinets & Drawers: Declutter and clean with Dettol Multiuso.
Time-Saving Tip: With Algarve’s hard water, the limescale builds up fast. Use a squeegee after every shower to prevent water spots and reduce scrubbing later—it makes a huge difference!
5. Outdoor Areas & Balconies
What to Clean:
- Patio Furniture: Wash cushions and wipe down surfaces with Vileda outdoor cleaner.
- Windows & Shutters: Clean with a mix of vinagre branco, water, and soap for a natural and effective shine.
- Floors & Tiles: Pressure wash or mop with Cif Outdoor Cleaner.
- BBQ & Outdoor Kitchen: Scrub with Cif Desengordurante.
- Garden & Plants: Trim, water, and remove dead leaves.
Time-Saving Tip: Do outdoor cleaning on a breezy day—things dry faster, and you won’t break a sweat.
6. General Deep Cleaning Tasks
- Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans: Wipe with a microfiber cloth.
- Baseboards & Walls: Clean scuffs with a damp cloth and Cif Creme.
- Doors & Handles: Disinfect with Dettol Multiuso.
- Flooring: Mop with Pronto Parquet for wood floors or Vileda Floor Cleaner for tiles.
- Air Conditioners & Vents: Clean filters to improve air quality.
Time-Saving Tip: Always start from top to bottom in each room. It prevents you from having to clean twice!
Spring Cleaning Made Easier with Professional Help
If tackling all these tasks feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone! At Fenix Cleaning, we specialize in deep cleaning services that cater to busy individuals, families, and Airbnb owners across the Algarve. Whether you need a one-time deep clean, regular upkeep, or a customized cleaning plan, we’re here to make your home shine effortlessly.
Check out our services at https://www.fenix.cleaning/en/one-time-clean and let us take care of the heavy lifting so you can enjoy the Algarve sunshine stress-free!
Final Thoughts
Spring cleaning in the Algarve isn’t just about deep cleaning—it’s about embracing the fresh start that this beautiful season brings! With longer days and more sunshine, it feels amazing to have a spotless home that’s ready for whatever the season brings—whether that’s beach days, visitors, or just relaxing in a clean space.
I hope this checklist helps you get your home sparkling clean! If you're a busy parent, check out our other post on spring cleaning from a Mum’s point of view, and for those juggling work and life, we have a special guide for busy individuals looking to clean efficiently without wasting time. . If you have any favorite cleaning hacks, let me know—I love discovering new tricks. Let’s make our homes shine together!