Professional cleaner’s easy method to transform house ‘in minutes’

Lynsey Crombie, aka the Queen of Clean, has shared that your spring clean doesn’t have to be daunting and something you despise doing. If you follow her method, it may actually end up being something you look forward to. 

She said: “For many of us, spring cleaning still comes with a familiar image – an entire weekend blocked out, cupboards emptied, cleaning products everywhere, and the feeling that if you can’t do it all, there’s no point starting. It’s no wonder so many people put cleaning off altogether.

“But spring doesn’t need to mean one massive overhaul. In fact, that belief is one of the biggest myths making our homes feel more stressful than they need to be. A more modern approach to spring cleaning is about updating how we clean, making it manageable, realistic, and kinder on us!”

So, what does Lynsey, the viral Queen of Clean, say about spring cleaning?

You don’t need a big clean to make a big difference

The idea that cleaning only counts if it’s done in one huge effort is one of the main reasons people avoid it. When something feels too big, the brain naturally resists starting.

Instead, Lynsey recommends short, regular cleans, like the 15-minute clean routine, especially in high-traffic areas that have the biggest visual impact on your home.

• Kitchen worktops and the sink
• Bathroom sink, toilet and mirror
• Hallway floors
• Sofa throws and cushions

These are the areas we see and use most often. When they’re clean, everything else feels more under control.

Set a timer for just 15 minutes, focus on one space, and stop when the timer goes off. No moving on to another room, no trying to do everything. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer your home feels without exhausting yourself. Consistency beats intensity every single time.

Decluttering and cleaning are not the same thing

One of the biggest mistakes she sees people make is trying to declutter and clean at the same time. It sounds efficient, but it’s actually a fast track to burnout.

Decluttering is a mental task. You’re making decisions, processing emotions and often revisiting memories. Cleaning, on the other hand, is physical and repetitive. When you combine the two, your brain quickly becomes overwhelmed.

What starts as “I’ll just wipe the bathroom” can turn into emptying cupboards, rediscovering forgotten items and feeling guilty about what you haven’t dealt with yet.

Her advice is simple: separate the two.

• Declutter when you have mental energy
• Clean when you want quick wins and visible results

Even focusing on one drawer or one shelf at a time is enough. You don’t need to do everything in one go for it to make a difference.

Perfectionism makes cleaning harder

Perfectionism is one of the biggest hidden blockers when it comes to cleaning. We tell ourselves: “If I can’t do it properly, there’s no point”, “I’ll start when I have more time”, “If it’s not perfect, I’ve failed” and, before we know it, nothing gets done at all.

A half-done clean is always better than none. A wiped sink still matters, even if the cupboard underneath isn’t organised. Clean floors matter, even if the windows aren’t sparkling.

Homes are meant to be lived in, not treated like show homes. Letting go of perfection doesn’t mean lowering standards; it means protecting your energy and making cleaning sustainable.

Small resets make a big difference

If you want your home to feel lighter this spring, focus on small resets that give instant payoff without burning you out.

Some of her favourites include:

• Making the bed (even roughly changes the whole room)
• Clearing kitchen worktops at night
• A quick sink or toilet wipe after use
• Putting shoes and bags back where they belong
• Opening windows daily, even for ten minutes

These habits take minutes, not hours, but they stop mess and dirt from building up, which means you never feel the need for that dreaded “big clean”.

Final thoughts…

Spring doesn’t have to mean pressure, perfection or exhaustion. It can simply be a reminder to reset gently, let fresh air into your home, and update the way you care for your space.

Cleaning shouldn’t feel like punishment. It should support your life, not take it over. Choose small, regular, realistic habits and you’ll create a home that feels calmer, lighter and far easier to manage all year round.

Lynsey Crombie @lynsey_queenofclean is the ITV This Morning’s resident home expert and TV presenter. Lynsey’s best-selling book ‘The 15 Minute Clean’ is available to buy from Amazon.