Man, let me tell ya about the cleaning company mess I went through here in Lisbon. Last month I finally cracked 'cause my apartment looked like a tornado hit it - dishes piled up, dusty corners laughing at me. I had no clue where to even start looking for help.

First Attempt: Total Chaos

I just googled "cleaning service Lisbon" like an idiot. About a billion companies popped up! Started emailing three random ones. Only ONE wrote back after THREE days! That other company ghosted me after asking for my address. Sketchy af.

The Research Phase

Got smart and hit up expat groups on Facebook. Asked my barista neighbor too - she recommended her cleaning lady who vanished when I called. Classic! Then I decided to make a proper battle plan:

• Called city hall to confirm license requirements (they actually answered!)
• Stalked Google reviews hardcore - filtered for fake 5-star reviews
• Made spreadsheet like a nerd with prices/services/licenses

My 5 Brutally-Earned Tips

Here's what actually worked when I tested these:

1. Demand license papers FIRST: Asked all 5 candidates to email pics. Two magically "forgot", one sent blurry junk, two legit ones looked official.
2. Show up unannounced at their office: The winner? Their tiny office actually existed! Found one company operating from a sketchy parking garage. NOPE.
3. Pay cash trial run only: Used my "test day" tactic - leave filthy oven and secretly mark dusty shelves. Three failed basic checks.
4. Bribe current clients: Asked the final two companies for references - offered the woman who called back €10 for brutal honesty. Got GOLD on one company always being late!
5. Insure your cleaning supplies: Learned this when one cleaner broke my antique lamp. Now my contract SPECIFICALLY states they pay for damages.

The Final Result

After three weeks of this detective work? Found this family-run team named LimpTop. Been using 'em for five weeks! Their vacuum literally changed my life. Costs €15/hour, brings certified products, even folds laundry better than my mom. Pro tip: Pay €5 extra for fridge cleaning! Totally worth it.

Would I do this again? Hell no - too much work! But these tips? Saved my sanity and discovered these gems. Just don't be lazy like my first attempt. Do the homework!