5 Reasons Your Chicago Apartment Still Feels Dirty (And How to Fix It Fast)

Living in Chicago means juggling work, social life, and—somehow—keeping your apartment clean. But no matter how much you scrub, does your space still feel grimy? You’re not alone. Here’s why your cleaning efforts might be falling short (and how to solve it for good).

1. You’re Skipping Hidden Dirt Magnets

Wiping counters and vacuuming floors isn’t enough. Dust and grime love hiding in spots like:

• Baseboards (run a microfiber cloth along them weekly)
• Under appliances (try a deep cleaning service to tackle these)
• Light switches and door handles (disinfect these daily)

2. Your Cleaning Products Aren’t Cutting It

That dollar-store spray might just spread dirt around. For Chicago’s hard water and old-building grime, you need:

• Vinegar solutions for hard water stains
• Microfiber cloths (they trap dust instead of redistributing it)
• Or better yet—leave it to the pros with professional home cleaning

3. You’re Cleaning in the Wrong Order

Always start high (ceiling fans, shelves) and work downward. Otherwise, dust from above just resettles on your freshly mopped floors. For a foolproof system:

• Dust first
• Vacuum/sweep next
• Mop last
• Or schedule a cleaning to let experts handle the workflow

4. Chicago’s Weather Makes Everything Grimier

Between winter salt, summer humidity, and year-round wind, our city is tough on apartments. Combat this with:

• Doormats at every entry (reduce tracked-in dirt by 80%)
• Air purifiers to catch pollen and pollution
• Monthly cleaning services in Chicago to reset your space

5. You’re Overlooking the “Clean Smell” Factor

Even a tidy space can feel dirty if it smells like last night’s deep-dish. Try:

• Baking soda in carpets before vacuuming
• Simmering citrus peels for natural freshness
• Letting someone clean your apartment for that just-professionally-cleaned scent

The Fastest Fix? Let Jikas Cleaning Handle It

Chicagoans don’t have time to deep-clean every nook. That’s why we offer fast cleaning services tailored to city life—so you can come home to a spotless space without lifting a finger.