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

Living in Chicago means juggling work, social life, and—somehow—keeping your apartment clean. But no matter how much you scrub, does your place still feel grimy? You’re not alone. Here’s why your space might not feel fresh, plus easy fixes (including when to call in the pros at Jikas Cleaning).

1. You’re Skipping Hidden Germ Hotspots

Wiping counters and vacuuming floors isn’t enough. Grime builds up in sneaky spots like:

• Light switches & door handles (touched daily but rarely cleaned)
• Under appliances (hello, fridge crumbs)
• Vents & baseboards (dust magnets)

Fix it: Add these to your monthly deep cleaning routine, or let our professional home cleaning team handle it.

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:

• Microfiber cloths (they trap dust instead of redistributing it)
• PH-balanced cleaners for soap scum
• Enzyme-based solutions for pet odors

Fix it: Upgrade your toolkit—or schedule a cleaning with pros who bring industrial-strength supplies.

3. You’re Cleaning in the Wrong Order

Dusting after vacuuming? You’re making extra work. Follow this sequence:

1. Declutter surfaces first
2. Dust from top (shelves) to bottom (floors)
3. Vacuum last to catch falling particles

Fix it: Try this method, or save time with fast cleaning services that nail the process.

4. Your Air Feels Stale (Even After Opening Windows)

Chicago’s humidity and pollution mean airborne dust settles fast. Your “clean” apartment might have:

• Dust mites in upholstery
• Lingering cooking oils
• Pet dander stuck in carpets

Fix it: Run an air purifier, wash linens weekly, or book an appointment for a thorough refresh.

5. You’re Overlooking High-Touch Surfaces

Your TV remote, laptop keyboard, and cabinet pulls harbor more bacteria than your toilet seat. Gross but true.

Fix it: Keep disinfectant wipes handy, or let a cleaning service near me sanitize them biweekly.

6. Your “Quick Clean” Misses the Details

Speed-cleaning before guests arrive? You’re probably leaving behind:

• Streaky mirrors
• Toothpaste splatter on faucets
• Crumb-filled couch crevices

Fix it: Block 20 extra minutes for detail work—or get your space cleaned by experts who notice everything.

7. You Need a Reset (Not Just Maintenance)

If your apartment hasn’t had a top-to-bottom scrub in months, surface cleaning won’t cut it. Signs you need a deep cleaning help:

• Grimy tile grout
• Sticky kitchen cabinets
• Mystery stains on walls

Fix it: Our Chicago cleaning company specializes in apartment refreshes that last.