Life in Chicago is fast-paced — between work, transit, social plans, and managing home life, keeping your apartment truly clean can feel like an uphill battle. You might think your place looks fine on the surface — but is your “clean” apartment actually hiding grime, allergens, or lingering odors? Let’s dig into the spots most Chicagoans forget (and how to fix them).

Chicagoans: Is Your “Clean” Apartment Secretly Gross?

The Most Overlooked Dirty Spots in Your Apartment

Dusting your shelves and vacuuming your rugs is great — but even if your apartment looks tidy, some hidden grime loves to hang out in rarely cleaned areas. Here are the top offenders:

• Baseboards & Moldings: These low-traffic areas gather layers of dust and pet hair. When was the last time you wiped them down?
• Under and Behind Furniture: Moving furniture feels like a major chore, but underneath is where crumbs, dirt, and allergens thrive.
• Sink Drains: If your kitchen or bathroom has a weird smell despite being “clean,” it could be coming from a gunky drain full of bacteria.
• Shower Curtain & Liner: Mold loves moist places. A stained liner isn’t just gross to look at — it could be affecting your air quality.
• Remote Controls and Light Switches: You touch them every day, but how often do you disinfect them?

Deep cleaning means going beyond the surface — and if you’re short on time or energy, hiring a professional cleaning service in Chicago can be an absolute game-changer.

DIY Tips to Clean Deeper, Faster

Feel like your place isn’t dirty enough to book a full clean, but still want a fresh start? Here are some lightning-fast deep-clean tricks:

• Boil a lemon in water on the stove: This helps deodorize your kitchen and clear up food smells fast. Bonus: it makes your whole apartment smell fresh!
• Use a pillowcase to clean ceiling fan blades: Slide it over each blade and gently pull — the dust collects inside without falling on your furniture.
• Clean your mattress: Sprinkle baking soda over it, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. You’ll be shocked at what comes out.
• Empty your fridge and wipe down all shelves: Use vinegar + water to remove hidden spills and grime. Put an open box of baking soda in there to absorb future odors.

Even doing one of these tasks can instantly make your apartment feel truly clean — and much more inviting.

Top Signs It’s Time to Call in the Pros

Let’s face it: cleaning doesn’t fit into everyone’s schedule, especially when you’re working, commuting, or juggling a social life. Here are a few signs that it might be time to book recurring cleaning in Chicago with help from the pros:

• You keep cleaning surface-level dirt, but odors or “musty” smells persist
• You haven’t deep cleaned your kitchen or bathroom in over 2 months
• You’re spending your weekends scrubbing instead of relaxing
• Pet hair, allergens, or dust are triggering sneezes or asthma

If any of these sound familiar, a scheduled service with Jikas Cleaning might be exactly what your place (and peace of mind) needs.

Why Chicago Residents Choose Jikas Cleaning

We know the difference between a surface-level tidy and a deep, satisfying clean. At Jikas Cleaning, our trusted team delivers professional-grade results without the hassle.

Whether you’re prepping for guests, recovering after a move, or need a reset from your everyday mess, we’ve got you. Our apartment cleaning services in Chicago are flexible, thorough, and tailored to your needs.

Need help with a single clean or looking to set up a routine? You can even try our affordable house cleaning packages without long-term commitments.

Curious about our rates? It’s quick and easy to get a free quote for your Chicago apartment or home—no obligation!