5 Cleaning Secrets Chicago Pros Swear By (That You’re Missing)

Living in Chicago means juggling work, social life, and—somehow—keeping your apartment clean. If you’re tired of scrubbing for hours only for your place to still feel messy, you’re not alone. Luckily, professional home cleaning experts in the city have insider tricks to make cleaning faster, smarter, and way more effective. Here’s what they know (and you probably don’t).

1. The Magic of Microfiber (And Why Your Towels Suck)

Most Chicagoans grab whatever rag is nearby to wipe surfaces—big mistake. Pros use microfiber cloths because they trap dust and grime instead of smearing it around. Bonus: Dampen one with hot water to clean windows streak-free (no Windex needed).

Pro Tip: Keep a set in every room for quick touch-ups between deep cleaning help sessions.

2. Dust Before You Vacuum (Not After)

You’re vacuuming twice as much as you need to. Chicago’s dusty streets mean particles settle fast, so always:

• Dust ceiling fans, shelves, and baseboards first
• Let debris fall to the floor
• Then vacuum it all up in one go

This cuts cleaning time in half—perfect for busy schedules.

3. The 10-Minute Daily Reset

Chicago cleaning services crews swear by this routine to avoid weekend cleaning marathons:

• Wipe kitchen counters after breakfast
• Do a 3-item pickup (e.g., shoes, mail, mugs)
• Spritz the shower after use to prevent soap scum

Small habits = big results.

4. Baking Soda Is Your Best Friend

Skip harsh chemicals with these hacks:

• Sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming to neutralize odors
• Make a paste to scrub grout (better than most store-bought cleaners)
• Leave an open box in the fridge to absorb smells

Need a deeper refresh? Schedule a cleaning to tackle what DIY can’t.

5. Stop Cleaning Empty Spaces First

Pros always start with the dirtiest areas (usually kitchens/bathrooms), then move outward. Why? You’ll have the most energy for tough jobs early on. Save dusting for last—it’s the easiest.

Chicago Bonus: Close windows during apartment cleaning to keep street dust from blowing back in.

When to Call the Experts

These tricks help, but let’s be real—sometimes you just need someone to clean my apartment properly. That’s where we come in.