The Lazy Chicagoan’s Guide to a Spotless Apartment (Without Lifting a Finger)

Let’s be real—between work, social life, and surviving Chicago winters, keeping your apartment clean is probably the last thing on your mind. But a messy space can add stress to your already busy life. The good news? You can have a spotless home without turning into a cleaning fanatic. Here’s how to keep things fresh with minimal effort (or just schedule a cleaning and let the pros handle it).

1. The 10-Minute Daily Reset (Because Who Has Time for More?)

You don’t need hours—just 10 focused minutes a day to prevent chaos. Try this:

• Do a trash sweep – Grab a bag and toss junk mail, empty containers, and random clutter.
• Wipe high-traffic surfaces – Kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and coffee tables collect grime fast.
• Use a microfiber mop – Swiffer-style pads catch dust and pet hair in seconds.

Too busy even for that? A fast cleaning service can knock this out while you’re at work.

2. Outsource the Deep Cleaning (Seriously, Treat Yourself)

Things like baseboards, fridge coils, and shower grout shouldn’t be your problem. A professional home cleaning team handles the nitty-gritty so you don’t have to. Bonus: They bring the right supplies (no more buying 5 sprays you’ll use once).

What to Delegate:

• Oven degreasing
• Inside-the-fridge wipe-downs
• Blinds and window tracks

Pro tip: Book a deep cleaning seasonally to stay ahead.

3. Chicago-Specific Hacks (Because City Living Is Messy)

From sidewalk salt to tiny closets, Chicago apartments need tailored solutions:

• Entryway mats x2 – Trap winter sludge with one outside your door and one just inside.
• Air purifiers – Combat dust from construction and trains.
• Under-bed storage – Out of sight = out of mind (and easier to clean your apartment).

4. The “Company’s Coming” Emergency Fix

Got a last-minute visitor? Focus on these 3 spots for instant “clean” illusion:

1. Light switches and doorknobs (people notice grime here)
2. The bathroom mirror and toilet seat
3. A cleared-off couch or chair (just shove clutter in a closet)

Or, panic-text a cleaning service near me like Jikas for backup.

5. Stop Cleaning Things That Don’t Matter

Lazy = efficient. Skip these time-wasters:

• Folding fitted sheets – Ball them up; no one cares.
• Dusting decor – Unless it’s eye-level, let it go.
• Organizing junk drawers – Just shut the drawer.

Instead, invest time in what actually makes your space feel clean—or book an appointment with experts who’ll prioritize the right tasks.