Cleaning Services Prices and Costs in Chicago: The Real Breakdown

If you’ve ever sat on your couch after a long day and thought, “I just want someone to take care of the mess without charging me an arm and a leg,” you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. And in a city like Chicago—where life moves fast, traffic moves slower, and apartments come in every size and style—knowing what to expect when it comes to hiring help around the house can feel like guesswork.

I’m Bryan Torres, the founder of Sparkly Maid, and I’ve been cleaning homes since I was 12 years old, side by side with my mom. Today, I run a full-service residential cleaning company with a team of experienced professionals who serve neighborhoods across Chicago. Over the years, I’ve seen all the price ranges, hourly quotes, hidden fees, and “too good to be true” deals—and I want to break it all down for you in plain language.

Whether you’re booking a one-time deep clean before guests arrive, moving out of your apartment, or just tired of scrubbing your own bathroom every Saturday, this guide will help you understand how cleaning prices really work in Chicago—and how to get the most value for your money.

Why Cleaning Prices in Chicago Can Vary So Widely

Chicago isn’t just one kind of city. You’ve got high-rise condos in the Loop, vintage walk-ups in Lakeview, townhomes in Lincoln Square, and bungalows on the South Side. That means cleaning prices aren’t one-size-fits-all.

Prices vary based on:

• The size of your home (more square footage means more time and labor)

• The condition of your space (first-time deep cleans cost more than maintenance visits)

• The number of bedrooms and bathrooms

• Your location (some buildings require elevator access or have parking constraints)

• The type of clean (standard, deep, move-out, post-construction)

• Whether you need any extras like fridge, oven, or window cleaning

So when someone says, “How much does it cost to clean a two-bedroom apartment in Chicago?” The honest answer is: It depends.

But don't worry. We're going to give you the averages, the ranges, and what to look out for.

What You Should Expect to Pay for a Standard Cleaning Service in Chicago

Let’s start with the basics: standard cleaning.

A standard cleaning is what most people book for routine upkeep. It typically includes sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dusting, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms.

For a standard one-time clean in Chicago, here’s what most people pay:

• Small studio or one-bedroom apartment: around $120 to $160

• Two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $160 to $220

• Three-bedroom home with two bathrooms: $220 to $300

• Four-bedroom home or larger: $280 to $450+

At Sparkly Maid, we quote based on the square footage and layout of the space, but our goal is always to stay within these ranges while delivering a consistent and detailed experience.

Now, if you book recurring service (like weekly or biweekly), the cost per visit usually drops by 10% to 20%—because once we’ve done the first deep clean, it’s quicker and easier to maintain.

What a Move-Out or Move-In Cleaning Will Cost You

This is one of the most requested services we offer, and for good reason. When you’re moving, the last thing you want to do is scrub baseboards or clean out the fridge. And landlords? They inspect everything.

Move-out cleans include everything from deep cleaning plus extras like:

• Inside cabinets and drawers

• Inside all appliances

• Full baseboard and wall detailing

• Floor corners and vent covers

Here’s what you’ll typically pay:

• Studio or small one-bedroom: $180 to $240

• Two-bedroom, one-bath: $260 to $340

• Three-bedroom home: $340 to $450+

• Four-bedroom or larger: $450 to $600+

At Sparkly Maid, our move-out cleans are so thorough we often get calls from landlords asking who cleaned the place—because it “looked better than when the tenant moved in.”

Post-Construction Cleaning Prices in Chicago

If you’ve just had a renovation, don’t make the mistake of thinking a standard clean will cut it. Construction dust settles in vents, on light fixtures, in window tracks, and in every crevice of the home.

A post-construction clean involves:

• Removing dust from every surface (usually multiple times)

• Scraping glue or paint residue

• Polishing fixtures and removing protective film

• Extra trash removal

These jobs are time-consuming and require industrial vacuums, ladders, and careful attention to avoid damaging new materials.

Cost for post-construction cleaning:

• Small condo or room renovation: $250 to $350

• Full apartment or medium-sized home: $400 to $600

• Large home or full-house remodel: $600 to $850+

We often assign 3-person teams for these jobs, and they still take several hours.

What Extras Will Cost You—and When They're Worth It

Some cleaning tasks aren’t part of a standard package but are still worth considering.

Here’s what those extras typically cost:

• Inside fridge: $25 to $35

• Inside oven: $30 to $45

• Interior windows: $40 to $75 depending on size and quantity

• Wall washing: $60 to $150 depending on number of rooms

• Balconies and patios: $25 to $60

• Pet hair removal: $30 to $60 if there’s heavy shedding

• Laundry services (folding only): $25 per load

We always recommend asking for what you actually need—not everything. A good cleaning company will guide you without having to upsell you.

Hourly vs. Flat-Rate Pricing: What’s Better?

Some companies charge by the hour. Others, like Sparkly Maid, use flat-rate pricing.

Here’s why we do it that way:

Hourly pricing can be unpredictable. If the team moves slowly or something unexpected comes up, your total can creep up higher than expected.

Flat-rate pricing means you know exactly what you’re paying up front, and we tailor our estimate based on real averages from thousands of Chicago cleanings.

For those who still prefer hourly:

• Expect rates from $40 to $60 per cleaner per hour

• Two-person teams generally clean 800–1,200 square feet in 2 to 3 hours

But unless you’re supervising the whole time, flat rate is usually less stressful.

Tipping: Should You Do It, and How Much?

Tipping is optional, but very much appreciated—especially for deep cleans, move-outs, or heavy-labor jobs.

Here’s a general rule:

• $10 to $20 per cleaner for recurring service

• $20 to $40 per cleaner for deep cleans or large jobs

• More if your space was in rough shape or they went above and beyond

At Sparkly Maid, we pay our cleaners fair, competitive wages—but tips always boost morale. If you’re unsure, just ask us during booking. We’re happy to guide you.

Pricing Transparency and Sparkly Maid’s Commitment

We’ve built Sparkly Maid on trust, clear communication, and results. When you request a quote, we ask for square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, and any custom requests. We don’t bury extra charges in fine print or spring them on you later.

You’ll always know:

• The total price before we arrive

• What’s included

• What can be added on

• How long it’ll take

• Who’s showing up and when

No games. Just honest, hard-working people who care about your home and your time.

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Final Thoughts on Chicago Cleaning Prices—and Getting the Best Value

Hiring a professional cleaner isn’t a luxury—it’s a life-improvement move. It gives you time back. It protects your investment. And it helps you breathe easier in your own space.

When you understand the price ranges, the add-ons, and the quality behind what you’re paying for, you can book with confidence.

So whether you’re looking for a recurring maintenance plan, a one-time deep clean, or a move-out hero crew—we’ve got you covered. At Sparkly Maid, we’ve cleaned over 12,000 homes in Chicago and counting. We’d love to take one more task off your plate.

To book a transparent, fair, and detail-oriented cleaning, give us a shout. We’re ready when you are.

CHICAGO, IL

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