Most of us have fallen prey to putting off cleaning until the last minute. But after getting tired of staring at the mess and finally doing it, you start wondering why you didn’t do it sooner. Afterward, your mind seems to be lighter, and you feel proud of yourself for getting that sink tap to sparkle that much.
People on this list also tackled tidying up tasks that were long overdue, resulting in these amazing transformations that are oddly satisfying. Scroll down to find them, and be sure to upvote the ones that became the motivation for cleaning you didn’t know you needed.
While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with the owner of Wilkins Refresh Cleaning Service, Michael Wilkins, and cleaning professional and owner of Clean Queen House Cleaning, Katie Lambert, who kindly agreed to give a few tips on how to make cleaning less of a hassle.
#1 My Newest Cleaning. Took 2 Days. (Mental Health Problems)
The last couple of years was a hell for this owner. Fortunately he recognized he can't continue his life this way, so he asked my help. Please don't judge
Image credits: CleanwithBarbie
#2 The 44 Bus Stop Got Trashed Overnight. Went Out To Clean It And Met A ‘New’ Neighbor Debbie (She’s Lived Here For 30 Yrs) Who Lent A Hand. People Talk Trash About Sf, We Pick It Up
Image credits: RefuseRefuseSF
#3 Update On The Copper Pots I Found For 6$cad Each. They Cleaned Up Well
Image credits: nanabozho2
"A clean environment is essential because it promotes both physical and mental well-being. A tidy, organized space reduces stress, increases productivity, and fosters a positive atmosphere," says Michael Wilkins, owner of Wilkins Refresh Cleaning Service to Bored Panda.
"It also plays a crucial role in health by minimizing the spread of germs and allergens, creating a safer and more comfortable space for everyone. Whether at home or in the workplace, cleanliness enhances focus, improves overall satisfaction, and contributes to a healthier lifestyle."
#4 I Finally Cleaned My Kitchen After Months Of Depression. I’m So Proud Of Myself
Image credits: practicalsoup
#5 My Little Weekend Project Before And After
Image credits: SuspiciousLadder
#6 Depression Den: Progress, Not Perfection
Image credits: Odd-Sheepherder4055
Cleaning professional and owner of Clean Queen House Cleaning, Katie Lambert, definitely agrees that having a clean environment is crucial both for mental and physical health.
"Having a clean, decluttered space helps you keep a calm mind. I know for myself having ADHD, I get overwhelmed and can't think as well if my space is dirty and cluttered. I also feel ashamed that I have to spend my weekends and evenings to upkeep my house. I don't know where that shame came from, but I have talked to many women who feel the same way," she shares.
#7 I Cleaned My 23 Year Old Favourite Plushie
I wanted to make this post for anyone who might be worried about cleaning their favourite plushies.
I made the decision to clean mine and as a result, cleaning and bringing plushies back to life became a little hobby of mine. I hand washed her just once to see how she would handle it and gave her a brush for the first time. Then I put her in the washing machine twice and took a few photos while she was drying, whilst also brushing her out as she was drying. I was so emotional seeing her ginger colour coming back and actually being able to see her tabby stripes again
Image credits: Practical_Photo5547
#8 Not Perfect But I Feel Very Accomplished
Image credits: rad1oheadfreak
#9 Before/After Of A Backyard I Cleaned Up Today
Image credits: rpgmgta
We were also curious to know what inspired these professionals to pursue a career associated with cleaning. Wilkins said it was because he saw an opportunity to make a positive impact on businesses by providing clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing workspaces.
"As a business owner myself, I understand how important it is to create an environment that fosters productivity, creativity, and well-being. By offering professional cleaning services, I can help business owners maintain a welcoming and efficient workspace, ensuring their employees and clients feel comfortable and confident in their surroundings. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to a cleaner, more enjoyable environment for everyone," he told us.
#10 Just Cleaned The Pool At My New House For The First Time… Surprise Dolphin
Image credits: patriotfear
#11 I Clean Up Illegal Dumping For Fun In The San Francisco Bay Area. Enjoy Some More Before And Afters
Image credits: pengweather
#12 Between Work And Struggling With Depression, I Finally Found The Motivation To Finish Cleaning My Room From NYE To NYD
Image credits: paarkrosis
Meanwhile, Lambert got into the cleaning business in 2009 after graduating college in Hawaii, as there weren't many available job openings.
"My sister, Laura Christian, started her cleaning service in 2005 in Fort Collins. I would help clean for her business when I would come home for summer breaks, and when I was getting ready to graduate, my sister suggested that I clean houses in Hilo, where I was. I ran that business for 8 years, it was really, really hard. Hiring, managing, all of it," she said, sharing her experience.
#13 Who Doesn’t Enjoy Clean Kitchen Lights (Before And After)
Image credits: kingmax321
#14 Cleaning My Depression Flat After Months Of Being In A Bad Place
Image credits: Consistent-Ad-1099
#15 Several Weeks Ago, I Asked Y’all About Cleaning This Thing On The Side Of My House
Image credits: reddit.com
But things started to pick up when she moved back to Colorado and started another clean business there. "This one was different because I had already made a ton of mistakes in Hawaii, so we were able to grow faster in Colorado. The major game changer for me was in 2023, at age 37, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Then it all came together. Why cleaning is so important for mental health, why I have struggled so much with shame (due to my poor executive functioning), I now want to help more people who struggle with their mental health with cleaning," she told Bored Panda.
#16 I Scrubbed The Floor At Work Today And It Traveled Two Years Into The Past
Image credits: Macabee721
#17 CLR Is Actually Magic. (With Some Elbow Grease)
Image credits: thatsnotcoool
#18 I've Been Cleaning Up The Cauldron I Found Buried In My Forest
Image credits: BoosterSqueak
When asked why so many people put off tidying until the last minute, Wilkins said, "Many people dislike cleaning because it can feel like a time-consuming and often overwhelming task, especially when juggling busy schedules. It’s easy to put it off because the immediate results aren’t always visible, and the process can feel repetitive and tedious," he said.
"Additionally, cleaning often requires attention to detail and physical effort, which can be tiring. As a result, many prefer to focus on tasks that feel more rewarding or urgent, leaving cleaning to the last minute. However, I think that once people experience the benefits of a clean and organized space, the motivation to keep up with it often increases!"
#19 3 Days Cleaning Help For Free. This Was The Hardest Job Ever
Image credits: CleanwithBarbie
#20 A Mid-Century Silver Cocktail Shaker For $7. Look At What Some Polish Can Do
Image credits: LizT4Y
#21 Before And After From The Back Of The Oven In My New Apartment
Image credits: CounselorJohn
Lambert agrees that a chore like cleaning can be highly overwhelming if a person is trying to complete it all at once. "If you can, set your family up on a recurring cleaning schedule with your local cleaning service, this will not only help your relationship, but also help to make sure you're living in a clean space, you just need to maintain your things! If you need help with decluttering or organizing, I suggest hiring an organizer first, then the house cleaner can come in and do a really great deep clean," she recommends.
#22 It Was So Hard To Find The Motivation
Image credits: CleanwithBarbie
#23 Bedroom Before And After
Image credits: nerdy_birdie_
#24 Before And After Photos Of This Pool I Cleaned Today. How’d I Do?
Image credits: MrBirb_
Something else that can make tidying up less of a hassle is breaking the tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, says Wilkins. "Instead of tackling everything at once, focus on one area at a time, like a room or surface."
Another tip he has is to use the right tools and cleaning products to complete the job. "Microfiber cloths, for example, are great for dusting and wiping surfaces without leaving residue. Regular maintenance, like wiping down high-touch areas daily, can prevent buildup and make deep cleaning less overwhelming," he adds.
"Lastly, always clean from top to bottom, starting with dusting and ending with floors, so dirt and debris don’t fall on areas you've already cleaned. These strategies can save time and effort while keeping your space consistently clean."
#25 Before-And-After Cleaning Of A 300-Year-Old Silver-Inlaid Sword Pommel
Image credits: Antique_Steel
#26 1995 Zippo, Before And After. One Day It Will Look Like It Did Before The Sanding And Polish
Image credits: nothing_fancy21
#27 We Cleaned And Organised The Whole House For My Mum’s Birthday. This Was The Pantry
Image credits: brittanygaye
Lambert emphasizes the importance of cleaning more often and having a schedule for it (for example, doing 10-15 minutes of tasks every evening).
"Simple things to keep up with daily include washing dishes, wiping counters, wiping down the stove for grease after cooking, and throwing away any trash. Then you can add in high dusting one night or dusting surfaces another night. Make sure to include the toilets at least once a week, showers can be once every other week, as well as scrubbing the stove, backsplash, and hood!"
#28 Client Called Me Thursday, Went To The Pool Friday, Started The Clean Up Process. Before Is From Friday And After Is Tuesday, Quick Turn Around In 100+ Degree Louisiana Heat
Image credits: Flyersfreak
#29 Bathtub
Image credits: AdditionalSeries814
#30 Years Of Grime Removed From Tile Floor With Vinegar, Baking Soda, Dish Soap And Water
After letting everything sit for an hour, a lot of the filth was lifted to the surface. I used a scrub brush to clean the crevices and the dirt came off just like using a hot knife through butter. I highly recommend using this non-toxic cleaning method.
Image credits: stal0510
#31 Currently I Reorganize All Of Our 80 Workplaces In The Office
Image credits: EinJulius
#32 30 Minute Soak In Vinegar
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#33 My Work On This Oven From Today's Job... Before/After
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#34 One Of The Dirtiest Cars I’ve Detailed. The Lady (86) Was Super Sweet And Tipped Me $100
Image credits: Aggravating-Coast-82
#35 Hurricane Helene Destroyed Our House But Not Our Cast Iron
Image credits: Cochrynn
#36 30 Yrs Of Grease And Grime On A Le Crueset - Before And After
Image credits: ShizzStewWhizz
#37 I Cleaned My Grandmother-In-Laws Old Watch For Her
Image credits: laaadiespls
#38 Grout Clean In My “New” House
Image credits: ApprehensiveBass4977
#39 I Scrubbed One Side Of A Pan I've Had For Many Years
Image credits: neocamel
#40 Before And After Some Cleaning Of A Friend's Friend's PC
Image credits: ajlepori
#41 Ancestral Grime Update
Image credits: Arileine
#42 Found This Solid Copper Mug At An Antique Store For $4 And Spent An Hour Cleaning It With Vinegar And Baking Soda
Image credits: dev_salsa
#43 Cleaned My Keyboard For The First Time In 13 Years
Image credits: EthanWS6
#44 This Bathroom Cabinet I Just Cleaned
Image credits: Jezebel_97
#45 Cleaned My USB Cable With An Alcohol Wipe
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#46 Before/After Of A Backyard Cleanup I Did Today
Image credits: rpgmgta
#47 I Polished My Silver Spoons Today
Image credits: Reese9951
#48 Before And After Photos Of My Oven That The Previous Tenant And Landlord Left For Me. Not Perfect, But So Much Better!
Image credits: CraftyWifeNMom
#49 Last Year We Had A Bag Break And It Dropped A 1.75l Bottle Of Vodka And The Pavements Been Clean There Ever Since
Image credits: 48jrej
#50 Professional Oven Cleaner Here - Would Anyone Be Interested In My Top Tips And Products?
Image credits: Necessary-Ad5410
