Most of us have fallen prey to putting offcleaninguntil 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 areoddly 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 ofWilkins Refresh Cleaning Service, Michael Wilkins, and cleaning professional and owner ofClean Queen House Cleaning, Katie Lambert, who kindly agreed to give a few tips on how to make cleaning less of a hassle.This post may includeaffiliate links.

Most of us have fallen prey to putting offcleaninguntil 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 areoddly 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 ofWilkins Refresh Cleaning Service, Michael Wilkins, and cleaning professional and owner ofClean Queen House Cleaning, Katie Lambert, who kindly agreed to give a few tips on how to make cleaning less of a hassle.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

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

Before-after-cleaning-pictures of a bathroom; cluttered with cans and trash, then spotless and organized.

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Before-after cleaning pictures showing a kitchen countertop transformation from cluttered to clean.

Before-after cleaning pictures showing a messy bus stop cleaned by two smiling people.

“A clean environment is essential because it promotes both physical and mental well-being. A tidy,organizedspace reduces stress, increases productivity, and fosters a positive atmosphere,” says Michael Wilkins, owner ofWilkins Refresh Cleaning ServicetoBored Panda.

Before-after cleaning pictures of copper pots, showing tarnished pots on top and polished pots on the bottom.

Before-after cleaning pictures of server room cables, showing disorderly wires then organized and clean racks.

Before-after-cleaning pictures of a kitchen, showing transformation from cluttered to tidy and organized spaces.

Cleaning professional and owner ofClean 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.

Cleaning professional and owner ofClean 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.

Before and after cleaning pictures of a stuffed cat, showing a transformation from dirty and matted to clean and fluffy.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a backyard, showing a transformation from overgrown weeds to a tidy, manicured space.

Before and after cleaning pictures of a stove, showing dramatic improvement from dirty to spotless condition.

“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.

Before-after-cleaning-pictures of a pool, showing transformation from dirty to clean with a dolphin mosaic.

Before-after cleaning pictures showing a street and park area littered with trash, then clean and tidy.

Before-after-cleaning-pictures showing a messy bedroom transformed into a tidy, organized space with blue walls and neat furnishings.

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.

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.

Before and after cleaning pictures of a glass pendant light showing noticeable shine and clarity improvement.

Before-after-cleaning pictures of a living room and kitchen, showing cluttered spaces transformed into tidy, organized areas.

Before and after cleaning pictures of a metal door on a brick wall, showing significant transformation and removal of grime.

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.

Before and after cleaning pictures of an old iron pot against a brick wall, showing rust removal results.

Before and after cleaning pictures show a supermarket floor half dirty and half clean with a bowl and spray bottle.

Before-after cleaning pictures showing a cluttered living room and kitchen transformed into tidy, organized spaces.

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!”

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!”

Before-after-cleaning pictures showing a dirty bathtub on the left and a spotless bathtub on the right.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a kitchen corner. Dirty tiles and grime on the left; spotless and clean on the right.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a bedroom. Left side cluttered, right side tidy and organized with a dog in view.

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.

Before-after-cleaning pictures of a kitchen, showing transformation from cluttered and dirty to tidy and clean.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a pool with a dirty and clean side, showing transformation.

Before and after cleaning pictures showing a tarnished silver pitcher transformed into a shiny, polished state.

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.”

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.”

Before-after cleaning pictures of a pantry, showing cluttered shelves transformed into an organized space with neatly arranged items.

Before-after-cleaning-pictures of a decorative metal dish, showing transformation from tarnished to polished with patterns.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a brass lighter, showcasing its transformation from tarnished to shiny and polished.

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!”

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!”

Before-after-cleaning-pictures showing a pool transformation from green and murky to clear and inviting.

Before and after cleaning pictures of a bathroom tub, showing significant improvement in cleanliness.

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.

Before-after-cleaning-pictures of a tiled hallway floor, showing a dramatic transformation in cleanliness and color.

Before-after-cleaning pictures of a kitchen sink aerator, showing limescale removal and restored cleanliness.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a desk setup with monitors and keyboards, showing clutter reduction and organization improvements.

Before-after-cleaning pictures showing a car interior transformation from dirty to spotless.

Before-after-cleaning-pictures of an oven door showing dramatic cleanliness improvement.

Before-after-cleaning pictures of a cast iron pan, showing a transformation from rusty to clean and polished.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a pot lid, showing dramatic difference in cleanliness and shine.

Before and after cleaning pictures of a white watch strap, showing transformation from dirty to spotless condition.

Before and after cleaning pictures show tiles with leopard print slippers and pink socks.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a computer, showing a dusty setup on the left and a clean, organized interior on the right.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a pan showing a stark contrast between a clean and dirty surface.

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Before-after cleaning pictures of ornate silver spoons, with the left two tarnished and the right two polished.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a driveway, showing a clear contrast between cleaned and uncleaned sections.

Before and after cleaning pictures of an oven interior, showcasing a dramatic transformation from grimy to spotless.

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Before-after cleaning pictures of an animal skull on a wooden surface, showing transformation from dirty to clean.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a laptop screen, showing transformation from dirty to spotless.

Before-after-cleaning pictures: a bathtub with dirt and grime transformed to a clean, white surface.

Before-after-cleaning-pictures showing a carpeted hallway with noticeable cleaning results.

Before-after cleaning pictures show a dramatic difference on a wooden floor, highlighting a clean and shiny surface.

I used to hate this drawer, and now it makes me happy to use it! Still want to find a better spot to store clips, but other than that this setup has been great for us.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a kitchen drawer, showing organized utensils in separate compartments.

I assumed I was destined to live with this shower stained forever. I read a comment where someone said their grandma told them if it’s not scratched or melted then it can be cleaned, and I felt inspired to try.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a shower showing dirty tiles on the left and clean, shiny tiles on the right.

Before and after cleaning pictures showing a bathtub transformation from stained to pristine condition.

Before-after-cleaning-pictures of a stovetop, showing a dramatic transformation from dirty to sparkling clean.

Before-after cleaning pictures showing a messy room transformed into a tidy, vibrant space with colorful lighting.

Before and after cleaning pictures of a carpet with stains removed.

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Before and after cleaning pictures of a pot, showing transformation from stained to clean.

“Before after cleaning pictures of a train seat, one half clean and vibrant, the other half dull and dirty."

Before-after-cleaning pictures of a door, showcasing the transformation from dirty to clean.

I guess he had the same idea but using brute force instead of any cleaners.

Before-after-cleaning-pictures of a pot, showing a dirty interior on the left and a clean, shiny interior on the right.

Before-after-cleaning pictures of a glass baking dish in a kitchen sink showing significant improvement in cleanliness.

Before-after-cleaning pictures showing a concrete driveway. Left: stained surface; right: clean and refreshed appearance.

I am deep cleaning the floor, which has only been surface mopped since we moved in. This does not get rid of the perma-grime. So I’ve done a full surface strip. The top bit is perma-grime, the bottom bit is the stripped floor. Now I know what the floor looks like. Only another 900sq ft to go!

Before and after cleaning pictures of a herringbone brick floor showing noticeable contrast in cleanliness and color.

Before-after-cleaning pictures of a Houston Motor Oil can, showing restored bright colors and clear branding.

Before-after cleaning pictures of two model cars, showing a clean blue car and a dusty, dirty car side by side.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a dental retainer, showing significant improvement in clarity and cleanliness.

Before-after-cleaning pictures of a bicycle chain and gears, showing a dramatic difference in cleanliness and shine.

Before-after cleaning pictures of a polished metal object on a kitchen counter.

Before-after-cleaning pictures of mouse pad, showing significant improvement in cleanliness and appearance.

Before and after cleaning pictures of a keyboard showing a dusty and clean comparison.

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