I love a good ‘doing chores, but make it fun‘ game, there’s something deeply satisfying about ticking off mundane tasks in a virtual space that somehow feels better than doing them in real life. Cleaning Up! is the latest in this cosy cleaning genre, rubbing shoulders with the greats like Overcooked, Powerwash Simulator, and Unpacking.
Cleaning Up! comes from Unbound Creations, the team behind Just Crow Things, and I’m happy to report they’ve delivered another banger, packed with their signature brand of wacky fun.
READ MORE: Review | Just Crow Things ‘Worth Squawking About’ (PC)
Cleaning Up Your Act
In Cleaning Up!, you’re a new cleaner using the Clyner app to pick up jobs around town. Guiding you is Spongey, your AI chatbot assistant, who drops in some dark, existential humour along the way.
You’re given five tools across the game to transform messy maps into sparkling spaces, starting with just a broom and a vacuum. Suffice to say, it’s super satisfying spinning around, sucking up all the trash, with accompanying sound effects that are pure ear candy.
The game is also just so cute. The level designs, characters — I’ve already mentioned the adorable sounds — it all adds to the warm and comfortable vibe you get from playing it. I almost played it entirely in one sitting, but unfortunately had to stop so I could, you know, eat.
On the Clock
Cleaning Up! keeps things fresh by steadily introducing new mechanics. Some levels have fragile items to avoid, others (importantly) tell you not to spray the cat. Ignore the objectives, and your pay takes a hit — because even in a cosy game, capitalism persists.
While there are basic levels like an apartment and a classroom, you also get to tidy up in space, a graveyard, and even as a giant in a miniature-town! These maps added fun little features such as a zero gravity jump, zombies, and people screaming in small cars! There’s even a Friends-inspired Central Perk map, which was a fun touch and really spoke to my millennial side. I love little IP integrations like that.
There’s a lot of 360-degree movement, so do yourself a favour and use a controller. It runs beautifully on Steam Deck too, which honestly feels like the ideal way to play — short bursts, low effort, maximum satisfaction. There’s nothing I love like a game designed for a daily commute too.
Levels can also be reattempted to earn a five star rating, netting you more cash for upgrades and cosmetic items. It adds a nice bit of replayability without feeling grindy.
The app UI is fittingly clean and simple, giving off strong Google Maps vibes that really sell the whole ‘app-based gig economy‘ aesthetic. It’s easy to navigate, with nothing feeling unnecessary; proof that you don’t need a bunch of bells and whistles to make something satisfying.
I also got a kick out of the loading screens, which are filled with ridiculous (and hopefully fake) “facts” — Like how there’s 17 types of bacteria — silly little touches like that really made me smile and added to the overall whimsy. It’s nice to be silly for no reason sometimes.
Cleaning Up! Is Near Spotless
I can’t clean in real life now without feeling compelled to play Cleaning Up! afterwards, which says a lot about how addictive it is! It’s pure silly fun that’s easy to enjoy, with great aesthetics. This is cosy gaming at its easiest to recommend.
The only downside? It’s over a little too quickly. You can revisit levels, but this absolutely feels like a game begging for more content — DLC, extra maps, anything.
Because honestly? I’d happily keep cleaning.
Cleaning Up! is out now on PC via Steam.
Quest Daily Scores Cleaning Up!:
9/10
A copy of Cleaning Up! was supplied to Quest Daily for this review.
