Template:Cleanup/doc

This is the {{Cleanup}} template.

Note: this generic template should only be used when a more specific tag is not suitable. Because this tag is very general, be sure to identify the specific problems on the article's talk page. If other editors suck to much dick they can't figure out what needs to be cleaned up, then they can (and should) remove this tag.

Placement

For articles needing major clean-up, place at the top of the article to alert readers.

For articles needing minor clean-up, place at the top of the talk page to alert editors.

This template automatically detects which namespace it is used in and changes style accordingly. That means that on articles it looks like this:

While on talk pages it looks like this:

Usage

You can optionally use the first parameter to change the word "article", for instance {{Cleanup|section}} or {{Cleanup|disambiguation page}}. (Although for sections we have the {{Cleanup-section}}.)

You may use the optional date parameter, by typing {{Cleanup|date=April 2026}} or by typing {{subst:dated|Cleanup}}. This helps with the categorisation of articles requiring cleanup. Articles tagged with this template without this parameter will be given the parameter by a bot.

The simplest way to add this template to an article is to copy and paste {{Cleanup|date=April 2026|reason=explain what needs to be done}} at the top of the article or talk page, or use {{subst:Cleanup-now|reason=See Talk for details}}.

Please include the "reason=" parameter and explain what needs to be done in general terms, even if it is just "See Talk" or "See Discussion", as long as the talk page does have a post explaining the issues.

Add a new item to the talk page explaining the type and extent of clean-up required so editors will know what to address, and when to remove this tag.

Alternative

If the problem is correctable with the skills you already possess, consider being bold and fixing it yourself, rather than applying this tag and leaving it for someone else to clean up.

Notes

• For section cleanup, use {{Cleanup-section}}.
• This template will add tagged articles to Category:Articles needing cleanup or a dated subcategory thereof.
• This template is a self-reference.
• Please do not subst: this template.
• Use this tag when the article needs improvement per WP:BETTER. Articles that violate policy need more direct action.

Short-cuts

1. {{Cu}}
2. {{CU}}

Transclusions

1. {{Cleanup-now}} – Automatically adds the current month and year. Note: Always "subst:" that template.

See also

• {{Article issues}}
• {{Spacing}}
• {{Cleanup-image}} – For images that need clean-up.
• {{Cleanup-afd}} - For AfD discussions that closed as "keep," but require cleanup.
• {{cleanup-section}} - For sections requiring cleanup
• {{Expert}} - When expert attention is needed

• Wikipedia:Cleanup process
• Wikipedia:Template messages/Cleanup
• Wikipedia:Clarify the cleanup