Cleaning Plain & Simple

Endorsing the motto “clean smarter, not harder,” Smallin suggests cleaning routines for each area or room of the house, and she breaks down the big tasks into doable pieces. While keeping things simple and manageable, Smallin knows how to get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning. She can talk mops, squeegees, vacuuming, disinfecting, deodorizing, and decluttering with the best of them. She has special tips for cleaning everything from flatware to computers, couch cushions to countertops, shower stalls to stereo speakers.

Writing especially for the busy person, Smallin begins by asking “What’s your cleaning style?” Super cleaner? Speed cleaner? Green cleaner? Occasional cleaner? No matter what the style, she has tips for how everyone can be successful at achieving and maintaining a clean, inviting home environment. She covers every imaginable situation, with special advice for dual-career families with busy travel schedules, pet owners, families with small children, allergy sufferers, and homeowners with large outdoor living areas.

Endorsing the motto “clean smarter, not harder,” Smallin makes practical suggestions for cleaning routines for each area or room of the house, and breaks down the big tasks into simple, doable pieces with varying timeframes. She builds on her organizing roots and suggests a combination of plain & simple organizing practices combined with daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning practices to keep the home environment clean and clutter-free—leaving more time to enjoy life.

While keeping things simple, Smallin knows how to get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning. She can talk mops, squeegees, vacuuming, and the most effective products for cleaning, disinfecting, deodorizing, and decluttering with the best of them. She has special tips for cleaning everything from flatware to computers, couch cushions to countertops, shower stalls to stereo speakers, and, of course, the kitchen sink.

Beyond the living areas, Smallin ventures into the basement, attic, and garage to address keeping storage areas orderly; cleaning bikes, skis, and other recreational equipment; and even the best ways to wash and wax the car, clean thebattery, tires, engine, and air filter. Out in the yard, she tackles patios, decks, driveways, sidewalks, outdoor furniture, grills, garden tools, pools, gutters, siding, and trash cans.

Never before has cleaning been covered so comprehensively—in such a plain & simple way, designed to appeal to every style of housekeeper.

Publishers Weekly

Smallin's reference guide to cleaning the home is exhaustive, easy to read and useful. It's also very similar to the many other books already available to readers on streamlining, decluttering and buffing up one's living quarters. The requisite list of recommended cleaning tools and products is present, as are the usual tips on removing stains, from candle wax to nail polish. Organizing strategist Smallin (Organizing Plain & Simple) instructs on cleaning every room in the house; later chapters concern cleaning personal items like cosmetic brushes, hair-care tools, leather shoes and jewelry; and cleaning "mechanical systems," such as heating, air-conditioning and plumbing systems (including septic systems). Most readers will skip the "Brief History of Cleaning" section, although they'd be wise to read the sidebars, which are particularly helpful (e.g., "The Quickie Clean" box instructs readers on performing a fast cleanup for company; another advises on the perils of using carpet spot removers). The advice on clearing clutter is obvious, but may help those with clutter issues (this is one of Smallin's pet peeves; she repeatedly tells readers to "declutter before you clean"). Her home remedies are interesting, but all told, there isn't anything innovative in this resource. (Jan.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Donna Smallin is a nationally recognized organizing expert and best-selling author. She has been a repeat guest on HGTV’s "Smart Solutions" and on numerous radio programs, including the nationally syndicated Gary Null Show. Her tips have appeared in Reader’s Digest , Woman’s Day , Real Simple , Better Homes & Gardens , Woman’s World , The Chicago Tribune , New York Times , Washington Post , Bottom Line Personal , USAToday.com , and other national publications. Donna is a member of The National Association of Professional Organizers.