The Best Books to Read to Get Your Home Spotless

Embarking on the seemingly paradoxical journey of reading about cleaning while the dust settles might raise eyebrows. Yet, within the pages of these numerous cleaning-focused books, a trove of methods, insights, and motivational gems awaits. It’s akin to consulting instructions before tackling any significant household task. Just as you wouldn’t approach other substantial endeavors without expert guidance, reevaluating your cleaning strategy with the wisdom shared by experts can be a transformative approach. So, let the words of cleaning maestros guide you to a spotless home, unraveling a world of methods and motivation that defy conventional expectations.

Books about cleaning methodologies

1. “Unf*ck Your Habitat: You’re Better Than Your Mess” by Rachel Hoffman
   • Beloved for its straightforward and practical advice, this book introduces the 20/10 method—spending 20 minutes cleaning and 10 minutes relaxing. A refreshingly realistic approach to tidying up, reminiscent of the Pomodoro technique.
2. “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter” by Margareta Magnusson
   • Despite its ominous title, “Death Cleaning” is a gentle concept. Focused on valuing what you have over accumulating more, this book reframes decluttering as a thoughtful act for your loved ones in times of grieving.
3. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo
   • A decade-old classic that revolutionized cleaning methods, introducing the timeless KonMari technique. This approach encourages decluttering category by category, ensuring a lasting impact on your newfound cleanliness.
4. “How to Keep House While Drowning” by KC Davis
   • Authored by a licensed professional therapist and CleanTok sensation, this book offers a systematic yet gentle approach for those feeling overwhelmed by cleaning. Explore the “Five Things” method, categorizing items into trash, laundry, dishes, things with a place, and things without one, addressing them in that order.

Dive into these cleaning workbooks, each offering a unique perspective and method to elevate your cleaning routine beyond the mundane.

Cleaning workbooks

For those seeking a more hands-on and accountable approach to cleaning, workbooks provide an interactive way to elevate your tidying game. Here are some noteworthy options:

1. “The Home Edit Workbook: Prompts, Activities, and Gold Stars to Help You Contain the Chaos” by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
   • Hailing from the stars of a Netflix cleaning show, this highly-rated workbook presents 52 challenges for each room in your house, providing a year-long plan for improvement. Complete with motivating gold-star stickers, it’s a delightful tool to keep you on track.
2. “Swedish Death Cleaning Workbook: The 30 Days Challenge to Organize and Simplify Your Life, Declutter Your Home, and Keep It Clean” by Kelsie Zaria
   • Designed to complement the Swedish Death Cleaning strategy, this workbook proposes a 30-day challenge with daily 10-minute tasks. Despite its initially somber premise, it has earned a solid 4.1 stars on Amazon, praised for its thought-provoking nature and simplicity.
3. “Cleaning Sucks: An Unf*ck Your Habitat Guided Journal for Less Mess, Less Stress, and a Home You Don’t Hate” by Rachel Hoffman
   • Returning to the roots of effective cleaning advice, this guided journal, an accompaniment to the renowned “Unf*ck Your Habitat” book, dives into the psychological aspects of cleaning. In full color, it helps you explore why you dislike cleaning and identifies obstacles hindering your progress. More than a cleaning guide, it serves as a tool for self-reflection and a potential catalyst for changing your entire approach.

Immerse yourself in these interactive workbooks, each offering a unique blend of challenges, strategies, and self-reflection to transform your cleaning routine.