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Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home
Whether your home is small or large, an apartment in the city or a country cottage, it is a space that should be at once beautiful and livable. The key to that is managing the upkeep without feeling flustered. Until now, there has never been a comprehensive resource that not only tells how to care for your home and everything in it, but that also simplifies the process by explaining just when. With secrets from Martha Stewart for accomplishing the most challenging homekeeping tasks with ease, this detailed and comprehensive book is the only one you will need to help you keep your home looking its best, floor to ceiling, room by room.
In Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook, Martha shares her unparalleled expertise in home maintenance and care. Readable and practical–and graced with charts, sidebars, illustrated techniques, and personal anecdotes from Martha’s decades of experience caring for her homes–this is far more than just a compendium of ways to keep your house clean. It covers everything from properly executing a living room floor plan to setting a formal table; from choosing HEPA filters to sealing soapstone countertops; from organizing your home office to polishing your silver and caring for family heirlooms.
Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook is organized for clarity and maximum practicality:
Room by Room covers the upkeep of the appliances, tools, furnishings, and surfaces found in each room, from the entryway to the kitchen, from the attic to the laundry room.
Throughout the House instructs the reader on the proper ways to routinely clean and periodically maintain everything in the home, including dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, polishing, scrubbing, waxing and much more.
Comfort and Safety focuses on techniques to ensure your home is running properly and safely, such as recognizing when to clean vents, fixing a leaky faucet, and eradicating pests.
A-to-Z Materials Guide provides an invaluable resource that explains the unusual materials that many favorite objects are made of–from abalone to zinc–
and how to care for them so they last.
Encyclopedic yet friendly, Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook is a seminal work–a must-have for everyone who wants a well-cared-for home that will endure for generations.
In Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook, Martha shares her unparalleled expertise in home maintenance and care. Readable and practical–and graced with charts, sidebars, illustrated techniques, and personal anecdotes from Martha’s decades of experience caring for her homes–this is far more than just a compendium of ways to keep your house clean. It covers everything from properly executing a living room floor plan to setting a formal table; from choosing HEPA filters to sealing soapstone countertops; from organizing your home office to polishing your silver and caring for family heirlooms.
Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook is organized for clarity and maximum practicality:
Room by Room covers the upkeep of the appliances, tools, furnishings, and surfaces found in each room, from the entryway to the kitchen, from the attic to the laundry room.
Throughout the House instructs the reader on the proper ways to routinely clean and periodically maintain everything in the home, including dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, polishing, scrubbing, waxing and much more.
Comfort and Safety focuses on techniques to ensure your home is running properly and safely, such as recognizing when to clean vents, fixing a leaky faucet, and eradicating pests.
A-to-Z Materials Guide provides an invaluable resource that explains the unusual materials that many favorite objects are made of–from abalone to zinc–
and how to care for them so they last.
Encyclopedic yet friendly, Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook is a seminal work–a must-have for everyone who wants a well-cared-for home that will endure for generations.
752 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2006
76 people are currently reading
2223 people want to read
About the author
Martha Stewart
456 books573 followersMartha Helen Stewart is an American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality. As the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, focusing on home and hospitality, she gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, merchandising and e-commerce. She has written numerous bestselling books, was the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine and hosted two syndicated television programs: Martha Stewart Living, which ran from 1993 to 2004, and The Martha Stewart Show, which ran from 2005 to 2012.
In 2004, Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case; she served five months in federal prison for fraud and was released in March 2005. There was speculation that the incident would effectively end her media empire, but in 2005 Stewart began a comeback campaign and her company returned to profitability in 2006. Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 2011 and became chairwoman of her namesake company again in 2012. The company was acquired by Sequential Brands in 2015. Sequential Brands Group agreed in April 2019 to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.
In 2004, Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case; she served five months in federal prison for fraud and was released in March 2005. There was speculation that the incident would effectively end her media empire, but in 2005 Stewart began a comeback campaign and her company returned to profitability in 2006. Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 2011 and became chairwoman of her namesake company again in 2012. The company was acquired by Sequential Brands in 2015. Sequential Brands Group agreed in April 2019 to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
May 4, 2009
I would have never picked this book up on my own, seeing that it retails for more than $40 new! But luckily, it ended up being the ultimate bookmooch score, and i just paid media shipping.
And what a score it was. I'm not going to lie, Martha Stewart may be a little crazy, but she's also super amazing. This book is HUGE, and extremely thorough, with a billion little tips on everything. I understand that with the internet, it's not really necessary for a book like this, but I enjoyed it none the less.
And what a score it was. I'm not going to lie, Martha Stewart may be a little crazy, but she's also super amazing. This book is HUGE, and extremely thorough, with a billion little tips on everything. I understand that with the internet, it's not really necessary for a book like this, but I enjoyed it none the less.
November 1, 2009
I love this book. As Martha would say, "It's a good thing." This book was a gift to me, but in retrospect if I had known that I would be using it as much as I am, I would have paid the $45 for it. It's a fantastic reference guide. It's not just about cleaning your house, although there are a plethora of amazing cleaning and organizational tips. It's a good reference for general home maintenance. I know how to fix a running toilet, a dripping faucet, control pests if I ever have them, and replace a light socket. I love this book because it helps me stay independent and I don't have to wait around for the maintenance person, latest boyfriend, my dad, or whoever to come by on their clock. I can do it and it gets done. I don't have to wait three days for the pipe under the kitchen sink to get unclogged. It shows me step by step how to do it without damaging anything or making a mess. And I don't have to waste 15 minutes going through all the sites that Google displays if I search for something. It's already right here in this book. Love it!
Another great thing about this book is that it has helped me "go green" with my cleaning products. I've gotten rid of the clorox bleach, comet, ammonia, spic and span, and Lysol. No more breathing in toxic fumes or overly pungent cleaning scents (sorry, Mrs. Meyers but you give me nausea) when I clean the bathroom. Also, those "natural" cleaners at the store are way over priced and you usually get less product for what you pay for regular cleansers. With this book I've learned how to make my own cleaning products and what to use to clean the multitude of surfaces in my home efficiently. All in all this book has saved me a great deal of money, time and grief. Well worth $45. You'll gain quite a return on your $45 investment.
Another great thing about this book is that it has helped me "go green" with my cleaning products. I've gotten rid of the clorox bleach, comet, ammonia, spic and span, and Lysol. No more breathing in toxic fumes or overly pungent cleaning scents (sorry, Mrs. Meyers but you give me nausea) when I clean the bathroom. Also, those "natural" cleaners at the store are way over priced and you usually get less product for what you pay for regular cleansers. With this book I've learned how to make my own cleaning products and what to use to clean the multitude of surfaces in my home efficiently. All in all this book has saved me a great deal of money, time and grief. Well worth $45. You'll gain quite a return on your $45 investment.
March 22, 2023
Ok, there is no way I could conquer this book so fast. It is loaded with fun homemaking like the Home Comforts book but Martha style. I found it cheap on Thrift books and added it to my library. Along with The Tightwad Gazette, this is a must have for running a home.
January 25, 2009
This is the best cleaning reference manual ever! I asked for it for my birthday a few years ago, because I spotted it (hehe, get it, spotted?) at the library and loved it.
One of the many tips I learned: I grew up with shower doors, so I never knew you could wash a shower curtain liner in the washing machine to keep it clean. It totally cleans away the soap scum! Why can't you stick the whole shower in the washing machine? Thanks Martha!
One that doesn't work for me: She recommends vinegar and water for cleaning lots of things. Sorry Martha, the smell of vinegar gives me a headache, and it's bad enough the once-per-month I use it to clean the coffee maker. I won't use it for anything else. Good ol diluted Meyer's though. That's just fine. Also recommended by Martha.
One of the many tips I learned: I grew up with shower doors, so I never knew you could wash a shower curtain liner in the washing machine to keep it clean. It totally cleans away the soap scum! Why can't you stick the whole shower in the washing machine? Thanks Martha!
One that doesn't work for me: She recommends vinegar and water for cleaning lots of things. Sorry Martha, the smell of vinegar gives me a headache, and it's bad enough the once-per-month I use it to clean the coffee maker. I won't use it for anything else. Good ol diluted Meyer's though. That's just fine. Also recommended by Martha.
April 10, 2013
I love this book beyond all reason, though my family does laugh at me as I browse the section on different types of mops. Looking at my home, it's obvious my fondness for it is mostly still aspirational at this point, but a girl can dream.
May 28, 2015
Yes, I really did read this book. It is HUGE so it has taken me almost 6 months reading just a little bit by little bit. My girls have really enjoyed reading and looking at it and teasing me with "Mom do you ever clean the...?" Uhm no so some of her suggestions are NOT going to happen but most of the book is TRULY needed info, like I didn't know you should only use COLD water when using the garbage disposal. I LOVE this book, got it at a second hand store so didn't have to pay the BIG price for it!!
March 31, 2016
I'm moving to a new house so I am reading this again. it's amazing.
This book is tremendous both in it's size and it's information. Who knew I'd enjoy a tome about cleaning?
This book is tremendous both in it's size and it's information. Who knew I'd enjoy a tome about cleaning?
April 11, 2024
This book is incredible. Martha Stewart, as always, is amazing. This book will help you clean, organize, and keep track of everything. It’s an essential for spring cleaning.
September 24, 2024
Entertaining and fantastic! Highly recommend! 🤌🏾
September 2, 2017
Probably the most detailed & high quality home keeping books that I've ever seen. It gives details and practical information about anything you need to do to maintaining a house. The topics range from a variety of topics such as washing clothes, decorating your rooms, dusting, mopping floors, pest control, Ironing tips and many more more... This book is beneficial and made for both novice and professional home keepers. I highly recommend it!
April 3, 2024
I don’t care that this white lady went to white collar jail and all that stuff…. This book is amazing and I wish I had had it when I was 17 and moved out. It would have saved me from making a lot of mistakes, saved me some energy and useless trial and error. She gives you the basics of everything and moreover a basic understanding of the science of cleaning, in a very straightforward manner. I can’t recommend this book enough times. She knew what she was doing, Martha Stewart. Just saying.
March 12, 2022
I was going to read this tome from cover to cover, but just couldn't do it. Nor was it meant to be read that way. This is an all-encompassing encyclopedia of information on caring for your home by the doyen of all things homekeeping herself, Martha Stewart. And it is as complete as one would imagine from her. I did flip through the book, stopping at sections that interested me the most. One was Craft Room. I fnd I am fairly well stocked for almost any craft! The cleaning schedule (what to do when and how to do it) has proven very helpful. What should you have in your tool box? There is a check list. How to remove laundry stains? Complete list. Emergency Preparedness? Page 636-651. Prepping to move? Start on page 678 for the complete guide so you don't miss a trick. I read "How to Use This Book" on page 8 and find the advice there to be on the money. I have had this book since just after publication, 2006, and have dipped into it several times during the intervening years. When I was "decluttering" my studio in January, I decided to see what else it had to offer. I am glad to have this book and will reference it before checking any other source. This would make a great shower gift for the couple just starting out together.
June 13, 2023
This book is so so great. It is very exhaustive, and you will find everything you need to know about homemaking. I've read (skimmed) many books about this very topic, and I've not foud one better. Most books are more of a compilation of tips and tricks (things that you can easily find on the internet, and to be honest I wonder if some authors didn't just borrow their ideas from my favorite youtubers!). Martha Stewart is the real deal. She studied the stuff and knows the ins and outs of her topic. I didn't know I needed to know about many things before I found this book.
I recommend this book to adults who are too proud to admit mom was right and they should've complained less and listened more!
I recommend this book to adults who are too proud to admit mom was right and they should've complained less and listened more!
June 9, 2018
Like many of you, I initially bought this book to help me care for my home. However, I discovered the chapter about caring for books and I was immediately smitten. The detail and precision in which Martha Stewart gives each area of the home is superb! I was intrigued by the information that I gathered on the website she provided for conservation. “Ain’t nobody got time for that” but at least if I get time, I know where to find a conservator. Martha Stewart taught me many things about caring for books. Did you know books have lice? Yes, more than I wanted to know too but I was grateful for the information nonetheless. Great job Martha Stewart!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2021
Comprehensive but a bit outdated. It definitely inspires me to take better care of our home and belongings.
January 29, 2009
At Katie's recommendation, I picked up this book. But I just couldn't read it. I opened to random pages and read things like, "Never use bleach" because it's not good for the environment or your health, etc. Well, I already knew that, and I'm still going to use bleach. Sorry, Martha. I also still leave the water running when I wash my dishes. Not only does this mean that I'm not listening to Martha Stewart (THE Voice when it comes to homemaking), it also means I'm SO not Green.
Well, Martha and everyone else, I already knew that.
However, this book seems like an incredible resource. It seems like one of those books that I want to have someone else read and then I'll just ask them what it says. You know, like, "How does Martha Stewart say that you should get grape juice stains out of clothing?"
It reminds me of Tolkein's Silmarillion. I don't want to read it, but I want to talk to people who HAVE read it. They know so much about Middle Earth.
So, Katie, I'm glad you read the book. I may call you and ask you questions about laundry.
Well, Martha and everyone else, I already knew that.
However, this book seems like an incredible resource. It seems like one of those books that I want to have someone else read and then I'll just ask them what it says. You know, like, "How does Martha Stewart say that you should get grape juice stains out of clothing?"
It reminds me of Tolkein's Silmarillion. I don't want to read it, but I want to talk to people who HAVE read it. They know so much about Middle Earth.
So, Katie, I'm glad you read the book. I may call you and ask you questions about laundry.
March 23, 2010
Update: Wow it was long, but now I feel like I can reference the book quickly and the book has already come in very handy. Like today, I found out that soap with eucalyptus will help keep spiders away.!!!! That makes me so happy!!!! I am going out for some soap right away!
This book has everything I have ever wanted to know about my home. It has information on cleaning, essential Kitchen tools, How to pick out a sink, stove etc. Where to store things in your kitchen, How to sharpen a knife...
Everything you could ever want to know. I love it! I can't wait to finish reading it. This is a fantastic reference book for Every Homemaker and Cook. NO home should be without it!
This book has everything I have ever wanted to know about my home. It has information on cleaning, essential Kitchen tools, How to pick out a sink, stove etc. Where to store things in your kitchen, How to sharpen a knife...
Everything you could ever want to know. I love it! I can't wait to finish reading it. This is a fantastic reference book for Every Homemaker and Cook. NO home should be without it!
January 21, 2009
This is a huge book with a wealth of information. I can usually find advice on how to deal with any problem around the house in here. I tend to "justify" the cost of a book by asking myself if at least one thing of use was gleaned from it. This book has met that criteria and, I am sure, will be refered to often in the future. It's the sort of book that you can imagine future generations of the family treasuring. Even if it becomes outdated it will be a fascinating snapshot of how we live in and care for our homes.
January 4, 2009
Martha Stewart is a homekeeping goddess... I don't care what any other opinion of her may suggest. There has never been anyone before her to compare, and I seriously doubt there will be any to follow. This book is the perfect handbook for anyone who keeps a house, who appreciates the fresh smell of cleaning agents, who wishes that there were a salary available for domestic goddesses so that we could live as our mothers did... once upon a time.
June 27, 2010
This is a great encyclopedia-style book with fantastic pictures, sidebars, diagrams and charts for laundry, cleaning and the nitty gritty of homemaking. Visually very pleasing. Great for looking up random things you do not know, whether polishing silver correctly or ironing different style tablecloths.
Don't read too much at a time or you will may suffer an anxiety attack. Just remember that is Martha at her best and none of us are quite like her!
Don't read too much at a time or you will may suffer an anxiety attack. Just remember that is Martha at her best and none of us are quite like her!
February 2, 2019
As a sahm it really helped me to begin to get a real handle on my life. Its nicely written and gave great tips & brands that helped my 22yr old self get in order. Its been 2 years since I've read it and I may have tweaked my own style in how I clean but this book was God sent and basis to how I clean.
March 9, 2011
All those Martha nay-sayers can suck it... This book is a polished gem of hard won, house transforming wisdom.
November 14, 2020
Counting the weeks before we sign on our first house. Who better to prepare with than Martha herself?
October 21, 2014
Not a book you would normally read through. It's a great resource for tips, seasonal cleaning, and general home upkeep. Nicely designed as well.
July 31, 2014
I want to have three months off to just study this book. It's great.
September 7, 2017
So first off, this is NOT a read-cover-to-cover kind of book. This is an encyclopedia. This is a you-spilled-red-wine-and-barbecue-sauce-on-Grandma’s-handmade-lace-doily-tablecloth-and-need-to-know-how-to-get-the-stain-out kind of book. And it’s AMAZING. If you have a question about homekeeping, the answer is in here.
How to take care of 12 different possible kinds of countertop materials? It’s in here.
What is this weird shaped scrub brush and what is it used for? In here.
Components of a staircase, pros and cons of carpeting a staircase, and how to do it if you choose to? In here.
How to read a Consumer Confidence Report provided by your water supplier? Different kinds of heating and cooling systems, and how to maintain them? Need to know all sixteen types of spoons? How to clean and maintain most small (and large) kitchen appliances? All in here, along with so much more.
It’s a huge book, with an incredible amount of information. It also features lots of pictures, charts, and the occasional inspirational quote. I checked this book out from the library once and immediately put it on my wish list to own, because I wanted a reference copy in the house! (I finally bought my copy almost a year ago.) If you have a passion for housekeeping (or even if you don’t but it’s still a responsibility of yours) this is a fantastic book to have in your arsenal. Yes, you can find most of this information through Google – but it can be hard to decide how reliable that information is. Martha’s not going to lie to you! You know she’s tested this stuff.
There’s more than just cleaning and maintenance – there’s also suggestions for home layout, how to make a house more convenient and comfortable for everyone living in it, hints for storage and workflow. This book really has everything.
I 100% recommend this book for homeowners, and renters can get a lot out of it, too.
You can find all my reviews at Goddess in the Stacks.
How to take care of 12 different possible kinds of countertop materials? It’s in here.
What is this weird shaped scrub brush and what is it used for? In here.
Components of a staircase, pros and cons of carpeting a staircase, and how to do it if you choose to? In here.
How to read a Consumer Confidence Report provided by your water supplier? Different kinds of heating and cooling systems, and how to maintain them? Need to know all sixteen types of spoons? How to clean and maintain most small (and large) kitchen appliances? All in here, along with so much more.
It’s a huge book, with an incredible amount of information. It also features lots of pictures, charts, and the occasional inspirational quote. I checked this book out from the library once and immediately put it on my wish list to own, because I wanted a reference copy in the house! (I finally bought my copy almost a year ago.) If you have a passion for housekeeping (or even if you don’t but it’s still a responsibility of yours) this is a fantastic book to have in your arsenal. Yes, you can find most of this information through Google – but it can be hard to decide how reliable that information is. Martha’s not going to lie to you! You know she’s tested this stuff.
There’s more than just cleaning and maintenance – there’s also suggestions for home layout, how to make a house more convenient and comfortable for everyone living in it, hints for storage and workflow. This book really has everything.
I 100% recommend this book for homeowners, and renters can get a lot out of it, too.
You can find all my reviews at Goddess in the Stacks.
April 2, 2019
Ahh, Martha. I have no idea why people seem to love to hate her. I find her books and TV shows and magazines to be a real joy and I learn tons from them. I guess when you are a super successful woman, you end up with a target on your back.
I ordered this book in frustration one day. I'm single and my house is 75 years old and you'd think that both living and working at home (I'm a writer), my house wouldn't be that tough to keep neat and organized and functional. Hah. Think again. I struggle with almost epic levels of clutter most of the time and stupid things like not being able to find the right kitchen tools when I want them becomes a daily frustration. Plus, there are all of these silly things that just drive me nuts--like keeping a hardwood floor clean (and getting rid of scratches) or just how to store cleaning supplies so you can actually *find* them (what a concept).
This book is huge, around 750 pages, I think, and it's very well organized. Each section is devoted to a particular room and them delves into that room's contents, everything from furniture to accessories to windows, etc. I won't say that this book is as informal or as cozy as some of Martha's book are, there is a kind of cold tone to some of the writing, but let's face it, when you are putting together 750 pages of information and ideas, there's not a lot of room for chit chat. But there is a ton and a half (almost literally, lol) of info.
I ordered this book in frustration one day. I'm single and my house is 75 years old and you'd think that both living and working at home (I'm a writer), my house wouldn't be that tough to keep neat and organized and functional. Hah. Think again. I struggle with almost epic levels of clutter most of the time and stupid things like not being able to find the right kitchen tools when I want them becomes a daily frustration. Plus, there are all of these silly things that just drive me nuts--like keeping a hardwood floor clean (and getting rid of scratches) or just how to store cleaning supplies so you can actually *find* them (what a concept).
This book is huge, around 750 pages, I think, and it's very well organized. Each section is devoted to a particular room and them delves into that room's contents, everything from furniture to accessories to windows, etc. I won't say that this book is as informal or as cozy as some of Martha's book are, there is a kind of cold tone to some of the writing, but let's face it, when you are putting together 750 pages of information and ideas, there's not a lot of room for chit chat. But there is a ton and a half (almost literally, lol) of info.
July 7, 2025
This book is an absolute essential for anyone who wants to take proper care of their home. What I really respect about Martha Stewart is that she doesn’t pretend to be an expert on everything—she brings in real professionals to write and contribute, so the advice in this book is thorough, trustworthy, and actually useful. There are no gimmicky hacks or shortcuts that end up damaging your home—just solid, intelligent guidance from people who know what they’re doing.
The book itself is massive—in the best way. It’s beautifully laid out, full of helpful pictures, and incredibly detailed. It really feels like an encyclopedia for homekeeping, and I find myself turning to it again and again as a reference. It’s clear, practical, and thoughtfully put together. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to take home care seriously.
The book itself is massive—in the best way. It’s beautifully laid out, full of helpful pictures, and incredibly detailed. It really feels like an encyclopedia for homekeeping, and I find myself turning to it again and again as a reference. It’s clear, practical, and thoughtfully put together. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to take home care seriously.
May 7, 2018
Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook
5/5
I was gifted this as I just purchased my first home and will be moving in soon. This is basically a house Bible. How to do house stuff, explanations of common issues and fixes, materials and supplies, the list goes on and on.
This is also great for someone moving into their first apartment too.
The book contains a lot of duh but it kind of has to as it's an all extensive guide (700+ pages) to homemaking. I will definitely refer back to this book when I need to. If you're into houses then definitely keep this one on your shelf.
5/5
I was gifted this as I just purchased my first home and will be moving in soon. This is basically a house Bible. How to do house stuff, explanations of common issues and fixes, materials and supplies, the list goes on and on.
This is also great for someone moving into their first apartment too.
The book contains a lot of duh but it kind of has to as it's an all extensive guide (700+ pages) to homemaking. I will definitely refer back to this book when I need to. If you're into houses then definitely keep this one on your shelf.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews