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How to Clean Everything: A practical, down to earth guide for anyone who doesn't know where to start
From everyone's favourite online cleaning expert and 'TikTok Auntie', this is the only cleaning book that you will ever need.
How to Clean Everything is full of genuinely useful tips and tricks, and advice about not just what but also what not to do. Covering everything from laundry to accidents, and cleaning room by room, this book also contains sections on more general household maintenance, particularly useful for renters or anyone living away from home for the first time. Ann's approach is realistic, reassuring and easy to follow whatever your circumstances.
How to Clean Everything is full of genuinely useful tips and tricks, and advice about not just what but also what not to do. Covering everything from laundry to accidents, and cleaning room by room, this book also contains sections on more general household maintenance, particularly useful for renters or anyone living away from home for the first time. Ann's approach is realistic, reassuring and easy to follow whatever your circumstances.
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
357 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 14, 2022
She makes you feel good enough. She also provides valuable information towards your safety and your family’s (pets included). I would read it again, or select chapters when need be. I do recommend it.
November 11, 2022
I'm never read a cleaning book that made me feel like I could actually do it no problem. Is it weird to have read a cleaning book and finished it feeling empowered?
Some of the things are British but you just have to Google the equivalent and you find your country's version.
Some of the things are British but you just have to Google the equivalent and you find your country's version.
February 28, 2024
Amazing. Ann makes me feel very seen when I struggle with cleaning.
February 4, 2024
Не съм сигурна какво точно очаквах от книгата, но беше повече. Става дума за чистене и макар определено да говори за това, ми се стори много общо, малко като информация и разпиляно сякаш, но пък авторката умее да ти предава послания, които не очакваш.
Стигнах до мнението, че ми е време да спра да чета книги за чистене или поне да не очаквам да ми покажат пътя. :Р Като всяко друго нещо това си изисква време, енергия и да трупаш опит, а животът е твърде кратък да го губиш в неща, които ти се налага да правиш от нямане накъде, но никой не изисква от теб да са на някакво невероятно ниво. Четейки книгата, мисля, че най-после се успокоих, че дори и да не чистя кой знае колко добре, докато не застрашавам себе си и околните и е прилично - значи е достатъчно чисто. Твърде сложно е всичко, твърде много неща, за които да мислиш и накрая за какво - надишаш се с отровни изпарения или си прецакаш кръста. Мне, благодаря. :)
Тази книга е доста по-разпиляна от втората ѝ - има не само чистене, но и как да спестиш някой и друг паунд, споделя за отношенията с клиенти, за професията си и въобще общи размисли относно тези теми. Мисля, че силата ѝ е в писането за пари и ако напише мемоар относно какво е да си професионален чистач ще е уникално добра книга, тъй като пише откровено, ясно, изразително с някоя и друга хумористична вметка, което прави четенето на книгите ѝ много приятно преживяване.
Стигнах до мнението, че ми е време да спра да чета книги за чистене или поне да не очаквам да ми покажат пътя. :Р Като всяко друго нещо това си изисква време, енергия и да трупаш опит, а животът е твърде кратък да го губиш в неща, които ти се налага да правиш от нямане накъде, но никой не изисква от теб да са на някакво невероятно ниво. Четейки книгата, мисля, че най-после се успокоих, че дори и да не чистя кой знае колко добре, докато не застрашавам себе си и околните и е прилично - значи е достатъчно чисто. Твърде сложно е всичко, твърде много неща, за които да мислиш и накрая за какво - надишаш се с отровни изпарения или си прецакаш кръста. Мне, благодаря. :)
Тази книга е доста по-разпиляна от втората ѝ - има не само чистене, но и как да спестиш някой и друг паунд, споделя за отношенията с клиенти, за професията си и въобще общи размисли относно тези теми. Мисля, че силата ѝ е в писането за пари и ако напише мемоар относно какво е да си професионален чистач ще е уникално добра книга, тъй като пише откровено, ясно, изразително с някоя и друга хумористична вметка, което прави четенето на книгите ѝ много приятно преживяване.
April 23, 2024
Consuming cleaning content in Spring is the same as actually doing Spring Cleaning, at least in my mind it is.
October 14, 2024
3,5*. I love the British vocabulary in this book. So funny written, love it!
May 19, 2025
Didn't hate it, but wouldn't recommend.
June 14, 2025
Ann is brilliant, as always. I've been following her for years on Tiktok. I learned a few things from this book I didn't know before. And I appreciate her no nonsense way of writing and keeping the advice simple and easy to understand. This is a book worth having on hand as a reference guide.
September 11, 2022
This is a great book that encapsulates all of the wisdom Ann shares on TikTok. It's full of useful information, tips and all round guidance written from a place of empathy. I read it in one sitting as a cosy Sunday read and I know it'll be really useful to dip in and out of where needed. The index is a handy feature too to find advice for a specific problem, I see this book being like a cleaning Bible for me.
October 9, 2022
Relaxing, down to earth, empathetic. Couldn’t ask for more from this book
December 15, 2022
Easy to navigate and very instructional
August 14, 2023
Straight to the point, mindful to point out that housekeeping has nothing to do with moral status, and acknowledges that sometimes life happens to people, rather than life being all about choices. This woman has seen the good, the bad, the sad and the heartwarming throughout her life an career.
I'll admit I don't know of Russell through TickTok and it didn't lessen the enjoyment of it. And this book isn't just for people who 'don't know where to start'. I know a fair amount about housekeeping already and found a good few gems held within this book that I definitely will take away and use. They will save me time, money and effort. Russell's explanations of cleaning products and their uses, while not comprehensive, are very useful and can reduce overwhelm from choosing from the myriad of cleaning products available.
Towards the end, there are sections about setting up your own cleaning businesses in various environments and advice for cleaning and clearing the properties of elders who are moving onto assisted living/care. I thought these last two areas, while not applicable to everyone, were very useful and regarding house clearance was clearly instilling a considerate and compassionate perspective.
In places I felt it a little vague and brief in places where a little more prescriptive information or guidance could've been useful. But, it was great to have something written for the UK market, rather than having to always decipher US terms and products!
Recommended for anyone starting out caring for their homes, or for anyone wanting better results for cheaper, keen on using common sense, kicking out overcomplicated/rubbish cleaning ideas (vinegar and bicarb!) and getting it all done efficiently.
I'll admit I don't know of Russell through TickTok and it didn't lessen the enjoyment of it. And this book isn't just for people who 'don't know where to start'. I know a fair amount about housekeeping already and found a good few gems held within this book that I definitely will take away and use. They will save me time, money and effort. Russell's explanations of cleaning products and their uses, while not comprehensive, are very useful and can reduce overwhelm from choosing from the myriad of cleaning products available.
Towards the end, there are sections about setting up your own cleaning businesses in various environments and advice for cleaning and clearing the properties of elders who are moving onto assisted living/care. I thought these last two areas, while not applicable to everyone, were very useful and regarding house clearance was clearly instilling a considerate and compassionate perspective.
In places I felt it a little vague and brief in places where a little more prescriptive information or guidance could've been useful. But, it was great to have something written for the UK market, rather than having to always decipher US terms and products!
Recommended for anyone starting out caring for their homes, or for anyone wanting better results for cheaper, keen on using common sense, kicking out overcomplicated/rubbish cleaning ideas (vinegar and bicarb!) and getting it all done efficiently.
September 5, 2025
I've seen quite a few of Ann Russell's TikTok videos in which she mostly reacts to people's "cry of help" when it comes to especially nasty stains that won't budge or when clothing seems to smell bad no matter how often it's washed. Her way of explaining and her being in generall is so inviting and non-condescending that you can't help but listen to what she has to say. And as this book proves; she knows a thing or two (or a billion) about cleaning.
It's not surprising, as she's a self-employed professional domestic cleaner herself but as I said, it's the way she explains it that makes it so digestable and … well … fun. As much fun as cleaning can be, that is :) It was definitely motivating for me to pick up my spray cleaner and my gloves to go to town on my bathroom which was in dire need of a proper scrub.
This book doesn't present the newest flashy cleaning product or paints the act of keeping your home clean as rocket science - because it's not. But Ann knows how to say what you can do to achieve some progress in your own dealings with cleaning while keeping in mind that not all people have the same budget for products or the mental strength at the moment to deal with mess and dirt. She's very sensitive to different walks of life which is very refreshing.
Granted, I haven't read many cleaning guidebooks but the ones I have felt less inviting and more demanding. More precisely, there was always that underlying feeling that you were a bad person if you didn't manage to do it as it was written in those guidebooks. Ann firstly is aware that not everyone has the same energy reserve and secondly that cleaning also has a lot to do with which process suits you best. The more you do it the more you'll find out what's the most efficient and thourough way for yourself.
Can highly recommend for anyone who wants some input on cleaning. There's chapters on the most trivial things such as bathrooms and kitchens but also on radiators (let's be honest, who cleans those except before a move-out) and rugs (which I probably still won't clean even after reading this book - what a hassle). Ann's dry English humour was also very entertaining and I'm glad I bought this book. It'll serve as a motivator for future cleaning slumps.
It's not surprising, as she's a self-employed professional domestic cleaner herself but as I said, it's the way she explains it that makes it so digestable and … well … fun. As much fun as cleaning can be, that is :) It was definitely motivating for me to pick up my spray cleaner and my gloves to go to town on my bathroom which was in dire need of a proper scrub.
This book doesn't present the newest flashy cleaning product or paints the act of keeping your home clean as rocket science - because it's not. But Ann knows how to say what you can do to achieve some progress in your own dealings with cleaning while keeping in mind that not all people have the same budget for products or the mental strength at the moment to deal with mess and dirt. She's very sensitive to different walks of life which is very refreshing.
Granted, I haven't read many cleaning guidebooks but the ones I have felt less inviting and more demanding. More precisely, there was always that underlying feeling that you were a bad person if you didn't manage to do it as it was written in those guidebooks. Ann firstly is aware that not everyone has the same energy reserve and secondly that cleaning also has a lot to do with which process suits you best. The more you do it the more you'll find out what's the most efficient and thourough way for yourself.
Can highly recommend for anyone who wants some input on cleaning. There's chapters on the most trivial things such as bathrooms and kitchens but also on radiators (let's be honest, who cleans those except before a move-out) and rugs (which I probably still won't clean even after reading this book - what a hassle). Ann's dry English humour was also very entertaining and I'm glad I bought this book. It'll serve as a motivator for future cleaning slumps.
July 7, 2025
This book is such a gem—practical, calm, and genuinely helpful. Anna is incredibly down to earth, and that warmth and kindness really come through in her writing. She's not judgmental or overwhelming, which makes it a great read for anyone who’s just starting out or feeling unsure about how to tackle cleaning.
What sets this book apart is that Anna is a cleaning expert. Finally, a cleaning book that doesn’t tell you to mix vinegar and baking soda. She explains why things work (or don’t), and safety is clearly a top priority for her.
It’s also up to date. Her advice reflects what’s currently on the market—older home care encyclopaedias typically just use bleach and ammonia for everything lol (dont do that!). Despite being fairly short, the book is packed with useful information and great illustrations. It covers everything you’d need to know to build a smart, well-rounded cleaning kit and tackle your home confidently.
Even after reading loads of books on cleaning (yes I know its weird), I still learned new things from this one. Anna really knows her stuff, and she shares it in such a kind, thoughtful way. Highly recommend for beginners.
What sets this book apart is that Anna is a cleaning expert. Finally, a cleaning book that doesn’t tell you to mix vinegar and baking soda. She explains why things work (or don’t), and safety is clearly a top priority for her.
It’s also up to date. Her advice reflects what’s currently on the market—older home care encyclopaedias typically just use bleach and ammonia for everything lol (dont do that!). Despite being fairly short, the book is packed with useful information and great illustrations. It covers everything you’d need to know to build a smart, well-rounded cleaning kit and tackle your home confidently.
Even after reading loads of books on cleaning (yes I know its weird), I still learned new things from this one. Anna really knows her stuff, and she shares it in such a kind, thoughtful way. Highly recommend for beginners.
July 24, 2023
So much more than just a cleaning book...
This from the intro,
"The most important thing I can say is that there is no moral value to being clean, the only thing we can say about someone who has a spotless house is that they have a spotless house. There is a balance and a point where being a bit messy and a bit grubby tips into unhealthy squalor, but the shame around cleaning and mess prevents some people who desperately need and want help from asking for it."
And this from the ending,
"I know from first-hand experience how lives can go wrong through chance rather than through choice. Try to remember that no one wakes up and decides to die cold and alone on the streets. Every decision they made was the best available to them at the time, very often they simply lacked education and choices."
This from the intro,
"The most important thing I can say is that there is no moral value to being clean, the only thing we can say about someone who has a spotless house is that they have a spotless house. There is a balance and a point where being a bit messy and a bit grubby tips into unhealthy squalor, but the shame around cleaning and mess prevents some people who desperately need and want help from asking for it."
And this from the ending,
"I know from first-hand experience how lives can go wrong through chance rather than through choice. Try to remember that no one wakes up and decides to die cold and alone on the streets. Every decision they made was the best available to them at the time, very often they simply lacked education and choices."
November 10, 2023
Numerous residents in Maleny are keen to thoroughly clean their homes, yet they frequently encounter challenges due to limited time and the absence of essential equipment. Additionally, they are knowledgeable about the potential hazards associated with tasks like gutter and roof cleaning. House Washing Sunshine Coast addresses these concerns by offering a solution. Our team of specialists, focusing on power washing in Maleny, is ready to rejuvenate your home, regardless of its size. Our exceptional house cleaning services in Queensland guarantee impressive outcomes, completely revitalizing your property from top to bottom.
January 13, 2023
This is the most honest, realistic and to the point cleaning book I have got my hands on. As many, I discovered Ann through tiktok, and couldn’t wait to get this book here in Canada and it did not disappoint! How to clean everything is the holy grail book I think everyone should be gifted when they move out of home for the first time. As a late 20s human that’s lives on their own for a decade, I still found it incredibly helpful. Most of all I appreciate the human aspect of this book. The touches on mental health, poverty/income, and people are vulnerable places in life was very affirming and refreshing to see (especially in the cleaning world). Can’t recommend this book enough.
February 4, 2023
The entire time I was reading I kept thinking if only I had this guide when I moved out on my own! I am a very clean person yet found myself saving every single TikTok video Ann made so I had to buy her book. She does an amazing job at simplifying and explaining the basics but also keeping in mind mental illness and different income levels. Cleaning correctly is expensive, time-consuming, and very manual. I want to send a copy to every 18 year old Airmen on base who never learned. Moms, get this for your kids when they graduate HS (as a joke, but not really 😉)! *Keep in mind she’s English, so some words translate differently in America.
January 22, 2024
This is a relatively short book that serves as an introduction to cleaning and home maintenance. Its goal doesn't seem to be selling a particular method or philosophy on cleaning but breaking down what many consider "basic" tasks in a way that makes them seem more manageable. The book is extremely accessible - it's concise and designed so it's easy to reference. The book also takes income level and ability into account, giving budget-friendly but effective cleaning tips, and pointing out tools and techniques that would work better for disabled and/or elderly people. And most importantly - everything is approached with compassion.
February 7, 2023
A non-judgmental, open minded and honest book. I enjoyed it so much that I deliberately slowed down and took my time reading each chapter. I’ve learnt new things, and do feel this book is one I will return to when I face individual challenges with cleaning different things. Very practical advice without shaming you for not wanting to follow trends. Ann, please write more books about life. I really valued your words in the conclusion, but also the gems of wisdom you planted throughout. Thank you so much Ann.
February 24, 2024
I love Ann on Tiktok, I just want to say that first! And I'm glad i got a text version of this book so I can come back to it and look when the need arises. But it is a weird thing to just read through, and covers much that I didn't need to know (but, interesting, and she definitely has a right to share it and I'm sure many wanted to know).
As someone new to living on my own (is 9 years still new? I guess 5.5 without cleaning checks 😂) and renting my first house, there are definitely lots of long term cleaning and care that I know nothing about. So it's really good to know.
As someone new to living on my own (is 9 years still new? I guess 5.5 without cleaning checks 😂) and renting my first house, there are definitely lots of long term cleaning and care that I know nothing about. So it's really good to know.
March 17, 2025
Came for the cleaning tips, stayed for the renting, insulation, and elder care portions of this book!
Beyond learning that I've been washing dishes wrongly for my whole life (lmao), I got so much out of every section, especially the later ones that focused on topics beyond cleaning and into things like how to stay warm in cold weather, how to hire a cleaner (respectfully), and how to engage with elder care - there was so much information I had no idea I needed so badly.
Will be gifting this book as a housewarming gift to literally all my friends!
Beyond learning that I've been washing dishes wrongly for my whole life (lmao), I got so much out of every section, especially the later ones that focused on topics beyond cleaning and into things like how to stay warm in cold weather, how to hire a cleaner (respectfully), and how to engage with elder care - there was so much information I had no idea I needed so badly.
Will be gifting this book as a housewarming gift to literally all my friends!
June 11, 2023
I'm sure this is a very helpful book for Brits, but be aware that it doesn't always translate well to cleaning in America. I wasn't sure if I even needed to clean my "hob" or my "Aga". Do I have "washing up liquid" or "brown sauce" in my house? Not sure. The author occasionally explains things for Americans, but not nearly enough. Prices are in Euros. I wanted to stop reading, but decided to fnish the book and broaden my British vocabulary. Sorry for the "whinge".
August 13, 2023
Practical, funny and heartwarming
Ann has created a book that not only contains sound practical advice on cleaning but also manages to uplift the reader’s spirits while being sensitive to those who may be struggling due to finances, poor health or little prior knowledge on the topic. Her book is to the point but manages to be hilarious, earring several audible chuckles. Ann has truly managed to capture her personality in this book and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Ann has created a book that not only contains sound practical advice on cleaning but also manages to uplift the reader’s spirits while being sensitive to those who may be struggling due to finances, poor health or little prior knowledge on the topic. Her book is to the point but manages to be hilarious, earring several audible chuckles. Ann has truly managed to capture her personality in this book and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
May 14, 2025
Written by a popular ticktock cleaner, this book was designed to give a basic overview of whole house upkeep. I found it just okay. If you've done much cleaning, you won't find a lot of new information here. I did come across a few tips about stain removal. Also, the author is British, so the references to products and such reflects this. Not a huge issue, but if you're not in the UK, you may need to research equivalents for your area.
August 10, 2023
Uhg, I wish I listened to this back when I first moved out on my own. So much valuable information delivered in a comforting, empowering voice. I put this on while I’m cleaning so that I have Ann as a nice support in my ear 🥰 Even though I’m Canadian, and Ann specifies that a lot of her rental and profession information pertains to English systems, it is general enough that it is still useful.
February 15, 2024
A bit too British for me. A lot of time spent googling wtf the author meant in American English. That’s cool, I don’t expect a British author to address a primarily American audience or anything, but I don’t know what white spirits or brown sauce or washing up liquid is and that’s gonna hamper the uptake. Do British people often have solid fuel burning stoves in homes? Huh.
February 16, 2024
Great Tips
I liked how she explained things and also gave advice to people who had mobility problems. I found out things I was unsure about. Her advice about using what you can afford was a great change as sometimes the advice is about things you can't afford.
It was nice to hear that if your house is not a show house it's fine.
I liked how she explained things and also gave advice to people who had mobility problems. I found out things I was unsure about. Her advice about using what you can afford was a great change as sometimes the advice is about things you can't afford.
It was nice to hear that if your house is not a show house it's fine.
March 18, 2024
4.5 ⭐
Loved every bit of this book.
To be fair though, it is very English-centric (the country). So you might not have some of the mentioned products readily available. Which I think the author acknowledges. Yet, this one is invaluable for someone like me who never really learned how to properly clean. It´s an honest start.
Loved every bit of this book.
To be fair though, it is very English-centric (the country). So you might not have some of the mentioned products readily available. Which I think the author acknowledges. Yet, this one is invaluable for someone like me who never really learned how to properly clean. It´s an honest start.
June 14, 2023
Good advice on cleaning and general housekeeping from a UK perspective. Not all of it is going to be helpful for everyone, and it's definitely one person's perspective. I found quite a few helpful tips.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews