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The Complete Book of Clean: Tips & Techniques for Your Home
The follow-up to the bestselling Complete Book of Home Organization, the Complete Book of Home Cleaning is a complete, eco-friendly guide to cleaning your home. From establishing routines, making schedules, and DIYing green cleaning solutions to help keep every area of your home neat, safe and spotless—find it all here.
Learn the best seasons to tackle home projects, storage solutions to simplify the process, and sweet natural solutions for every room and fixture. This book will help you tackle every mess, stain, and dust-magnet, and keep things from getting out of hand in the future—all while being friendly to the environment and keeping toxic chemicals out of your home.
Whether you’re a neat freak or new to the world of homekeeping, let Toni Hammersley be your guide to establishing routines, learning techniques and mastering the best home cleaning hacks out there. Learn what needs a deep-clean and how often, how to substitute essential oils and pantry basics for store-bought chemicals and what to do about the toughest homekeeping dilemmas. Soon you’ll find that no matter the number of pets, kids, or others in your home, cleanliness is easier than you ever imagined.
Learn the best seasons to tackle home projects, storage solutions to simplify the process, and sweet natural solutions for every room and fixture. This book will help you tackle every mess, stain, and dust-magnet, and keep things from getting out of hand in the future—all while being friendly to the environment and keeping toxic chemicals out of your home.
Whether you’re a neat freak or new to the world of homekeeping, let Toni Hammersley be your guide to establishing routines, learning techniques and mastering the best home cleaning hacks out there. Learn what needs a deep-clean and how often, how to substitute essential oils and pantry basics for store-bought chemicals and what to do about the toughest homekeeping dilemmas. Soon you’ll find that no matter the number of pets, kids, or others in your home, cleanliness is easier than you ever imagined.
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2017
722 people are currently reading
887 people want to read
About the author
Toni Hammersley
5 books41 followersToni Hammersley is the creator and writer of www.abowlfulloflemons.net, an organizing website that inspires thousands of people around the world to get their lives in order. She hosts a popular 14-week organizing challenge each year, aimed at helping others conquer clutter. She is also a registered nurse and photographer. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 25, 2017
I'm obsessed with this book. Seriously... if you want to clean things right this book will tell you how. What I like about giving things a deep cleaning every now and then is that usually it will help that item last longer. I didn't even know my dishwasher had a filter that had to be cleaned every now and then! WHAT!
September 27, 2017
Gorgeous photography, cute illustrations and simple, easy to follow chapters with tips and instructions for keeping your home CLEAN!
As a neat freak, I especially enjoyed the organization of the chapters, topics and the numbering system.
This reminds me of an extended version of Real Simple Magazine, including a focus on homemade, organic cleansers and disinfectants for every room in the house.
The only downside of the coffee table book is the model homes give me kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, office and laundry room envy. Plus all the white, cool gray and soft turquoise colors makes me want to re-do my walls and flooring.
Back of the book includes checklists for cleaning and recipes for whipping up your own natural cleaning products made from easily available pantry staples and essential oils.
This is a book I'd love to own!
As a neat freak, I especially enjoyed the organization of the chapters, topics and the numbering system.
This reminds me of an extended version of Real Simple Magazine, including a focus on homemade, organic cleansers and disinfectants for every room in the house.
The only downside of the coffee table book is the model homes give me kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, office and laundry room envy. Plus all the white, cool gray and soft turquoise colors makes me want to re-do my walls and flooring.
Back of the book includes checklists for cleaning and recipes for whipping up your own natural cleaning products made from easily available pantry staples and essential oils.
This is a book I'd love to own!
September 7, 2017
Unrealistic cleaning goals! This book was a roller coaster ride of quick and easy cleaning tips, and Daily Cleaning lists for each room in your house.
I learned a couple cleaning tricks but overall came away feeling that this book is targeted for people who like to spend at least an hour a day cleaning...and that is not me.
Am I the only one who does't clean my toilet brush and toilet brush holder on a weekly basis?!
I learned a couple cleaning tricks but overall came away feeling that this book is targeted for people who like to spend at least an hour a day cleaning...and that is not me.
Am I the only one who does't clean my toilet brush and toilet brush holder on a weekly basis?!
March 20, 2021
As someone who loves to clean, this book serves as a wonderful reference. I really love the natural cleaning recipes, especially the toilet bowl bombs and the tub ‘n’ tile cleaner. Before trying these recipes, I only ever had real success with bleach and it smells just awful. These recipes smell fantastic and actually work. I do think the daily, weekly, monthly checklists are overwhelming and unrealistic for most working families. I prefer to simply use the book as a reference when a room visibly needs a little extra love and attention.
April 7, 2018
A nice primer to general home-cleaning tips. If I were to buy this as a reference book, I think I'd prefer for it to be ring bound so it sits open on a desk. This is another concept that could be really helpful as an interactive website or app: you put in your home's characteristics, and it tells you what to do every day, and gives you the weekly/monthly/twice yearly checklists. Anything to help with the project management would be great.
January 13, 2024
I needed this book 15 years ago :)
But I’m grateful to have read through it now and will probably reference it again. Many helpful homemade cleaner recipes too. Very thorough! I like the weekly and seasonal checklists too.
Great book to start the year, and just as we start life in a new home!
But I’m grateful to have read through it now and will probably reference it again. Many helpful homemade cleaner recipes too. Very thorough! I like the weekly and seasonal checklists too.
Great book to start the year, and just as we start life in a new home!
July 11, 2024
Found this at the library and ordered it from ThriftBooks after getting halfway through. Has tons of recipes from home made cleaning solutions, checklists and instructions on how to clean anything! Maybe I will actually start keeping a clean house
May 18, 2017
Great book. Lots of terrific cleaning ideas and recipes for easy homemade cleaning products. It makes cleaning sound like fun! I might have to try it.
October 17, 2017
Great recipes for natural cleaning solutions!
September 14, 2022
This book was a good reminder to clean various things around the house that I conveniently forget about.
Some of the cleaning recipes are ok but I’ve found better recipes on Tiktok or in cleaning Facebook groups. There’s several bicarb and vinegar recipes which I’ve recently found out doesn’t do anything as they neutralise each other when they react. There’s also a recipe that mixes vinegar and Castile soap which is another no-no as they just turn oily when combined.
I definitely wouldn’t use this book as your cleaning bible but more so as a bit of cleaning motivation.
Some of the cleaning recipes are ok but I’ve found better recipes on Tiktok or in cleaning Facebook groups. There’s several bicarb and vinegar recipes which I’ve recently found out doesn’t do anything as they neutralise each other when they react. There’s also a recipe that mixes vinegar and Castile soap which is another no-no as they just turn oily when combined.
I definitely wouldn’t use this book as your cleaning bible but more so as a bit of cleaning motivation.
October 9, 2017
3.5 stars
[I mistakenly thought this was Toni Hammersley's organization book so I was a little disappointed when I realized this was just for cleaning!]
The Complete Book of Clean is a how-to manual for keeping your house super clean. Hammersley gives tips on cleaning furniture, appliances and rooms, and diy-cleaning-product recipes, with shots of her pretty house. If you're looking for a more in-depth book on more natural cleaning recipes I would recommend The Organically Clean Home by Betty Rapinchuk.
I liked:
* Photography - beautiful house and pictures shown in this book! Looks so professional and good. Especially the home office part was goals!
* Cover and pages - unique design
* Some tips were helpful
I didn't like:
* Written as if everyone is a clean freak and has time to do a 5-step process to clean certain parts of the dryer (for example).
* Typos (which I often find) -
"Don't fret over the time it will take to dust thblinds just put on cleaning clothes, turn up the music, and get to work." (Hammersley, 010*).
"The laundry room represents ones state of mind." (Hammersley, ?).
* No page numbers - I can't even cite quotes properly (!!)
* Format of tips - Kind of choppy; it seems like the whole book is like a magazine, which wasn't what I was expecting
* The word workhouse is used a lot and the repetition is annoying (use a thesaurus!)
Also - the "how to prevent family members from spreading sickness(viruses/colds)" section gave tips as if sick people have a plague that will kill someone if they get contaminated. The tips were good but again, extreme and time consuming (especially if you have kids).
The amount of detail and meticulousness is really only achievable for:
a) someone who does cleaning as their job;
b) stay at home moms/parents who have a lot of time on their hands;
c) clean freaks
Some processes were shorter but some are very thorough, and a lot of people don't have time for that. Generally it's more important to have organization first and then regular cleaning routines. Once you don't have to worry about big disorganized areas, cleaning is more manageable, but for most people organizing should be higher priority; this books is good for those on the second stage who have their organization under control.
In conclusion it was a quick read, good for methodical people and those with a good amount of time to spend on cleaning. This book wasn't revolutionary, ~1/2 are things you should already know how to do (clean a toilet, wipe a kitchen counter, etc.) Hopefully the Organization book will be better (I have a feeling it will).
[I mistakenly thought this was Toni Hammersley's organization book so I was a little disappointed when I realized this was just for cleaning!]
The Complete Book of Clean is a how-to manual for keeping your house super clean. Hammersley gives tips on cleaning furniture, appliances and rooms, and diy-cleaning-product recipes, with shots of her pretty house. If you're looking for a more in-depth book on more natural cleaning recipes I would recommend The Organically Clean Home by Betty Rapinchuk.
I liked:
* Photography - beautiful house and pictures shown in this book! Looks so professional and good. Especially the home office part was goals!
* Cover and pages - unique design
* Some tips were helpful
I didn't like:
* Written as if everyone is a clean freak and has time to do a 5-step process to clean certain parts of the dryer (for example).
* Typos (which I often find) -
"Don't fret over the time it will take to dust thblinds just put on cleaning clothes, turn up the music, and get to work." (Hammersley, 010*).
"The laundry room represents ones state of mind." (Hammersley, ?).
* No page numbers - I can't even cite quotes properly (!!)
* Format of tips - Kind of choppy; it seems like the whole book is like a magazine, which wasn't what I was expecting
* The word workhouse is used a lot and the repetition is annoying (use a thesaurus!)
Also - the "how to prevent family members from spreading sickness(viruses/colds)" section gave tips as if sick people have a plague that will kill someone if they get contaminated. The tips were good but again, extreme and time consuming (especially if you have kids).
The amount of detail and meticulousness is really only achievable for:
a) someone who does cleaning as their job;
b) stay at home moms/parents who have a lot of time on their hands;
c) clean freaks
Some processes were shorter but some are very thorough, and a lot of people don't have time for that. Generally it's more important to have organization first and then regular cleaning routines. Once you don't have to worry about big disorganized areas, cleaning is more manageable, but for most people organizing should be higher priority; this books is good for those on the second stage who have their organization under control.
In conclusion it was a quick read, good for methodical people and those with a good amount of time to spend on cleaning. This book wasn't revolutionary, ~1/2 are things you should already know how to do (clean a toilet, wipe a kitchen counter, etc.) Hopefully the Organization book will be better (I have a feeling it will).
June 29, 2018
Cleaning Reference
If you ever wondered how to clean something in your home, you’ll find all the details here. Great step by step tips for cleaning everything imaginable. Recipes for making your own natural cleaners. This is a good resource for people who want lists to help them keep their homes clean, although I’m not one of those people and the frequency they suggest seems excessive. Toni also has a book on home organization that I will read next (so I’m reading out of order, yet my biggest tip is having less items makes cleaning a breeze. That’s why I don’t need lists for cleaning). I will use this book when I need to clean silver, pillows, remove stains and make my own cleaning products.
If you ever wondered how to clean something in your home, you’ll find all the details here. Great step by step tips for cleaning everything imaginable. Recipes for making your own natural cleaners. This is a good resource for people who want lists to help them keep their homes clean, although I’m not one of those people and the frequency they suggest seems excessive. Toni also has a book on home organization that I will read next (so I’m reading out of order, yet my biggest tip is having less items makes cleaning a breeze. That’s why I don’t need lists for cleaning). I will use this book when I need to clean silver, pillows, remove stains and make my own cleaning products.
November 25, 2023
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January 3, 2026
This book is the ultimate guide to cleaning daily, weekly, and monthly. It includes checklists for each space in your home, along with recipes for natural cleaning supplies. Each section (room) is concise but detailed enough for provide assistance to each chore. There are tips and tricks for everything you can imagine - have a top load washer? Perfect! Here’s a tip. But what if you have a side load washer? She thought of that too! It is incredible how the author considered every circumstance when writing this. I learned many new tips and tricks for cleaning my home and keeping it clean, and I feel less overwhelmed by my tasks. I recommend reading through this book as a whole, and then going back and applying each section and checklist.
July 26, 2017
This is an excellent book that details how to clean everything in your home! Includes so many details about how to clean different types of walls, floors, counters, doors...EVERYTHING. Also includes recipes to make your own natural cleaning supplies and lists that show how often to clean the different areas of your home on a daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal basis. Also includes beautiful illustrations and photographs of clean homes. I checked out this book via the Hoopla app but I will be buying this book and will use it when I become a home owner in the future.
September 19, 2019
I really loved this book. I follow Toni on social media and her posts are always some of my favorites. I don’t know how she does it all, but she does. I love the natural cleaner recipes and the check lists. Can I do all that she does every day(weekly/monthly)? No. I just don’t have the time. But I love the suggestions and I can pick and choose as my time allows. I not only found it helpful, but the book itself is beautiful. If you do not enjoy cleaning, this book may not be for you. But I actually enjoy cleaning and found that this book fits nicely into my cleaning repertoire.
June 24, 2017
I have always appreciated Bowl Full of Lemons as a source of helpful information for keeping house. This book is certainly useful and has a lot of ideas for ways to take care of all parts of your home, in all of the rooms. I appreciate the specific lists of things to do first thing in the morning and in the evening before bed. Encouraging routines are helpful and when following the ones that Toni provides, my house has been much cleaner and I feel less overwhelmed. Thanks!
September 23, 2017
The Complete Book of Clean is a lovely little book. Toni Hammersley is very organized about keeping a house clean and provides semi-annual, seasonal, monthly, weekly, and daily checklists. A discussion of natural cleaning products along with recipes is included. Visually, this book is a pleasure to read. Abundant photos of clean, modern spaces, charming illustrations, and even rounded, friendly font welcomes the viewer. Pages are thick with bullnose corners and pleasing to hold and turn.
August 27, 2017
A couple of years ago I came across FB group run by Toni Hammersley. It was full of thousands of people addicted to her planner supplies, décor, cleaning and organizing, etc. She helped contribute to making home economics trendy again. In this beautiful book full of cleaning tips and gorgeous pictures readers learn how to really clean.
April 19, 2019
I REALLY wish I had gotten this in hardcover and not Kindle. I would have said 5 stars for hard copy. The Kindle version is not great. Some of the pages didn't line up properly.
I also don't think this is a book you "finish" but rather, reference regularly. I did read the whole thing in one sitting and am definitely motivated to get my house in order!
I also don't think this is a book you "finish" but rather, reference regularly. I did read the whole thing in one sitting and am definitely motivated to get my house in order!
May 29, 2017
A beautiful book that gives tips as to how to clean your home. I will try some the the author's suggestions. The pictures are very attractive and the author stresses natural cleaning items. One annoying thing: no page numbers-just numbered tips.
September 7, 2018
Very thorough!
Great for me as a new mom of 2. I fell off my routine when I was on bed rest with my first a few years ago. Great refresher and great for people just starting out on their own.
Great for me as a new mom of 2. I fell off my routine when I was on bed rest with my first a few years ago. Great refresher and great for people just starting out on their own.
October 18, 2018
I mostly only picked this book up from the library because I had read the other Complete Book of. I found the constant repeating of the same recipe as filler and totally unnecessary. I enjoy all the pictures and wish the recipe repeats were just more pictures.
November 29, 2020
This book has some good ideas and I Love the natural cleaning supply recipes, but the daily checklists are completely unobtainable for the average person, unless they stay at home all day. No, I won’t be spot treating and washing my table cloth every day cuz why would anyone do that????
March 20, 2021
Discover the many use of baking soda and vinegar besides science experiments.
Many useful tips (if you remember to do it).
Overwhelmed and no idea how to start? Divide and conquer. Breakdown cleaning by sections of the home and by days, weeks and months.
Many useful tips (if you remember to do it).
Overwhelmed and no idea how to start? Divide and conquer. Breakdown cleaning by sections of the home and by days, weeks and months.
November 2, 2021
Informative
Great ideas of how to easily keep your home clean with an easy schedule for each room. I really appreciate the info on how to clean various stains from different surfaces.
Great ideas of how to easily keep your home clean with an easy schedule for each room. I really appreciate the info on how to clean various stains from different surfaces.
December 16, 2022
Had some good tips and recipes for homemade cleaners, but some of the recipes are better than others. The cleaning checklists seemed kinda bonkers, doing things daily that I would maybe do weekly and so on. Still a somewhat helpful little reference for cleaning.
January 18, 2024
Every now and then I like to read a cleaning book for a little inspiration. I only hope to take away a tip or two to make my life easier. I will never, and I mean never, do the majority of things suggested in
this book. Ain't nobody got time for dat.
this book. Ain't nobody got time for dat.
June 12, 2017
Y'all! Checklists. Tips. Recipes for all natural cleaning. Best ever.
September 28, 2017
Fantastic book. Lovely pictures, lists, how-tos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews