Do I Dust Or Vacuum First?: Answers to the 100 Toughest, Most Frequently Asked Questions about Housecleaning

by Don Aslett

An entertaining but practical guide to housecleaning explains how to keep a house immaculate with a minimum amount of time, energy, and money, with a collection of inexpensive solutions designed to help readers maximize energy, streamline efforts, prevent dirt and clutter, and more. Original. 35,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Self Help, How To

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not have the interest or stamina to read this cover to cover. However, I did read many chapters of interest and picked up a few new ideas that have worked great! His voice is light, amiable and easy to read. Great reference book, although I still wouldn't purchase it to sit on my shelf forever. I'd sooner google, or maybe check out from the library again.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in a question/answer format, the author does a great job of responding to a variety of housecleaning questions. Originally published in 1982, it is a bit outdated but it was still chock-full of great recommendations. I did not read this cover to cover as some of the chapters did not apply to me, but the areas I did read were fun and informative.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #6 of the EBN Challenge for my Library.
Challenge Topic: A nonfiction book that improves you.

This was great. 99 housecleaning questions that Don Aslett answers with humor and witty comments but gives great tips in the process.

[Erin Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful information

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, if dated copy of the book. I think, by the picture above, there is a new edition. Mine is dated 1982. But dirt is dirt. Mr. Aslett's books are informative and humorous.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a bunch of cleaning questions asked frequently of Don Aslett (the country's #1 cleaning expert guy), compiled and answered by him. I think I should have tracked down the later edition, because this one was published in 1982. There were lots of references to things I have never heard of. IMO, it's way better to live (and clean) nowadays, even just 20-30 years later.

For example, he talked about glass cleaners and how awful they are, leaving residue and grime on your windows. I thought, no way, Windex does that? Then he mentioned how the new alcohol evaporating cleaners (like Windex) don't do that. Hey! That's awesome.

Apparently people also used to do some ancient technique called "waxing your floor". Do floors still get waxed anymore? All I know is linoleum and tile.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a newly married person. I already knew "how" to clean, but thought I could probably use a little help anyway. Don Aslett is a smart man and has a lot of great helps in this book.

[Marla Milligan · Rating 3 out of 5]

great cleaning ideas

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book about cleaning and tips to help you do a better job without a lot of extra time.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book but some of it seemed silly. Like how to clean velvet couches. Who would want a velvet couch? I did learn a lot though and it will be a good refrence.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light reading from a man who has spent the past 50 years in the cleaning industry. Picked up some decent suggestions.

[Rod · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not specific enough to be of much use. Also, the author takes advantage of the opportunities to shamelessly plug his other books, often cross-referencing them.

[Kaye Sivori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well motivating book!!

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for all you house cleaner people :)