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Cut the Clutter: Speed Your Cleaning and Calm the Chaos
America's leading housekeeping expert shows you how to de-clutter, organize, and clean your home, with easy-to-remember tips for every job, from keeping your bathroom clean and doing the laundry to sorting out paperwork and organizing the family photo album.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
19 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Ewer
3 books6 followersCynthia Ewer (Richland, Wash.) is publisher of OrganizedHome.com, an information resource for home organization and management. She is author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Organized, Fast-Track, and of Houseworks: How to Live Clean, Green and Organized at Home.
Cynthia's Web site has received numerous awards and media mentions since its debut in 1998, including the coveted USA Today HotSite and USA Weekend "Best of the Web" awards. OrganizedHome.com has been featured in numerous magazines, including Woman's Day, Women's World, All You, First for Women, Walking, Cooking Light, AARP, and Real Simple, and countless newspaper and Web site mentions.
As editor, author, and online coach, Cynthia is known for her witty, inspirational style and sense of humor. Her media exposure includes national television appearances on ABC's The View.
Cynthia's Web site has received numerous awards and media mentions since its debut in 1998, including the coveted USA Today HotSite and USA Weekend "Best of the Web" awards. OrganizedHome.com has been featured in numerous magazines, including Woman's Day, Women's World, All You, First for Women, Walking, Cooking Light, AARP, and Real Simple, and countless newspaper and Web site mentions.
As editor, author, and online coach, Cynthia is known for her witty, inspirational style and sense of humor. Her media exposure includes national television appearances on ABC's The View.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 18, 2018
Kinda skimmed through this one. Many of these are tips I already follow. This book would be good for those who aren't the best at organization and don't know where to start.
April 3, 2018
3.5 stars | Rounded to 4 stars instead of 3 because it was an easy read and enjoyable, and because of the innovative idea of dealing with the cause of clutter instead of just providing basic organizing skills.
Houseworks: Cut the Clutter is a comprehensive book focusing on cleaning and organizing your house. At first I was unsure if I would like the design/formatting of the book (reminded me of the DK format I didn't like - just noticed before I posted this that the book was published by DK, so, figures), in the end it was okay. Could be summarized as "article-like text with stock images and big quotes". The photos showing before-and-afters were incredibly simple, some literally adding a container or two and just moving whatever was thrown on the floor in one photo into the containers in the second one. (Example: page 215).
One benefit of this book is that it doesn't just stick to 'organizing' alone; it weaves in cleaning, other aspects of home life (cooking, house work, etc.)
Good things
Funny introduction (on the first page - story about break in). Catchy.
Some unique tidbits, like Clutter Personalities, and Top cleaning tips from the pros.
"Where family circumstances permit, make cleaning a family affair. Family members are more reluctant to mess up a clean house when they have been a part of the cleaning effort!" (Ewer, 65).
Book has different colour headers for different sections which is good.
This idea: Colour-matching. "Code laundry baskets with a different colour for each family member... On laundry days, family members who can toddle can toddle their own baskets to the laundry center, and return the clean and folded clothing to their own closets at day's end." (142).
Good advice re: kids & laundry. "Rewashing clothing is costly and wasteful of water, detergent--and time! Apply a common-sense sanction: whoever seeks to rewash rather than fold gets to experience the laundry process first-hand. Put the offenders to work in the laundry room to close the laundry loophole." (147).
Good energy-saving tips & tricks on page 151, like washing laundry with cold water whenever possible.
Printables at the end were somewhat good/mediocre. The Monthly Menu Planner's text was misaligned with the table and it looked pretty bad.
Could be improved
Large repetitive quotes. Whoever designed the book thought it would be a good idea to display quotes in big font from other parts of that page in the middle of paragraphs. This was annoying to read and the placement sometimes looked stupid. I get they were trying to break up text but it would have been better to just leave that out.
Appearance? Author doesn't put much importance on appearance of organizing products & etc. that much, which is fine, but it's also important to have things look nice.
Outdated. This book is kind of old, and you can tell. Author mentions renting DVDs and other things people don't do anymore! Would be good if an updated version could be printed.
Green cleaning. I was assuming the author wouldn't mention eco-friendly cleaning product alternatives at all, but she did, and that section was a let-down. They were suggested but not encouraged. Using natural products is really important especially when you have young kids to protect them from toxins! However, it is good that they were mentioned at all.
Hazards. Recommends using ammonia, which seems toxic? Also recommends EYE PROTECTION... something is wrong if you need to wear eye protection when cleaning.
These quotes...
"Just as a dress must be designed and a movie must have a storyboard, so every well-run household must have a plan." (73). >>No, movies DON'T have to have a storyboard. Find a more fitting example!
A little unrealistic. Two things. Author doesn't really deal with changing habits (attitude: just start doing a new thing, it will become a habit, voila!). Also, author suggested a home notebook which is a good idea, but having only one binder for all the things she suggested is unrealistic. You will need more than one binder! Also on a weekly checklist was "Visit the photo developers"... why would you do that once a week?
"Perfectionists tend to worry about such matters as whether the file folders are the same colour, or if a new file will be out of alignment with the old ones' crosscut scheme. Each peek in the file drawer if the files don't meet his or her outlandish standards. ... Get past the whole problem by buying yourself a simple tool to create uniform, nice-looking labels--an electronic labeler--and get back to filing." (229).
>> a), those MATTERS are actually important, k? File folder colours MATTER. Just common sense. b), seriously, an electronic labeler won't solve everything (or perfectionists' problems).
Fashion advice. Stick to your expertise, lady! "For each family member, select a basic neutral colour--black, brown, navy, tan--and coordinate shoes, coats, belts, and handbags with that color. Accent colors harmonize with the basic neutral: rely on them when selecting tops." (127).
Clothes advice: "Identify a candidate for the consignment store if: It's out of style" (130).
>> Seriously? Do you know how many clothes you'd be getting rid of all the time if you only wore what was in style? *Sigh*. The other criteria is fine (colour is not for you, haven't worn it in a while), but don't get rid of something just cause it isn't in style!
Would recommend to...
Those interested in a decent organizing book. It's pretty well-rounded and the good thing is that you can skip to whatever sections you're interested in (and skim others - like the Cycles of an Organized Home for me). You may pick up a few new tips and there are some things to glean from this book, so it's worth a read. Not the best organizing book I ever read but I would recommend it!
Houseworks: Cut the Clutter is a comprehensive book focusing on cleaning and organizing your house. At first I was unsure if I would like the design/formatting of the book (reminded me of the DK format I didn't like - just noticed before I posted this that the book was published by DK, so, figures), in the end it was okay. Could be summarized as "article-like text with stock images and big quotes". The photos showing before-and-afters were incredibly simple, some literally adding a container or two and just moving whatever was thrown on the floor in one photo into the containers in the second one. (Example: page 215).
One benefit of this book is that it doesn't just stick to 'organizing' alone; it weaves in cleaning, other aspects of home life (cooking, house work, etc.)
Good things
Funny introduction (on the first page - story about break in). Catchy.
Some unique tidbits, like Clutter Personalities, and Top cleaning tips from the pros.
"Where family circumstances permit, make cleaning a family affair. Family members are more reluctant to mess up a clean house when they have been a part of the cleaning effort!" (Ewer, 65).
Book has different colour headers for different sections which is good.
This idea: Colour-matching. "Code laundry baskets with a different colour for each family member... On laundry days, family members who can toddle can toddle their own baskets to the laundry center, and return the clean and folded clothing to their own closets at day's end." (142).
Good advice re: kids & laundry. "Rewashing clothing is costly and wasteful of water, detergent--and time! Apply a common-sense sanction: whoever seeks to rewash rather than fold gets to experience the laundry process first-hand. Put the offenders to work in the laundry room to close the laundry loophole." (147).
Good energy-saving tips & tricks on page 151, like washing laundry with cold water whenever possible.
Printables at the end were somewhat good/mediocre. The Monthly Menu Planner's text was misaligned with the table and it looked pretty bad.
Could be improved
Large repetitive quotes. Whoever designed the book thought it would be a good idea to display quotes in big font from other parts of that page in the middle of paragraphs. This was annoying to read and the placement sometimes looked stupid. I get they were trying to break up text but it would have been better to just leave that out.
Appearance? Author doesn't put much importance on appearance of organizing products & etc. that much, which is fine, but it's also important to have things look nice.
Outdated. This book is kind of old, and you can tell. Author mentions renting DVDs and other things people don't do anymore! Would be good if an updated version could be printed.
Green cleaning. I was assuming the author wouldn't mention eco-friendly cleaning product alternatives at all, but she did, and that section was a let-down. They were suggested but not encouraged. Using natural products is really important especially when you have young kids to protect them from toxins! However, it is good that they were mentioned at all.
Hazards. Recommends using ammonia, which seems toxic? Also recommends EYE PROTECTION... something is wrong if you need to wear eye protection when cleaning.
These quotes...
"Just as a dress must be designed and a movie must have a storyboard, so every well-run household must have a plan." (73). >>No, movies DON'T have to have a storyboard. Find a more fitting example!
A little unrealistic. Two things. Author doesn't really deal with changing habits (attitude: just start doing a new thing, it will become a habit, voila!). Also, author suggested a home notebook which is a good idea, but having only one binder for all the things she suggested is unrealistic. You will need more than one binder! Also on a weekly checklist was "Visit the photo developers"... why would you do that once a week?
"Perfectionists tend to worry about such matters as whether the file folders are the same colour, or if a new file will be out of alignment with the old ones' crosscut scheme. Each peek in the file drawer if the files don't meet his or her outlandish standards. ... Get past the whole problem by buying yourself a simple tool to create uniform, nice-looking labels--an electronic labeler--and get back to filing." (229).
>> a), those MATTERS are actually important, k? File folder colours MATTER. Just common sense. b), seriously, an electronic labeler won't solve everything (or perfectionists' problems).
Fashion advice. Stick to your expertise, lady! "For each family member, select a basic neutral colour--black, brown, navy, tan--and coordinate shoes, coats, belts, and handbags with that color. Accent colors harmonize with the basic neutral: rely on them when selecting tops." (127).
Clothes advice: "Identify a candidate for the consignment store if: It's out of style" (130).
>> Seriously? Do you know how many clothes you'd be getting rid of all the time if you only wore what was in style? *Sigh*. The other criteria is fine (colour is not for you, haven't worn it in a while), but don't get rid of something just cause it isn't in style!
Would recommend to...
Those interested in a decent organizing book. It's pretty well-rounded and the good thing is that you can skip to whatever sections you're interested in (and skim others - like the Cycles of an Organized Home for me). You may pick up a few new tips and there are some things to glean from this book, so it's worth a read. Not the best organizing book I ever read but I would recommend it!
November 24, 2019
An excellent resource for Life. Everyone should read this book. Everyone should read this book when they are 16, and then again every decade afterward. It is a treasure trove of good tips.
Favourite Quotes
"In home management, as with pantyhose, there is no such thing as 'one size fits all'."
"Household clutter is made, not born. Its hidden cause? Deferred decision-making."
"Deferrers need to be reminded that tomorrow has no more time or energy than today — and that deferring decisions drags down each new day with yesterday’s unfinished business."
"Remember this truth: If you don’t wanna, you ain’t gonna."
"Schedule regular cleaning. The quickest and simplest route to a clean house is to schedule cleaning tasks on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis."
"Housework delayed is housework multiplied."
STOP clutter rules:
Sort
Toss
Organize
Put away
"Pile-ups of 'stuff' give valuable clues to where life isn’t working. Let the clutter lead the way, and solve the biggest problems first."
"Because clutter breeds faster than rabbits, identify the clutter magnets, and build time into each day’s schedule to clear them."
"What force lies at the bottom of paper pile-ups? Like all clutter problems, the culprit is deferred decision-making."
Favourite Quotes
"In home management, as with pantyhose, there is no such thing as 'one size fits all'."
"Household clutter is made, not born. Its hidden cause? Deferred decision-making."
"Deferrers need to be reminded that tomorrow has no more time or energy than today — and that deferring decisions drags down each new day with yesterday’s unfinished business."
"Remember this truth: If you don’t wanna, you ain’t gonna."
"Schedule regular cleaning. The quickest and simplest route to a clean house is to schedule cleaning tasks on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis."
"Housework delayed is housework multiplied."
STOP clutter rules:
Sort
Toss
Organize
Put away
"Pile-ups of 'stuff' give valuable clues to where life isn’t working. Let the clutter lead the way, and solve the biggest problems first."
"Because clutter breeds faster than rabbits, identify the clutter magnets, and build time into each day’s schedule to clear them."
"What force lies at the bottom of paper pile-ups? Like all clutter problems, the culprit is deferred decision-making."
October 17, 2022
In itself a good reference book, it just didn't contain anything new to me.
June 8, 2015
Oh, wow, this is definitely a keeper and a great household management reference book, hence, not a one time read.
It has so many tips, checklists, organizing, cleaning and decluttering plans, it's a real wealth of information on just about any household topic. It even has food storage guidlines for fridge, freezer and pantry, which I find really useful.
It is divided into useful chapters on clothing, rooms, surfaces and systems, paper and finances, cleaning and planning your home. It also has forms and lists samples at the end, although every chapter already provides various checklists and to do lists. (I love lists!)
I read a lot of books on organizing and I am fairly well organized myself, but this book has something for everyone without getting down unecessarily to 'emotions' (i find it annoying when organizers also try to be therapists). It is practical and immediately applicable.
Highly recommended.
It has so many tips, checklists, organizing, cleaning and decluttering plans, it's a real wealth of information on just about any household topic. It even has food storage guidlines for fridge, freezer and pantry, which I find really useful.
It is divided into useful chapters on clothing, rooms, surfaces and systems, paper and finances, cleaning and planning your home. It also has forms and lists samples at the end, although every chapter already provides various checklists and to do lists. (I love lists!)
I read a lot of books on organizing and I am fairly well organized myself, but this book has something for everyone without getting down unecessarily to 'emotions' (i find it annoying when organizers also try to be therapists). It is practical and immediately applicable.
Highly recommended.
August 2, 2023
This book is clearly very old and hasn't been updated. The only useful information I found was on how to remove stains out of clothers.
The book itself is chaotic and unstructured. I was very confused on where to find the information I was looking for. The most annoying thing, however, is much the book is based on the image that the reader is a housewive with a working husband and several children.
A lot of the info clearly relates to when people didn't have phones or the internet and doesn't make any sense anymore.
The book was also waaaay to long and said very little in a lot of words.
The book itself is chaotic and unstructured. I was very confused on where to find the information I was looking for. The most annoying thing, however, is much the book is based on the image that the reader is a housewive with a working husband and several children.
A lot of the info clearly relates to when people didn't have phones or the internet and doesn't make any sense anymore.
The book was also waaaay to long and said very little in a lot of words.
March 6, 2010
After reading this book, I learned that I am well organized and clean by nature. I thought there would be more tips in the book that I didn't already do, but majority of this book is how I live my life.
The storage guidelines and treating stains were the most useful things I took from this book, though all the information I found very valuable. Not everyone is as organized as I am, and this book is a great tool to get there. So for all you hoarders and busy-bodies alike, this book is designed for you. Clear the clutter and feel better! Get a copy and put it to good use!
The storage guidelines and treating stains were the most useful things I took from this book, though all the information I found very valuable. Not everyone is as organized as I am, and this book is a great tool to get there. So for all you hoarders and busy-bodies alike, this book is designed for you. Clear the clutter and feel better! Get a copy and put it to good use!
January 10, 2017
This book starts with "skills for a well-run home". Appreciated the images, checklists and optimism!
October 11, 2018
Cynthia Ewer freely admits in the book that she is not a naturally clean/organized person, and that definitely is apparent for people who are. There were a ton of tips in this book that I would NEVER do because I feel like they would MAKE my house look cluttered. However, I still gave this book 3 stars because I genuinely got a ton of good tips that I will use, including:
-set a cleaning timer for 20 mins to get motivated on certain tasks
-put kitchen plates where kids can reach
-regularly clean out air conditioner filters/kitchen exhaust fan and vacuum fridge coils
-buy a scraper and white 100% cotton cloths for cleaning
-make cardboard separators for small items in drawers
-buy more bag hooks to store handbags in closet
-download a family organizing app for schedules and cleaning rotations
-stain removal tips
-tips for folding and putting on sheets
-wall cleaning tips, window cleaning tips, floor cleaning tips
-mattress care
-circuit box tips
-fire extinguisher tips/check detectors
-family disaster plan tips
-check fridge ice dispenser and “dollar test” on side of fridge
-make sure my son knows his aunts’, uncles’, and grandparents’ phone numbers
-throw out old makeup in bathroom cupboard
-bathroom cleaning tips
-put clean linens on bottom of linen shelf each time you put away to make sure all linens are getting used
-put sheets in pillow cases when you put away
-set a cleaning timer for 20 mins to get motivated on certain tasks
-put kitchen plates where kids can reach
-regularly clean out air conditioner filters/kitchen exhaust fan and vacuum fridge coils
-buy a scraper and white 100% cotton cloths for cleaning
-make cardboard separators for small items in drawers
-buy more bag hooks to store handbags in closet
-download a family organizing app for schedules and cleaning rotations
-stain removal tips
-tips for folding and putting on sheets
-wall cleaning tips, window cleaning tips, floor cleaning tips
-mattress care
-circuit box tips
-fire extinguisher tips/check detectors
-family disaster plan tips
-check fridge ice dispenser and “dollar test” on side of fridge
-make sure my son knows his aunts’, uncles’, and grandparents’ phone numbers
-throw out old makeup in bathroom cupboard
-bathroom cleaning tips
-put clean linens on bottom of linen shelf each time you put away to make sure all linens are getting used
-put sheets in pillow cases when you put away
December 24, 2018
Might've been a three-star book if I'd been looking for housecleaning and organizing advice. But I chose this book for its title, Cut the Clutter. Unfortunately, the fine print on the cover says that it was previously published as Houseworks -- and it's much more about making your house work, with only a few subsections on cutting clutter. I skimmed a lot. I wasn't inspired to declutter. Overall, disappointing.
Despite being reissued in 2016, it still has some out-of-date advice: like scheduling times to pick up photos at the developer and upgrading to CFL bulbs (thank goodness for LEDs; CFLs are awful!). And sometimes the advice was humorously far off base (for me, at least): to improve sleep hygiene by replacing a stuffed teddy with a plastic one! Or to declutter my home library by getting rid of any book I haven't read -- um, about half of my home library serves the purpose of providing books for me to read in the future!
Read this if you want housecleaning recipes, advice on cleaning schedules, tips for grocery shopping, storage guidelines for frozen food and makeup, and just a bit of decluttering rah-rah too.
Despite being reissued in 2016, it still has some out-of-date advice: like scheduling times to pick up photos at the developer and upgrading to CFL bulbs (thank goodness for LEDs; CFLs are awful!). And sometimes the advice was humorously far off base (for me, at least): to improve sleep hygiene by replacing a stuffed teddy with a plastic one! Or to declutter my home library by getting rid of any book I haven't read -- um, about half of my home library serves the purpose of providing books for me to read in the future!
Read this if you want housecleaning recipes, advice on cleaning schedules, tips for grocery shopping, storage guidelines for frozen food and makeup, and just a bit of decluttering rah-rah too.
May 7, 2024
This book had lots of information, but I found the layout to be very busy, which was a bit discouraging. However, it still encouraged me to clean under my bathroom sink and declutter toiletries I've been holding onto since middle school. So I will consider that a win!
Ultimately, I didn't really learn anything new. But I've also read a handful of similar books already, so I am not sure what is left for me to learn.
Ultimately, I didn't really learn anything new. But I've also read a handful of similar books already, so I am not sure what is left for me to learn.
May 14, 2017
Rather than just advice on decluttering and tidying, this also features a lot of advice on household maintenance and cleaning techniques, which wasn't what I was looking for.
There are a lot of good ideas in here, but they aren't the kind of things that will work well for me. I did enjoy learning what kind of cluttering personality type I am, though!
There are a lot of good ideas in here, but they aren't the kind of things that will work well for me. I did enjoy learning what kind of cluttering personality type I am, though!
June 5, 2017
It's very thorough and informative-- almost to the point of being overwhelming. If you need to completely overhaul your house and systems, this would be really intimidating because there are so many details. It's helpful if you're already interested or moving in that direction, but not for those just learning.
August 18, 2023
I didn't like this take on decluttering. I don't know if it's a product of the time it was printed or just that it didn't "vibe" with what I've been reading.
Pros: It has good information and strategies
Cons: I didn't feel like it related to my two adults, no kids, life.
That's fine, I'll try something else.
Pros: It has good information and strategies
Cons: I didn't feel like it related to my two adults, no kids, life.
That's fine, I'll try something else.
November 9, 2023
I loved the concept and the layout, but sadly this book didn't do much for me (other than to "remind" me to think about investing in wooden hangers.). I live alone, so I skipped a lot of sections dealing with kids and family. I liked the pictures and the fact that the book was inviting, but almost all of the information was stuff I'd read before.
January 3, 2018
This book helped me change my home into a more organised, well-designed environment. I went through the whole book and the filing system I created for myself and my family has been such a life-changer for me.
January 9, 2017
Lots of pictures and a few good ideas. One thing I found amusing--borrow not buy books. Why would an author write this? Isn't it her job to make money for herself and publishers by selling books? All said, I borrowed this book from the library.
February 20, 2023
I love a tidy home and have already used a lot of the methods presented in this book so I did find this very helpful. This may be best for hoarders and maximalists who collect too much junk. Not for the minimalists who de-clutter on a regular basis.
It is also called "Cut the Clutter" now.
It is also called "Cut the Clutter" now.
July 27, 2018
Lots of good ideas.
August 22, 2018
Not a whole lot of new information, but the book did motivate me to get some things done. I’d read it again and recommend it.
January 30, 2019
Easy read, with good tips.
September 25, 2019
If you like creating lists, moving lists around and creating more lists, then this book is for you.
I didn't get any new insights into cutting the clutter.
I didn't get any new insights into cutting the clutter.
June 22, 2021
Meh advice, but why are all of the models in this book women?
June 23, 2021
Good tips and lots of great illustrations to make it easy to read.
January 5, 2017
Too basic
February 14, 2017
I need these books often to get some inspiration going. In this one I found the first two chapters useful, on decluttering and organizing. Ewer made me think more about “centers” in the home for different activities, which refers to thinking of the focused activities that are done in the home, determining specific places for those activities, and providing storage for tools and supplies to be available in the center (her analogy is the set-up of a preschool classroom—spaces which always feel fun and full of possibilities!).
She was also practical about minding storage “zones” of hot, warm, and cold, referring to areas you can get at easily, less easily, and difficult (high shelves, attic, etc). I definitely have some rarely/never used items taking up some prime hot space that could be better allocated.
Her STOP method of decluttering is pretty basic: Sort, Toss, Organize, Put Away. Use a timer to keep sessions short.
She was also practical about minding storage “zones” of hot, warm, and cold, referring to areas you can get at easily, less easily, and difficult (high shelves, attic, etc). I definitely have some rarely/never used items taking up some prime hot space that could be better allocated.
Her STOP method of decluttering is pretty basic: Sort, Toss, Organize, Put Away. Use a timer to keep sessions short.
October 22, 2009
Why did I not know until now that there are books out there that teach you how to "speed the cleaning, cut the clutter, calm the chaos???" I think I speak for many moms of young kids, wives of men (God bless them), and generally busy women, when I say that it gets discouraging to see persistent organizational problems or even chaos around the house when you have a decent brain that could work out solutions to all those problems, except you're just...too...tired.... woah, I think I just fell asleep there!
This book is a wonderful answer to that frustrating situation, because its author takes the tired household manager by the hand and says, "here, do it this way: Make 'x' list, put it in 'y' notebook, don't buy that junk, do buy this tool." It covers so many aspects of household management that implementing everything really is a matter for the long-term, but it has been a great encouragement to me so far, and I have seen a lot of positive changes already.
Is this the best book of its kind? I have no idea. However, it is so clear, helpful, well-organized and nice to look at that I've no inclination at present to look any farther. It's also connected with a really great website that contains all kinds of helps and support along the same lines as the book. I highly recommend it!
This book is a wonderful answer to that frustrating situation, because its author takes the tired household manager by the hand and says, "here, do it this way: Make 'x' list, put it in 'y' notebook, don't buy that junk, do buy this tool." It covers so many aspects of household management that implementing everything really is a matter for the long-term, but it has been a great encouragement to me so far, and I have seen a lot of positive changes already.
Is this the best book of its kind? I have no idea. However, it is so clear, helpful, well-organized and nice to look at that I've no inclination at present to look any farther. It's also connected with a really great website that contains all kinds of helps and support along the same lines as the book. I highly recommend it!
August 29, 2015
I have sticky notes, sticky notes everywhere. This book is definitely a keeper for reference. Here is a small sample of Ewer's suggestions that I marked.
I liked the recipes for green cleaners.
"The quickest and simplest route to a clean house is to schedule cleaning tasks on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis." (Page 68) I'm thinking about starting mirror Mondays, toidy Tuesdays, and wood floor Wednesdays.
I liked the fresh food storage and pantry storage guidelines. I have always wondered how long to keep fresh or hardboiled eggs. I have questioned freshness on so many of the items on both of these two- paged lists. There is also a very useful chart on treating stains. Do you know whether to soak those stains in cold or hot water?
Mirrors and windows are one of my challenges. I will try out Cynthia Ewer's suggestions. Hardwood floors are my biggest frustration in household cleaning. She has useful advice there too.
Yes, I have one of those coffee tables with filmy streaks. I must stop spraying directly onto the table and "lightly spritz" my cleaning cloth instead.
My current cleaning methods tend to make things look as bad or worse than they did before I got started. I hope that following the hints in Cynthia's book can "calm the chaos" of completing these chores.
I liked the recipes for green cleaners.
"The quickest and simplest route to a clean house is to schedule cleaning tasks on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis." (Page 68) I'm thinking about starting mirror Mondays, toidy Tuesdays, and wood floor Wednesdays.
I liked the fresh food storage and pantry storage guidelines. I have always wondered how long to keep fresh or hardboiled eggs. I have questioned freshness on so many of the items on both of these two- paged lists. There is also a very useful chart on treating stains. Do you know whether to soak those stains in cold or hot water?
Mirrors and windows are one of my challenges. I will try out Cynthia Ewer's suggestions. Hardwood floors are my biggest frustration in household cleaning. She has useful advice there too.
Yes, I have one of those coffee tables with filmy streaks. I must stop spraying directly onto the table and "lightly spritz" my cleaning cloth instead.
My current cleaning methods tend to make things look as bad or worse than they did before I got started. I hope that following the hints in Cynthia's book can "calm the chaos" of completing these chores.
September 18, 2010
This book had some fantastic tips in it! My favorite is the quick way to get some cleaning done by setting aside 10 minutes and getting one box for stuff to put away somewhere else, one box for stuff that needs to be filed or stored, one box of stuff to give to charity, and a bag for garbage. Set your timer for 10-minutes and just do as much as you can in an area. When the time's up, then go put away the box of stuff to put away and you've made some major progress. There are some great cleaning tips, along with some simple recipes for cleaners that are non-toxic and super cheap to make! I also now have a file drawer near the door so that I can sort, file, pay bills, and write letters right when I need to. I've eliminated the HUGE pile of papers to file and instead just file them as soon as I open the letter or pay the bill. Just great. I recommend this book for folks that need a little common sense motivation to cut your clutter and get a little more organized. It'll save you time in the long run!
May 16, 2010
So I only got through the first half of this book before I had to return it to the library, but the first half was exactly what I needed. I love that she explains that clutter is a behavioral problem, and so fixing it needs a behavioral change...not lots of expensive tubs, shelves, and racks. I definitely garnered some great information that I have been applying in my life.
**Update: I again got this book from the library to finish the second half. I was pretty disappointed. I still really liked the first half, but I felt the second half was just not for me. So, it has been a while since I read the first half, but I didn't feel like the second half really implemented the basics taught in the first half... or at least what I got out of the first half.
**Update: I again got this book from the library to finish the second half. I was pretty disappointed. I still really liked the first half, but I felt the second half was just not for me. So, it has been a while since I read the first half, but I didn't feel like the second half really implemented the basics taught in the first half... or at least what I got out of the first half.
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