A Dirty Guide to a Clean Home

1. Embrace Imperfection and Start Small

Aim for progress, not perfection.

Small steps, big impact. The book emphasizes that a clean and organized home doesn't happen overnight. It's about making small, consistent efforts rather than striving for an unattainable ideal. Starting with a single drawer or shelf can create a sense of accomplishment and momentum.

Overcoming overwhelm. Many people feel paralyzed by the sheer scale of housework. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks makes the process less daunting. For example:

• Instead of cleaning the entire kitchen, focus on wiping down the countertops.
• Instead of organizing the entire closet, tackle just one section, like T-shirts.

Kindness and realism. The author encourages readers to be kind to themselves and realistic about their time and energy. It's okay to have messy days or skip a chore. The key is to get back on track and maintain a consistent effort over time.

2. Organization is the Foundation for Cleanliness

The more organized you are, the easier it will be to clean and keep things clean.

Order before cleanliness. The book advocates for organizing before cleaning, arguing that a well-organized space is easier to clean and maintain. Organization involves creating systems for storing items and decluttering regularly.

The Keep, Toss, Donate, Sell Rule:

• Keep: Items that are loved and used regularly.
• Toss: Items that are broken, expired, or no longer needed.
• Donate: Items that are in good condition but no longer used.
• Sell: Valuable items that can be sold for extra cash.

SMART goals. Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timebound goals can help readers stay focused and motivated. For example, "I will organize my kitchen junk drawer in one hour this Saturday."

3. Cleaning Doesn't Require a Zillion Products

A fresh, floral scent is not the sign of a clean house, it’s just the sign of added fragrance.

Simplicity in cleaning. The book promotes a minimalist approach to cleaning products, emphasizing that a few basic items like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap can handle most cleaning tasks. This approach saves money, reduces clutter, and minimizes exposure to harsh chemicals.

DIY cleaning solutions. The author provides recipes for homemade cleaners, such as a window cleaner made with water, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and cornstarch. These recipes are effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

Less is more. The book cautions against the belief that more product equals more clean. Using too much of a cleaning agent can leave residue and attract dirt. A little bit of most chemicals goes a long way.

4. Master the Laundry Routine: Sort, Wash, and Dry with Care

I am telling you, you have to keep it up.

Consistency is key. The book advocates for a consistent laundry routine, such as doing a load every day or every other day, to prevent overwhelming pileups. This approach makes laundry less of a chore and ensures a constant supply of clean clothes.

Sorting for success. Proper sorting is essential for maintaining the quality of clothes. The book recommends sorting into four basic categories:

• Darks
• Colors
• Whites
• Delicates

The Three D's. The book explains the importance of understanding the functions of the washing machine: the drum, the drawer, and the dryer. The drum is where you put detergent pods, boosters, and scent beads. The drawer is for liquid/powder detergent, fabric softener, vinegar, and disinfectant. The dryer is for dryer balls and dryer sheets.

5. Tackle Stains Immediately with Targeted Solutions

Fast action is the key, because new stains are easier to remove than stains that have had time to set in.

Act fast. The book emphasizes the importance of treating stains as soon as possible, as fresh stains are easier to remove than set-in ones. Pretreating stains with detergent or a stain remover can significantly improve the chances of success.

DIY stain removal recipes. The author provides a variety of homemade stain removal recipes using common household ingredients like dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and baking soda. These recipes are tailored to specific types of stains, such as sweat, oil, ink, and blood.

Avoid the dryer. The book cautions against putting stained items in the dryer, as the heat can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove. Always check that the stain is gone before drying.

6. Maintenance is Key to Longevity

Routine maintenance of your machines will save you a lot of headaches (and money) later on, because it’ll keep them working properly and lengthen their life cycle.

Machines need love too. The book stresses the importance of regular maintenance for household appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of these machines and prevent costly repairs.

Dishwasher maintenance:

• Scrape off large food particles before loading.
• Use rinse aid to prevent water spots.
• Clean the filter regularly.
• Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaning tab.

Washing machine maintenance:

• Clean the detergent dispenser regularly.
• Run a cleaning cycle with bleach or a washing machine cleaning tab.
• Check and clean the hoses.

7. Empower Yourself with Basic Repair Skills

Almost anything you do is fixable.

DIY mindset. The book encourages readers to take on basic home repairs themselves, rather than hiring professionals for every small task. Learning simple skills like changing a shower head, switching out faucets, or patching a hole in the wall can save money and increase self-reliance.

Essential tools. The author provides a list of essential tools for basic home repairs, such as a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pliers, and a utility knife. Having these tools on hand can make it easier to tackle small projects.

Step-by-step instructions. The book offers clear, step-by-step instructions for common home repairs, such as changing a light fixture, unclogging a drain, and sewing on a button. These instructions empower readers to take control of their homes and fix things themselves.

8. The Art of Putting Away: A Place for Everything

This is the part of laundry most people dread, putting everything away, probably because it’s the part that takes the longest.

The final step. The book emphasizes that putting away clean laundry is just as important as washing and drying it. A system for putting away clothes can prevent clutter and make it easier to find items when needed.

Hanger hacks. The author provides tips for maximizing closet space, such as using shower-curtain rings to hold scarves and ties or soda-can tabs to create cascading hangers.

Folding techniques. The book offers guidance on folding tricky items like fitted sheets and sweaters, as well as tips for rolling clothes to save space in drawers and suitcases.

9. Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: Know the Difference

Keep in mind that you can clean without disinfecting, but you can’t disinfect without cleaning.

Two distinct processes. The book clarifies the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, explaining that cleaning removes dirt and germs, while disinfecting kills germs. Both processes are important for maintaining a healthy home.

High-touch points. The author identifies high-touch points in the home that should be disinfected regularly, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.

Sanitizing sponges. The book provides instructions for sanitizing sponges in the dishwasher or microwave to kill germs and extend their lifespan.

10. Green Cleaning: Sustainable and Safe

Sustainability, and saving money and space, are also nice little side effects of making your own cleaners.

Eco-friendly approach. The book promotes the use of natural cleaning products and sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact and exposure to harsh chemicals.

Homemade cleaners. The author provides recipes for DIY cleaners using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These cleaners are effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

Mindful consumption. The book encourages readers to think before they buy, avoiding unnecessary purchases and reducing clutter. This approach promotes a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle.

Last updated: April 10, 2025