(Part 2) Best home cleaning & caretaking books according to redditors

Cleaning books. Like the Queen of Clean books? I like clean books too, but that's not quite the same thing.

Cleaning and Stain Removal for Dummies https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764570293/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aWYRDbCYHHPDQ

Since there's already a lot of good advice, I'd recommend the book The Messie's Manual.

Even the newer version is kinda old, and the author is a bit batty. . . but I found a LOT of good ideas in there to get organized.

I am! As always! Just make sure it has the correct updated dates for the Holy Days; would love quotes in there; and make sure the squares are big enough. (But they usually are in planners, right?)

I really want a good huge wall calendar like the Mom Calendars/Family Planner calendars, like this or this with reminders in that actually relate to our Baha'i lifestyle/rhythm of the year, and BIG ENOUGH spaces that we can fit everyone's engagements on the same day. People using the existing Baha'i calendars with the tiny squares either have nothing going on in their lives or just use it for referencing the date or something.

Why not try the book?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clean-Like-Man-Housekeeping-Women/dp/140004975X/ref=pd_sbs_14_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=140004975X&pd_rd_r=59a122d7-b0e2-11e8-8c55-2d361ed6bbcc&pd_rd_w=MzqAs&pd_rd_wg=dOZL8&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=85d62760-2a0e-407d-aa36-f3c03afc01c3&pf_rd_r=B7METMPMQANGY8P21P6S&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=B7METMPMQANGY8P21P6S

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https://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Home-Planner-Logbook/dp/1591866464

> The biggest thing to celebrate, for me, is the realization that I don't hate cleaning -- it's understandably frustrating and difficult at times, but it's something I can do, and don't mind doing.

That was a big one for me, too!

If you're ever in a space where you feel like checking out an instruction book for housecleaning, I heartily recommend the following:

• Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson
  
  Think of this book as the Encyclopedia Brittanica of modern housecleaning. If you want to know step-by-step instructions on how to do something--such as how to make a bed, or how to mop a floor, or how to wash a window--this book will tell you. It will also give the whys of things with science (such as why bleach disinfects but doesn't clean!), and explain many housekeeping mysteries (such as what are those weird symbols on clothing labels, and what do they mean?).
  
  This book is unbelievably thorough and very well written--you can read it straight through, or use it as a reference guide.
  
  
  
• Once you get more comfortable with how to do the cleaning tasks, the book Speed Cleaning by Jeff Campbell and the Clean Team will tell you how to bring those tasks together into a cleaning approach that will allow you to clean your house quickly and efficiently. And by "quickly and efficiently", I mean I can clean my 1100 sq. ft. house in about fifteen minutes using his technique.
  
  Now, Campbell's method only works when you've got your house down to a level 1 or 2 on the scale. But once you get there? If you follow his steps once or twice a week, you're guaranteed to keep it at a level 1 or 2. Speed Cleaning seriously changed how I houseclean, and I've given many copies to friends over the years.
  
  I also recommend Campbell's books Clutter Control and Spring Cleaning. Incidentally, you can purchase the tools Campbell talks about on the Clean Team web site, but there's no reason to do so (the red juice he talks about is just a multi-surface cleaner like Formula 409 or Fantastik; the blue juice is a glass-cleaner like Windex).
  
  > I can't wait to check in down the road after I've put all this into action.
  
  I can't, either! Be sure to update with us!

Turn off your AC and open the windows. ;)

Or turn off the AC at night and open the windows, then close them in the AM & turn on the AC then.

If you are running AC, weatherproof EVERYTHING. http://www.amazon.com/Weatherproofing-Keeping-Winter-Summer-Homeowner/dp/1565235916

LED lightbulbs are expensive, but if you can find them at a good bargain for a good brand, will pay off in the long run in a cheap electric bill. I use CFLs during the winter months and LEDs during the summer.

If you are trying to keep it cool inside and are running the AC... Don't cook indoors, especially during the heat of the day. Stick to cool things like sandwiches & salads or grill out. I put my rice cooker & slow cooker out on the screened in porch to cook stuff during the day.

See if your electric company has any tips. They almost always do have a list of suggestions, including any discounts/credits available for special programs.

Banish Demons: 365 Days to a Cleaner, Better Home. This is a ridiculous / serious book I wrote under a pen name so no one would know it was me. I do this and it works.

1. This is necessary, so that after I drown my sorrows over how much potions homework I have I can try and finish it by candlelight. Sloppy homework is better than no homework right?
   
   
2. This is better for cleaning up all those inevitable drunken potion messes than a broom. Plus I can filch most of the natural ingredients from around the castle!
   
   
3. My incognito hat for lurking around the castle, stealing ingredients and whatnot. Wide brim for optimum face coverage! Also so I can sneak into the Three Broomsticks for more of that wine.. It all comes back to the wine.
   
   
4. This book because as close as Ol' Nick and I were.. he never quite told me his secrets. Rude right? I bet its wine.
   
   
5. These are for storing various potions, ingredients.. wine and whatnot in my trunk.
   
   Bonus: [This] will keep me nice, cozy... and lets face it stylish, in the castle. Also red, like wine. ;)
   
   
   Mischief Managed! (drunkenly)

The Joy of Less by Francine Jay is the first and favorite minimalism book I read. It was a good introduction and really practical guide for minimizing. Hope that helps.

https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Comforts-Caring-Clothes-Linens/dp/0743271467

This is my personal favorite, a very comprehensive laundry guide. I saw in your history you’re studying nursing; this book gives a lot of guidance aimed at stain removal and sanitization that’s particularly useful for medical professionals (my dad’s a doc, and I use the bleach instructions to get stains out of his white scrubs and lab coats). Note: the instructions are aimed at US readers, where washing machines have a lower max water temp. than many other countries.

Here are two different discreet covers :)