8 Home Cleaning Books That Experts Trust to Simplify Your Life

Discover proven Home Cleaning Books recommended by Maureen Johnson, Sherry Petersik, and Annie Loves Covfefe for practical, expert-backed guidance

Maureen Johnson
Annie Loves Covfefe
David Kadavy
Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if cleaning your home didn't feel like an endless battle you often lose? Many people find themselves overwhelmed by the constant demands of keeping a tidy space, yet struggle to find practical approaches that fit their lifestyle and energy. Home cleaning is more than just a chore—it's a foundation for comfort, health, and mental clarity, making it an essential skill worth mastering.

Experts like licensed therapist KC Davis, bestselling author Becky Rapinchuk, and tidying guru Marie Kondo offer unique perspectives that go beyond surface-level advice. KC Davis, for example, draws on her experience balancing mental health with household duties to propose compassionate, flexible routines. Becky Rapinchuk combines her extensive cleaning expertise with a strong focus on natural and toxin-free methods. Meanwhile, Marie Kondo's KonMari method reshapes how you relate to your belongings, encouraging lasting change.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific energy levels, health considerations, or environmental values might consider creating a personalized Home Cleaning book that builds on these insights. This way, you get strategies that truly fit your unique situation, accelerating your journey to a cleaner, calmer home.

Best for managing cleaning overwhelm
Business Insider, a trusted voice in business and lifestyle, highlights the unique perspective KC Davis brings as a licensed therapist who understands the emotional weight of housekeeping. Their endorsement, simply titled "How to Keep House While Drowning," points to the book’s practical, compassionate approach to cleaning that resonates beyond typical advice. This book helped shift their view on household management by framing chores as acts of kindness to oneself rather than burdensome tasks. Oprah Daily echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Davis’s insights allow you to embrace your home’s imperfections without guilt, making the book a thoughtful guide for anyone feeling overwhelmed by cleaning demands.

Recommended by Business Insider

How to Keep House While Drowning (from Amazon)

2022·160 pages·Home Cleaning, Housecleaning, Home Organization, Cleaning Strategies, Mental Health

KC Davis, a licensed therapist and creator of the Domestic Blisters TikTok, developed this book from her own struggles balancing mental health and household responsibilities. You’ll learn to shift your mindset about chores—from seeing them as moral tests to acts of self-kindness—and adopt flexible, low-pressure routines that fit your energy and schedule. The book offers practical techniques like staggered task management and creative shortcuts, helping you rebuild a calm, functional home environment without guilt. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by traditional cleaning expectations, this approach offers a refreshing, compassionate way to regain control and peace in your home.

NPR Best Book of 2022
USA TODAY Bestseller
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Best for natural cleaning enthusiasts
Sherry Petersik, New York Times bestselling author known for her expertise in home design and maintenance, found this book transformative for how she approaches cleaning. She highlights how Becky Rapinchuk’s method avoids harsh chemicals while delivering thorough cleanliness that’s gentle on both health and budget. "Is there anything better than a clean house that’s actually good for you? Becky teaches you how to clean thoroughly without harsh chemicals, and the sparkly goodness that results is not only all natural, it’s easy on the ol’ wallet. Win-win for sure." Sherry’s experience reflects why you might find this guide especially helpful if you want a safer home environment without sacrificing effectiveness. Additionally, Booklist notes the book’s flexibility, useful for both committed natural cleaning enthusiasts and casual users alike.

Recommended by Sherry Petersik

New York Times bestselling home author

Is there anything better than a clean house that’s actually good for you? Becky teaches you how to clean thoroughly without harsh chemicals, and the sparkly goodness that results is not only all natural, it’s easy on the ol’ wallet. Win-win for sure. (from Amazon)

2019·224 pages·Home Cleaning, Housecleaning, Natural Cleaning, Toxin Reduction, DIY Cleaners

When Becky Rapinchuk realized that many household cleaning products were laden with harmful chemicals, she crafted a room-by-room system focused on natural, toxin-free alternatives. You’ll gain practical knowledge about creating organic DIY cleaners, understand the health risks posed by common toxins, and discover a weekend detox plan to ease into healthier habits. Chapters break down each space in your home, providing clear guidance on replacing conventional cleaners with safer options. This book is particularly useful if you’re looking to protect your family’s health while maintaining a sparkling, organized home without harsh chemicals.

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Best for personal cleaning plans
This custom AI book on home cleaning is crafted from your background and interests, ensuring it matches your skill level and the specific cleaning topics you want to explore. By focusing on your unique goals, it offers a tailored learning path that helps you master techniques and routines that truly fit your lifestyle. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, this book delivers content designed just for you, making the process of creating and maintaining a clean home more manageable and motivating.
2025·50-300 pages·Home Cleaning, Cleaning Techniques, Routine Building, Organization Habits, Maintenance Tips

This tailored book explores home cleaning mastery by focusing on techniques and routines that align with your unique lifestyle and preferences. It examines effective cleaning methods, organization habits, and maintenance practices that suit your background and goals. By tailoring content specifically to your interests, it reveals a personalized pathway through the complexities of household care, helping you build lasting tidy spaces with confidence and ease. The book goes beyond generic advice by synthesizing expert knowledge into a format that directly addresses your cleaning challenges and aspirations, making the learning experience both relevant and rewarding.

Tailored Guide
Routine Optimization
3,000+ Books Created
Best for decluttering and organizing
David Kadavy, author of "Design for Hackers" and host of the "Love Your Work" podcast, brings a thoughtful perspective to home organization, making his endorsement of this book especially meaningful. His background in design and creative productivity aligns well with the book's focus on transforming your living space into a source of calm and inspiration through decluttering. This methodical, category-based approach fits seamlessly with Kadavy’s emphasis on intentional work and environment. Additionally, Annie Loves Covfefe expresses genuine enthusiasm for Kondo's approach, highlighting its lasting appeal and impact on personal spaces.
AL

Recommended by Annie Loves Covfefe

Christian Conservative Activist

Oh how I love Kondo cleaning. Her first book is fantastic too!! (from X)

2014·224 pages·Home Organization, Home Cleaning, Minimalism, Decluttering, KonMari Method

What started as Marie Kondo's lifelong fascination with order blossomed into a unique method that challenges typical tidying routines. Her KonMari approach avoids the clutter-clearing drudgery of room-by-room efforts by focusing on categories, guiding you to keep only items that truly "spark joy." You'll learn how to discern emotional attachment to belongings, streamline your possessions, and establish a lasting sense of calm in your environment. This book benefits anyone overwhelmed by clutter or seeking a new mindset on organization, offering clear guidance through chapters dedicated to clothing, books, papers, and sentimental items. It's a straightforward, focused manual rather than a catch-all cleaning guide.

New York Times Bestseller
Featured on Netflix Series
Listed in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People
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Best for motivation and habit building
Maureen Johnson, a respected author and storyteller, found this book invaluable when feeling stuck in a cleaning rut. She noted, "This is a great book if you feel like you're in a rut and can't move or do anything. It helps break things down into very small, achievable units. GOOD FOR RIGHT NOW TBH." Her experience highlights how the book’s honest, manageable approach to tidying can shift your mindset and help you make steady progress even when motivation feels low.
MJ

Recommended by Maureen Johnson

Author and storyteller

This is a great book if you feel like you're in a rut and can't move or do anything. It helps break things down into very small, achievable units. GOOD FOR RIGHT NOW TBH. (from X)

2020·160 pages·Home Cleaning, Habit Formation, Motivation, Time Management, Decluttering

Rachel Hoffman, known for launching the Unf*ck Your Habitat movement, wrote this guided journal to help people confront their messy living spaces without pressure to be perfect. You’ll explore your personal habits around cleaning through prompts, checklists, and motivational quotes that break tasks into manageable chunks, making progress feel achievable rather than overwhelming. The book challenges the idea that your home must meet unrealistic standards, encouraging small, consistent changes that fit your lifestyle. If you struggle with procrastination or feel stuck in clutter, this journal offers a fresh, candid approach that’s both practical and surprisingly encouraging.

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Best for essential oils cleaning tips
Laura Ascher is the face behind the blog and YouTube channel Our Oily House, a recognized wellness advocate and silver leader in doTERRA. She began sharing her passion for essential oils and natural living to help families create safer homes. This book reflects her dedication to educating others through simple, effective recipes and tips that empower you to transform your home and health naturally.
2021·188 pages·Home Cleaning, Aromatherapy, DIY Recipes, Essential Oils, Natural Remedies

After analyzing a wide range of natural living approaches, Laura Ascher developed a guide that demystifies using essential oils for home and health. You learn how to safely incorporate essential oils into everyday cleaning, skincare, and wellness routines, with over 100 DIY recipes ranging from homemade cleaners to natural remedies. The book also offers practical advice on swapping conventional products for safer, natural alternatives that save time and money, such as laundry room hacks. If you're looking to reduce chemical exposure and embrace a more natural lifestyle, this book provides clear, approachable steps without overwhelming jargon.

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Best for rapid cleaning resets
This AI-created book on home cleaning routines is tailored to your specific goals, skill level, and interests to help you improve quickly. By sharing your current habits and the areas you want to focus on, you receive a clear, personalized plan that matches your lifestyle. Creating a custom guide like this makes sense for cleaning because everyone’s home, schedule, and preferences differ, so a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short. This book provides focused steps designed just for you to make lasting, manageable improvements in your cleaning habits.
2025·50-300 pages·Home Cleaning, Daily Habits, Routine Building, Time Management, Decluttering

This tailored book explores a step-by-step plan designed to help you rapidly improve your home cleaning routines. It covers practical daily actions, habit formation, and efficient techniques that align closely with your lifestyle and preferences. By focusing on your interests and background, the content guides you through a personalized pathway that addresses your specific goals for maintaining a tidy, healthy living space. The approach reveals how small, consistent changes can revitalize your cleaning habits in just 30 days, making the process manageable and empowering. This personalized guide encourages sustainable routines that fit seamlessly into your daily life, enabling you to embrace cleanliness with renewed confidence and ease.

Tailored Guide
Routine Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for eco-friendly cleaning methods
Nancy Birtwhistle, who won the fifth season of The Great British Bake Off in 2014, turned her attention to sustainability motivated by protecting the planet for her grandchildren. She shifted her household routines away from single-use plastics and chemicals, developing easy, time-saving swaps that minimize environmental impact. Her book shares these innovative ideas and practical tips, offering you a chance to rethink everyday cleaning in a way that benefits both your home and the planet.
2021·304 pages·Home Cleaning, Environmentalism, Sustainable Living, Natural Cleaning, Plastic Reduction

What happens when a passionate home cook turns her efforts toward eco-friendly living? Nancy Birtwhistle, winner of The Great British Bake Off, harnesses her practical creativity to reimagine cleaning routines with simple, sustainable swaps. You’ll find 101 straightforward tips and recipes, like all-purpose cleaners and zero-effort oven cleaner, designed to replace harsh chemicals and reduce plastic waste. The book dives into everyday tasks from laundry to stain removal, showing how small changes can add up to a healthier home and planet. This book suits anyone eager to adopt greener habits without fuss or expense.

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Best for DIY organic cleaning solutions
Becky Rapinchuk of CleanMama.net, featured on Oprah.com and HGTV, brings years of expertise as a trusted housekeeping expert and consultant for brands like Scotch-Brite and Bissell. Her extensive background in home management and organization inspired her to write this book, sharing 150 simple recipes for natural, affordable cleaning products you can make yourself. Rapinchuk’s practical experience makes this a valuable resource for anyone wanting a cleaner, healthier home without harsh chemicals.
2014·224 pages·Home Cleaning, Housecleaning, Organic Cleaning, DIY Cleaners, Natural Ingredients

After years of refining her approach through CleanMama.net and consultations with major brands like Scotch-Brite and Bissell, Becky Rapinchuk developed this guide to empower you to create your own chemical-free cleaning products. You’ll learn to use everyday kitchen staples to make 150 recipes, from lemon and clove hardwood floor cleaner to lavender bathroom disinfectant, all designed to keep your home fresh and toxin-free. The book offers practical packaging and storage tips that make sustainable cleaning manageable and affordable. It suits anyone seeking to reduce harsh chemicals at home without sacrificing cleanliness or convenience.

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Best for efficient laundry care
Patric Richardson―fashion pro, textile expert, and Kentucky native―owns the Mona Williams boutique at Mall of America, where he teaches Laundry Camp to those eager to master laundry skills. With a background at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, he brings a unique authority to this book, sharing his fun and easy lessons that make laundry approachable and even enjoyable for anyone looking to change how they handle this common chore.
Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore book cover

by Patric Richardson, Karin B. Miller··You?

2021·208 pages·Home Cleaning, Laundry Techniques, Stain Removal, Fabric Care, Eco Friendly

Patric Richardson challenges the conventional wisdom that laundry must be a tedious chore by sharing his expertise as a fashion professional and textile expert. Drawing from his experience running Laundry Camp at the Mall of America and his years at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, he offers practical techniques for washing everything at home, including delicates, with methods like using quick-wash cycles on warm water. You'll discover unconventional tips, such as freshening clothes with vodka instead of soap, that save time, money, and reduce dry cleaning dependency. This book suits anyone seeking to transform their approach to laundry into an enjoyable and efficient routine, especially those frustrated by traditional laundering hassles.

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Conclusion

Across these eight books, three clear themes emerge: compassionate cleaning that respects your mental well-being, natural and eco-conscious methods that protect your health and the planet, and practical systems that make tidying manageable and even enjoyable. If you're overwhelmed by cleaning, start with How to Keep House While Drowning to develop routines that honor your energy. For those prioritizing family health and sustainability, Clean Mama’s Guide to a Healthy Home and Clean & Green offer excellent natural strategies.

For rapid motivation and breaking procrastination cycles, Cleaning Sucks provides approachable prompts, while Laundry Love transforms a tedious chore into a more efficient process. Combining books like The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up with tailored approaches can deepen your organizational skills.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Home Cleaning book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and reclaim peace in your living space.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "How to Keep House While Drowning" by KC Davis. It offers a gentle, flexible approach that fits any energy level, perfect for easing into cleaning without pressure.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Home Cleaning?

Not at all. Many, like "Cleaning Sucks," break tasks into manageable steps, making them accessible for beginners and those struggling with motivation.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with mindset-focused books like KC Davis's, then explore natural cleaning guides such as Becky Rapinchuk’s. Finish with practical systems like Marie Kondo’s KonMari method.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Both have value. Newer books incorporate fresh perspectives on mental health and eco-friendliness, while classics like Kondo’s offer timeless organization strategies.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Cleaning Sucks" provides practical prompts and checklists to start small and build habits immediately, ideal if you want quick wins.

Can personalized books complement these expert guides?

Yes! These expert books offer solid foundations, and a personalized Home Cleaning book can tailor those insights to your unique needs. Learn more here.

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