Cleaning-Products Books

I found Good Green Kitchens to be an excellent resource. The information is comprehensive, unbiased, and clearly presented. It's also a great read and beautifully put together. The mix of reference information, case studies, and design tips works very well. I think that the quality of content is far better than most other home design books.

This book is not worth much of a review. Far from being "green" it's what I'd call "greenwash". It's for people with a spare $20,000 - $50,000 who want to feel good by what they BUY, but there is precious little to indicate that the kitchens pictured actually lead to living a green life. You can't buy more stuff to become green - that's an oxymoron. The first thing to DO to have a green kitchen is to reduce your ecological footprint by what you do and then build a kitchen around your genuinely green lifestyle. This book is based on the unstated assumption that you first dream of living a green life, then you drool over plans and then you buy lots of stuff and that somehow makes you green. Sorry - this might fool your friends, it might even fool yoursdelf, but it won't fool the planet. Almost anyone can reduce their ecological footprint by a change in behaviour far more than they could by following the examples here. Any book on green design that features pictures of buildings, rooms and kitchens without people in them living a green lifestyle is - by my reckoning - just another example of greenwash. I give it two stars rather than one because there are a few ideas here that you might be able to adapt to support a green life. But you'll need to go elsewhere to learn about ecological footprint, environmental load and living green. There is one-third of a page on "environmental costs" when such a book should feature this at its core and the rest of the book should be about building a life and a kitchen around this principle.

Planning a kitchen remodel is overwhelming--there are thousands of choices you have to make about every little detail. And on top of that, you have to worry about whether the products you use will destroy forests, contribute to our fuel dependency, pollute, off-gas, etc.

This book does an excellent job of making the decisions simpler. During a time when every company is marketing themselves as green, this book provides a neutral resource for assessing the environmental impact of each of the items you purchase. It also covers the even greener option of re-using and re-purposing items for your kitchen, saving money and reducing your footprint. The pictures of the kitchens prove that a green kitchen can be beautiful and a joy to work in.

A reviewer claimed that this book is "greenwashing" but that word has clearly been misapplied. This book sticks to the subject at hand and doesn't get off topic telling you how to cook and eat and live your life--that's a plus.

Anyone planning a "green" kitchen remodel will find this book very helpful.

... and so is this book. It's packed with beautiful kitchens and guidelines on choosing the greenest items for your reno or build. Green includes considering the manufacture, transport, durability, recyclability and health effects of the materials or appliances.
There are 5 sections: an overview lays down general principles and considerations for affordability. Ch. 2 considers Flooring, Ch 3.is Storage (cabinets etc.), Ch. 4 is Counters and Walls. For each there is a table summarizing the pros and cons of the options, as well as more detailed text that will explain how it's made, if it can be recycled, whether it presents health concerns, etc. I found this text to be quite comprehensive. The final section considers energy use by major appliances (fridge, freezer, cookers, hood ventilation), water use (dishwashers, sinks, water heating, filtration and gray water), and cleaning (recycling, garbage, compost, and cleaners). There are sources listed in each section.
The only annoying thing was that a few brands seemed to be "pushed" -- mentioned with great frequency in picture captions and text. Perhaps that reflects the lack of competing green brands, however.
Bottom line: definitely worth getting if you are doing a kitchen reno or building a new house.

This book will pay for itself in just the first few pages! All the useful things you can do - at a fraction of the cost. I knew about some of the uses, but there were so many that I didn't know about. It's a great reference to have on hand, especially when you don't want to drop everything and run to the store... just look in the book -- you'll most likely find what you need!

Wow! What a fantastic book! So many wonderful tips on how to do things at a fraction of the cost. Who'd a thought it? It's so much easier to look in the pantry than to shell out the $$ at the check-out counter!

This book was a great read. I could not put it down and it has helped in many ways. Well organized and fun to read. Enjoy!

This book is very helpful for becoming a green household. Lots of tips and warnings about chemical usage.

I consider myself very informed on the various chemicals and toxins that infultrate our daily lives. I was given this book as a gift with the giver stating that they thought I would just like to use it as a reference since I would likely be aware of most of the information shared in the text. On the contrary...I learned more than I could have ever imagined. Imus does a fantastic job of making us aware of just how toxic our cleaning products are by going through extensive research on each chemical contained in popular cleaning products. My eyes were opened - wide! I finished the book and the following day boxed up all of my chemical supplies and gave them away. I plan on giving this book to everyone I love. I believe that the changes she advocates will make my newborn have a much cleaner and healthier life. This is a must read for any health conscious individual.

Book arrived on time and was in the described condition. Would recommend this seller

To start off, this is a good book and I am impressed with what Deirdre is doing. I am sure her efforts to help hospitals and other companies go green is one of the most important jobs out there.

Her style is readable and she has some great ideas for all types of cleaning. However I sometimes found the information vague. For example in the laundry section she mentions stain and spot removal alternatives, and says that hydrogen peroxide can be used on whites to remove stains. She then adds "Just make sure that you dilute the hydrogen peroxide thoroughly." But there is never information on what is thoroughly. Is that a 1:1 (water to hydrogen peroxide) ratio or a 5:1? This seems to happen various times.

Also, just so you know, she mentions in the very beginning that she isn't going to give you recipes because you are probably a busy person who doesn't have time for that. However, I did like that she shared what products and brands are safe and effective. I was hoping for a book with more specific recipes and stuff, so it wasn't exactly what I was looking for. Also, just a side note, she tends to recommend her own line quite often. Which makes sense, since she is trying to make a living, but it kind of bugged me. To be fair though, she did thoroughly praise Biokleen as one of her favorite lines that she would use if she didn't have her own.

Were to begin... I agree with all of the negative comments of this book. Basically, if you like to be preached at and like vague instructions this book is for you. It is completely redundant and could have been half as long (maybe less). The title is not only uncreative but inaccurate. She is focused on using natural, nontoxic chemicals for health benefits but not necessarily trying to reduce waste thus also helping the environment. My definition of "green" includes both. For example one suggestion is to buy sponges in bulk and trash your sponge weekly! There are ways to disinfect your sponge "naturally" so you don't have to be so wasteful! Also, I have another thing to add about essential oils. People can still have reactions and allergies to essential oils. Just because something comes from a natural source does not automatically make it safe or nontoxic. Between "Toxic Interruptions" and blanket statements like: "I don't approve of [microwaves]." I was completely irritated while reading this book. Just send your $11 to the Imus Ranch and use your tax deduction to buy a different book!

I purchased a copy of this book many years ago and still use it. Over the years, I've purchased additional copies for family and friends. It is still the best resource out there making eco-friendly cleaning products.

I disagree with the review that this book has no "recipes" on how to use everyday household cleaning items, example: Chapter 9 is about metal cleaning.The "recipes" start at number 96 and go to number 158. Each of these numbers describe different ways to clean metal like stainless steel, copper, gold, bronze, brass, etc. Number 104 is for brass, bronze and copper and it says, "2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon vinegar....." Maybe they were writing about the wrong book?

I really like this book as it does tell you the amounts to use and what to use to clean everything you can think of - Metals, bathroom, furniture, floors, carpets, walls, laundry, cars and kitchen. They tell you the supermarket name for items and the natural food store names for products. How to eliminate commercial products and why and transitions you to natural cleaning.
Definitely a GREAT addition to my 3 other "green cleaning" type books. All have something in them the others don't!
Clean and Green: The Complete Guide to Non-Toxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping

I got this book as a gift for my stepfather. He loved it so much he ordered copies for all his friends.

This is a great book, with lots of helpful ideas on ways to clean naturally (and effectively--always important!). She has a more recent book, but this one beats all for its long listing of ways to treat various stains. My only complaint is that sometimes her definition of toxic varies from mine (for instance, she acknowledges that an ounce of borax may be toxic for a 150-lb. person, but then calls for that in many recipes anyway, and she recommends alum in a place or two even though it contains aluminum), and that she's lacking in common sense in a couple of places. A prime example of the latter was one of her recommendations for treating berry stains: from a height of three feet, pour boiling water onto fabric that's stretched tight. Aiaiai! That recipe is almost guaranteed to cause burns, and I'm surprised she lists it, since she also says that MILK will remove berry stains. So it's a great resource, but remember to bring your own common sense to the table when using it.

This is a good book but none of the companies she mentions have web addresses which would be very helpful.

The book was initially misdelivered. I did receive it 3 days after the delivery date. However, I was able to get some use from the book. I am glad I bought it.

This book is just a collection of random people's suggestions. Sure, there are probably some nuggets of wisdom in here, but most of them are ludicrous. For instance, poking holes in a condom and filling with water to create a shower! Or... a facial mask made of Tidy Cat? Come on!

I keep this in my night stand for an easy helpful reference to some frustrating home problems. Terrific book.

i've enjoyed reading the material which gives advice on
cleaning up what one needs.

This book can help just about anyone in cleaning anything around the house. Using baking soda, vodka (!), and other assundry items provides one with enjoyable reading as well as imaginative jobs to do in the bathroom, kitchen, and the car.

This book is the most hilarious book. Have you ever tried cleaning your toilet with coke? Well, it works. This book has many more clever and true ways to clean your house and live better. You may even try to shave with peanut butter.

If you own Sandy Maine's books "The Soap Book" and "Soothing Soaps" do not waste your money on this one. Everything in the other two books is in this one "word for word". There are a few new receipes but not enough to make it worth your money to purchase this one if you already own the others. I was disappointed.

I got a lot of good from this book.The disinfecting spray is lovely to use.I actually enjoy wiping down a counter with it. I see people have a lot of problems with the SLS.I say simply substitute.I use a squirt of dish soap or castile soap instead of SLS (which I didn't have) in the recipes and it works fine. I also love her attitude towards homecare,very inspiring. A lovely book with useful recipes.

I'm so glad I didn't let the previous reviews keep me from purchasing this book. It is not intended to be a book on "soapmaking", but rather on natural homemade products for the home and body. With the utmost respect to previous reviewers, just reading the title "Clean, Naturally - Recipes for Body, Home, and Spirit" tells what the book is about. There is no indication that this would even be a "soapmaking" manual or why anything extrodinarly new would be in this book. Natural cleaning has few variations - that's why it's "natural".

This is a lovely book and Sandy Maine did an excellent job in putting it together. It is practical, has easy to follow directions, and no-nonsense overly wordy approach. I love it!

I had the same problem many had with this book. The soap recipes are just one recipe with simple changes in EOs and Fillers. Ho..Hummm. What filled 52 pages should have taken maybe 6.

The balance of the book contains recipes for Bodycare and Natural Homekeeping. While the Bodycare recipes looked inviting, most of the Homekeeping recipes were not acceptable to me. I say that only because of the use of one ingredient...sodium lauryl sulfocacetate. After doing some research on this surfectant, I found that while it's deemed to be milder than either SLS or SLES (which I don't use in my home), it is still considered an irritant ("Synthetic detergent made from sulphur trioxide and fatty alcohols derived from coconut oils.") If this ingredient seems okay for you to use, the rest of the ingredients do appear to be completely natural. And although I don't think I'd have a use for "Beeswax Saddle Soap", I would for the "Herbal Sleep Pillow".

I truly wish there was a completely naturaly substitute for the SLSulfoacetate...then this book would be more useful to me. As it is, it unfortunately goes in my library donation pile.

Ah, I see much criticism of this lovely book -- folks want something new and exciting. This book clearly isn't an information about soapmaking book -- it is actually a bit more and a bit less than that.

This book presents itself like a gift book -- remiscent of a table top gift book. Tucked into the pages are Maine's basic beliefs on the goodness of home recipes for soaps, shampoos. There are little bits on skin care and hair care. She provides her favorite recipes, using many of the same ingredients.

Although she refers to the training received in the first chapters, it is less training than a lovely presentation -- for a how to of soap making, I'd use a more informational book or information from a class (for soaps made with lye, thank you very much, pretty pictures are not enough!)

In addition to the interesting recipes (for Russian Dishwashing Disk, for example) there is a chapter on Toilet Bowl Cleaners, a Leather Care recipe, a chapter on Making Your own laundry supplies, another on Natural Pet Care and a section on her invention of the "soap tassels" line -- with a couple of recipes.

The idea, I think, is to take her basic vegetable based recipes (CRISCO OIL!!!) and be motivated to make up some of your own, using the logic behind the percentages she uses and the combination of fragrances, seeds, herbs and such.

An addition to the library -- still haven't found my basic must have can't do without soapmaking book!

Light reading and practical ideas for common household repairs. I used the method presented for taking down all the wallpaper in our kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms using a bucket of vinegar and water; much cheaper and more practical than going out to buy products that don't work. Also, this book provides fun ways to spend time with my children experimenting with the various methods; they find it amazing to see other uses for household items. It makes science fun for the family. This book makes for a great stocking stuffer at Christmas time, or a thank you gift for a teacher. It's something different and fun to read.

A very informative read using alot of everyday household items on hand along with being user friendly and eliminating the use of hazardous cleaners...some products use some interesting combinations needless to say but i feel that this book is certainly a worthwhile read and can save you some money overall..

I can't believe I actually paid money for this!

First of all, please note that of the "1,971 solutions" many of them are nearly identical solutions, i.e. remove a water ring by rubbing with Johnson's Baby Oil, remove a water ring by rubbing with Star Olive Oil, remove a water ring by rubbing with Wesson Corn Oil, remove a water ring by rubbing with Land O' Lakes Butter, remove a water ring by rubbing with Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, remove a water ring by rubbing with Turtle Wax (there's more but I'll stop there, you get the idea).

Next, some of the statements REALLY stretch the truth, like saying "fix a broken dishwasher with Tang"--when actually Tang will clean soap scum from the tubes and pipes of a dishwasher, but if it's truly broken, well, Tang's not gonna help you much. . .

What I'll say now will give away probably over half the "1,971 solutions" but I'll say it anyway; Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets will repel or remove just about anything! (now wasn't that quicker and easier than reading a hundred or so pages of solutions where the answer is Bounce?)

Have I mentioned that my kids immediately proved some of the statements false? The book says ants will not walk through flour and also won't walk across salt, (so make a line with flour or sprinkle salt where ants are coming in, to keep them out) yet when placed in the middle of a thick ring of salt or flour, our ants walked right over them with no hesitation. . .

Also I have to say I was disappointed with the "strange facts." Many are things such as "The simplist way to prevent an abundance of weeds is to pull weeds before they seed" and "When natural catastrophes strike, the first possessions people take with them are photo albums and pets."

Sorry, but this is NOT a "practical guide" nor a "great gift."

This book was worthless, quirky and amusing, but worthless for real tips. I hated the layout, the information on the companies was vague, the uses for the products were useless.

This book like the others by Joey Green, is not only entertaining but helpful too. I always knew there were other uses for things like VO8 hair products & Aunt Jemima Original Syrup but I was always afraid to try it. This book tells you of hundreds of other uses for brand name products you have just laying around your house. So the next time your baby has a diaper rash...reach for the Crisco All-Vegetable shortening!

I got this book from the library because my 8-month old is crawling around and I wanted a natural cleaner for the floors and basically everything natural to clean around the apartment.

This book really got me motivated -- it's easy to read and the pictures are lovely.

However, finding some of these natural products is very difficult and I live in a large city. I agree with one reviewer, that she should have an index of mail-order and stores where such things as washing soda, pure glycerine soap & cream of tarter can be found. The carpets are my big job, and she suggests using a hypodermic needle to insert essential oils to the base. Try finding a needle to buy -- that has been a chore!

So other than getting started with the products, Ms. Kellar has put me in the right direction for healthy living for my family.

This book is beautifully put together with warm coloring and photographs, which was part of the reason I purchased it via mail order. The contents, however, were generally a disappointment. Yes, there were good alternatives to using the more harmful chemicals, and it is a good feeling to be creating your own cleaners, but there were fewer recipes than hoped and not enough description and/or instruction for usage. In short, this has been the only book I have ever returned.

I got this book to make some of the household cleaning I do with more natural products. I liked the easy recipes, didn't feel like I had to look for alot of out-of-the-way products. Most all the products I can find at my grocery or health food store. Even though some of the recipes use bleach or ammonia, the majority of the recipes do use natural products. If there were more books on this topic with lots of recipes, this book may not be that good, but considering what's out there, and the alternative is to use products full of chemicals, I was glad to have the book.

I first picked this book up while perusing in my local bookstore and then had to purchase it from Amazon right away. It is not only beautifully laid out and designed, but it gives a sense of beauty to the whole concept of natural cleaning. While everyone has their own ideas of what comprises "natural" cleaning, Casey's recipes are by far less harmful than most of what we American's can buy in the supermarket today and also considerably cheaper in many aspects. Overall a wonderful book and one which makes me want to check out all the books this author has produced!

This book talks a lot about non toxic receipes, but most contained amonia and that's what I'm trying NOT to use...