INTRODUCTION

LET’S GET CLEANING!

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with “keeping house.” I know I do. I love a clean home and the feeling of calm it brings my family, but I hate the dusting, mopping, scrubbing, and wiping needed to get it that way. Yes, there are those who really do enjoy cleaning, but if you’re like me, it’s just one more responsibility in an already packed day and something I try to accomplish as quickly as possible.

Well, that’s about to change. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, an enthusiast or a procrastinator, you’re in luck. Good Housekeeping Simple Cleaning Wisdom is jam-packed with Good Housekeeping Institute Lab–tested products and speedy, smart tricks and tips to help you clean faster, declutter more easily, tackle trouble spots, simplify big jobs, and accomplish more in less time. And who doesn’t want (and need) more free time?

In some chapters, you’ll find a checklist of what chores to do when and the go-to cleaning products and tools Good Housekeeping recommends for every household. We also dive deep, devoting entire chapters to the kitchen, living spaces, bathroom, laundry and clothing care, and more. You’ll find advice about how to keep your appliances working their best; how to zap dust, germs, and other allergens; how to make your bathroom sparkle when guests are at the door; and even how to wash special-care items, like pillows and comFortérs. As you read along, keep an eye out for recurring features, like GH Lab–tested products that carry the trusted Good Housekeeping Seal, common mistakes to avoid, and the ultraspeedy 1-Minute Tips.

Because a home should look as good on the outside as it does on the inside, you’ll also find shortcuts for cleaning the deck, patio, garage, gutters, windows, and even the car. Clean, organized, guest-ready outdoor areas make a home feel larger and boost its value and curb appeal. Not a bad payoff for a little extra effort!

Cleaning your home is really about caring for your home. And caring for your home is really about caring for your family. Good Housekeeping has a long tradition of caring for American homes and families, and every hint tucked into these pages was put there to help you take better care of your family. And if you look at it that way, what’s not to love about cleaning? Please enjoy!

—Carolyn Forté

Director of Home Appliances, Cleaning Products, and Textiles Labs Good Housekeeping