How to Clean Everything: A practical, down to earth guide for anyone who doesn't know where to start

I've followed Ann Russell on TikTok for a long time now and was delighted to hear that she was condensing the advice she's given over hundreds of videos into a book.I think this book is spot on - it doesn't preach, or try to convince you to do anything you're not sold on or comfortable with. Advice is delivered as suggestions and tips rather than hard instructions. And I feel Ann writes inclusively, acknowledging the physical and mental health struggles that can get in the way of achieving our home ideals. Each room section contains both quick fix target spots, and deeper-clean considerations, and at absolutely no point is the reader made to feel like there's a standard they have to hit to be 'adequate' or 'normal'. As a result, there's no room for defeatism - the reader is encouraged to do what they can, with tips on how to maximise results, but to also not hold themselves to someone else's standards.I was pleasantly surprised by the breadth of this book. The title is ambitious, and the contents cover everything from the expected (useful cleaning supplies including what to avoid, how to tackle common rooms) through to the not-what-I'd-have-thought-to-find-here-but-brilliantly-useful (what to do if you discover a sudden leak or fire in your home, how to fix things, what to do you when you move in to a rental property). In the current climate, the sections about keeping warm in the house, and drying clothes etc are particularly relevant. There's even a section on how to enter the cleaning trade if that interests you.I'd solidly recommend 'How to clean everything' to anyone who'd like guidance about how to clean and run a house, particularly those about to move into new accommodation for the first time (including students). It's perfect to dip into, and has a handy index at the back. Ann writes very clearly, and with a lovely gentle humour. This isn't like a 10-step-plan book where you come away feeling able to master a skill for all of ten minutes before reality sets in (and you never read the book again); this is a very readable and friendly aid to help you clean and manage a home effectively, and might help you make a number of little changes that will add up to a long-lasting difference.

I've follow Ann for a while on TikTok and her compassion for people is endless. The tips she was sharing were priceless, but because TikTok can be a bit random, finding a specific topic could be difficult, so I was delighted to see she had put together this book, and she didn't disappoint.Whether you are just learning to clean for yourself for the first time after leaving home, or you have been cleaning your own home for years, you'll find this book a gold mine of great ideas on how to clean pretty much anything!Written in the same confident and reassuring voice as she is famous for, you really feel like you have a friend that just wants to help, and she does that in buckloads (filled with really hot water and just a touch of dish soap to break the water tension!)Ann cuts through the BS "trends" and marketing nonsense and tells you exactly what you need to know to clean almost anything, clear up accidents and still be mindful of the environment and cost.If you don't but this book, are you really cleaning?Love AnnLove this bookAlmost love cleaning now!

I followed Ann from fairly near the beginning of her TikTok journey and I bought the book on pre order months ago. I’ve received my copy, and it is such a great addition to my little library. It’s practical and full of tips and tricks on how to manage the home. The great thing about this book though, is it manages to speak to everyone not just someone. It doesn’t matter if you live in a flat or a palace, whether you’re disabled or struggling with mental health, if your home is already clean or if it is as dirty as they come… this book caters for all in a really sensitive and clever way. The most beautiful part of the book though? That it feels like a letter from a friend. Ann has a way of writing that feels like you’re hearing the words from an old friend trying to help and guide you. It’s a fantastic book and a real achievement. I’m buying a second copy for my niece who is about to head to university. well done Ann.- Adam. @awninefour on TikTok.

I first came across Ann on TikTok and her approach to questions on cleaning was both informative and entertaining. On the strength of this I pre-ordered her book and am so glad I did. I have long collected what could possibly be termed 'housekeeping' literature as there is the same level of satisfaction to be gained from reading about creating order from chaos and establishing routine as there is from actually doing it (if not more to be honest here) and Ann's calm voice is as present in the written word as it is on screen. It is a book that can be enjoyed on two levels, as a straightforward cleaning reference manual obviously but also as pure entertainment as you are carried along by Ann's common sense and wry observation.

First things first, I bought this book because I feel like over the last two years, Ann had taught me more than £12 worth of knowledge through her Tik Tok videos. I wasn’t expecting to learn a huge amount more, I just felt compelled to make a contribution for what I’ve learnt. But…I’ve had the book less thank two hours: I’ve smiled, laughed and learnt so much, simply by flicking through the book.The quick fixes are real, useful “life hacks”. Ann’s writing tone is engaging, and not in the slightest condescending or patronising. And the foreword contains a paragraph which reminds me why Ann is such an inclusive icon.Seriously, if you can, buy this book!