Picked this up from a pile of books one of my daughters was getting rid of. A fun read.

Louise Rafkin is a housecleaner. She also has an MA in literature, has been a teacher and is a published writer, besides this book. She chose tho be a housecleaner for better money, better hours and the idea intrigued her. This is her memoir.

It is a humorous view from her perspective of the cleaning world. The different clients and their preferences she has dealt with based on what she has seen and experienced while cleaning up. Clues found in trash baskets, laundry, cupboards and counter tops, can add up to interesting tales.

She also came to know which is the best vacuum, cleaning products, paper towels and other cleaning supplies to use and that clients don’t always agree. It isn’t really a book of cleaning tips, but there are a few.

She also has studied some of the various styles of housecleaning and interviewed people who work in these various s tyles. “Exotic” — nearly naked and lingerie-clad cleaners, sexy male cleaners, cleaners who work for services: she even went to Japan to learn about Ittoen, a group of cleaning people who live in a commune and have dedicated their lives to cleaning. Who knew what a variety can be found among cleaning services!

A fun and interesting read from an inside view. ( )

An interesting look into the mindset of somebody who actually likes to clean. ( )

Awful. I thought this would be fun read about a housekeeper's funny anecdotes but it was more akin with rubbing sandpaper on your face. Painfully dry.
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Louise Rafkin is well educated yet decided to work as a house cleaner for a number of years. The book is snarky and sarcastic and informative, but I had just a few problems with it. She refuses to pick up other people's underwear, or uses a utensil to do so. Used tissues or condoms I can understand, but underwear? But she balances that with what she has to say about those who can afford to pay others to do their scut work and those who do that work. ( )

I needed that. Many good ideas for better housing keeping,somethng everyone needs. Am I practicing these. I take the 5th ( )