Unf*ck Your Habitat: You’re Better Than Your Mess by Rachel Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t feel confident in my cleaning abilities. I always feel like I’m behind or doing something wrong or don’t know when to do the cleaning. It felt like an insurmountable mountain.
But then I discovered Unf*ck Your Habitat. Author Rachel Hoffman offers simple, straightforward, pleasantly vulgar cleaning advice to help anyone, no matter how bad their mess, get started. And it’s shockingly compassionate. I envision this book like a big sister chiding me to do my chores… but then getting off the couch to help dry the dishes once I start.
Some people have complained about the swearing, but honestly, it’s barely present and any reader should expect it from the title alone. So those reviewers are full of shit.
The advice is solid, and yes, it’s easy. You don’t have to read or buy this book to get the message: she offers an active Tumblr and an app, if you prefer. But I feel like content creators deserve to be paid, so I bought the book. And besides, the book has some really helpful lists that I’m definitely going to use—I may laminate them. I’ve already thought of loaning this book to a friend who may benefit, but I may keep it to reread. It’s useful.
But—I would have liked a little more info on the down-and-dirty how-to part. For instance, her bathroom cleaning list says: “fill the sink with hot water and a bit of cleaner.” What kind of cleaner? What do I do with the hot water once it’s there? It’s left to the reader and… well, I could have used the guidance.
But overall, it is motivating, uplifting, and a great place to start.
M.E. Kinkade 