Review STAINLESS
June 8th 2010 14:51
:
Review * STAINLESS
Link: www.harpercollins.com.au
STAINLESS
Stainless by Shannon Lush and Trent Hayes
ARP: $19.99
ISBN: 9780733327919
Imprint: ABC Books
Stainless is the new must-have household reference from domestic guru Shannon Lush.
Using her encyclopaedic knowledge of stain-fighting formulas and chemical reactions, Shannon guides you through all you need to know to be able to diagnose and treat stains safely and effectively.
If you have sat through daytime or late night television you have more than likely seen an add or one of those long infomercials that promises the best cleaning equipment; so good it does the job without you (just about), and you may be quite skeptical about such claims.
The wonder brush, micro fibre, stain shifting wipes, all sorts of amazing things to keep you free from dust, dirt, carpet stains, you name it - they're selling it. Well I have tried a variety of things that you buy from shops, warehouses, markets... little did I know I was looking in the wrong place for the answers. I should have gone directly to a bookshop!
Before this book I had never set eyes on Shannon Lush. I had read a variety of suggestions in magazines over the years; how to get gum off of carpet, denim, silk etc; what to use if you spill red wine on your shirt - all of that. Here, in this single book - are all the answers. Lush and her brother Trent Hayes go into detailed descriptions of everything you'd find around the home from felt to gold-plate, even unsealed timber. Who knew that tannins were in timer? Who knew you could refresh it (unsealed timber) by making a pot of tea? I certainly didn't know this.
A third of the book is an essential cleaning kit guide, and it is very easy to understand, easy to read and the greater portion of it is really easy to do. Easy on the pocket, easy on the back (as in you don't need to break your back cleaning, let the elements you apply do the hard work) and easy on the sensitive skin brigade. The cleaning tips have little scenarios to set up the stain - like dogs sleeping on armchairs for example, how do you clean an armchair that has been slept on by a dog? Break out the wheat bran and your old stockings to make a polstice of sorts, add some natural oil and white vinegar, rub it over the chair.
This is not something I have ever even considered. I'm the guy who worked in veterinary hospitals in the 1990's around Sydney, hearing all sorts of answers to getting that old doggy smell out of everything. I never knew that a breakfast cereal would be so useful.
Young people just starting out in their own flats and homes would find this book a really good investment. It is good to be clean, fresh and organised - it's easier to live that way - and in order to do so - this book is worth every cent - a flip to the index will more than likely provide you with a quite specific answer to how to clean a particular thing.
It's a really good book.
You will soon be an expert stain detective, and just like Shannon you'll be able to:
work out the surface that's been stained
identify the stain
determine which solvents are going to work
decide what method to use
know what to do if you stuff it up!
In a clear and conversational style, Shannon explains the uses for each of the items in your essential cleaning kit, and shares loads of her tried-and-true grime-fighting formulas.
Stainless is absolutely packed full of information that will help you clean anything and everything in your home, without resorting to expensive sprays and solutions from the supermarket. There are even recipes for making your own inexpensive cosmetics, dyes, insecticides, fertilisers and more!
Shannon Lush is a fine arts restorer with a passion for handy household hints.
The massive success of Spotless, Spotless 2 and Speedcleaning made her a publishing phenomenon.
Shannon writes for magazines and newspapers, and is regularly heard on ABC Local Radio across the country.
Shannon has co-written this book with her brother, Trent Hayes, a writer, business coach and consultant.
Watch Shannon and Trent discuss how you can become a stain detective!
| 209 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
