Customer Reviews
Great! But where is she? 
2008-05-02
I like this book a lot. I have used some of the recipes, but vinegar and plain baking soda alone are my preferred cleaning ingredients. It's very motivating and a great rescource for various 'green' cleaning needs
However, her website, no longer exists. The 818 telephone number has also been disconnected. I wanted to check out some of her products. Does any one know where I can find her company?
1 of My Favorites! 
2008-04-18
I must say I truly enjoyed this book :)
"Clean House, Clean Planet" is colorfully written...very down to earth but offers no-nonsense information... I even liked the comedic moments {the anti-roach treatment 'Catch Em and Cook em', and the kids who visited the authors home and she put them to work..and they were eyeing the spray bottles and happy to clean LOL) and family-story-spliced tidbits--{and I am NOT by far the cooing-gushing baby-babbling type at ALL}while Karen advises on cleaning thru her own experiences and life lessons..which I related to as a young family-oriented woman. I enjoyed her easy, simple recipes, cleaning effectiveness ratings, and price comparisons The ingredients are easy to find. ~It really made you think about how dangerous household chemicals are, and how we think aabout cleaning products because of commercial advertising.
I read it over a year ago and I still browse parts. In fact I just put it down,as I plan~for the umpteenth time~ to purchase two essential oils to make 'Earth Scrub and Paste', 'Scented Vinegars,' 'Mama's Earth Mop' and the Borax for the toilet I am now more interested in cleaning :) as I also plan a bathroom makeover. This book offers fun, helpful and interesting techniques and non toxic cleaning recipes to try in my everyday cleaning-which I dislike doing~esp. the toilet-but thanks to Karen sharing her views on cleaning and her cute, light-hearted antidotes, Im quitting my immature cleaning procrastination. I make it a goal to get-it-done!
Although I have only tried the Vinegar-Mop, and Vinegar as a Plastics Odor Remover, and the Olive Oil on cleaning fixtures...I will update this review when I try the other cleaners. I believe they will work fine..like the other ideas I tried, since it is true that most of these commercial cleaning formulas are too strong and contain hazardous chemicals, for cleaning things that can be cleaned with regular dish detergent or soap! Something I learned as a teenager whenever I stained a white uniform shirt...I used Dawn or sum dish detergent as a treatment b/c it lifted the stains the best.
Great recipies 2008-02-22
Everything I have tried has worked very well - but you cannot buy the bottles from her anymore as the book promotes - so that is kind of a bummer.
one terrific little book 2008-02-10
I got this book because my young daughter and I both have allergies that store bought cleaners aggravate. I've always used baking soda and vinegar for cleaning, but these recipes make far more effective cleaners of them. I've only tried a few of the cleaners so far, but they work great and the recipes are easy to follow and divide if necessary. If the rest of them are this good then this book was well worth the money. I also found out why those store bought products affect our allergies the way they do and how hazardous their ingredients are. Looks like I'll be taking the time to make my own cleaning products from now on and saving some money too.
Revelutionized cleaning my house 2007-11-12
These recipes are so awesome. "Mama's Earth Scrub" has gotten paint off my floors, gotten my tub gleaming clean in record time, and changed how I feel about cleaning. The stain removing suggestions work, the "Earth Mop" is awesome, and the cat-box deodorizer works, I kid you not, for weeks. My air is so fresh and clean now, no chemical burning stuff, and it smells like lavender oil. And my tub no longer clogs. I love this book. I spend way less on cleaning now (indeed, I buy nothing for cleaning but the ingredients for these recipes). I've given this as a gift several times and I've considered writing a thank-you letter to the author. If there is a flaw, it would be that you have to be able and willing to follow directions, but I think that's fairly universal.
THE BIBLE 2007-10-09
Holy moly! This book came in a timely fashion and in perfect condition..but that's not the best part! Easy to read, informative and actual recipies to boot! The suggestions about what types of bottles to use for each recipe was helpful, the scents are AMAZING and the cleaning power is unbeatable. I cleaned up stains that had been on my carpet for months with just a few squirts of her all natural carpet spray. I've given away the rest of my bleach, windex, amonia, toilet cleaner, sanatizing wipes, and other cleaners because of how well her techniques and recipies work! I've got a septic and use well water so I've been a little hesitant to use those harsh products, now I don't have to! I'm so serious about how well the products work I urge you to buy this book. I just pick up the book, use the index if I have any questions and ALL the answers are right there. My husband thinks I'm nuts for being so excited about this book, but finally I don't have to suffer with nausiating fumes, headaches from harsh chemicals, white fingertips (from the bleach) and the guilt of harming the environment!! SUCH a good find!
Clean House, Clean Planet 97 2007-10-03
I read it cover to cover and loved it! While the actual recipes may be what your grandmother suggested or might be available online for free, the advice in the book on how to use/make cleaners is wonderful! For instance: what kind of vinegar to use, what not to mix together, how well something really works (she's honest). And the book makes a clear and quick reference for re-making cleaners. I have my favorite 7 marked with sticky-notes. I also downloaded recipes off the net, but I prefer the book!
My only complaint: She lists a TON of recipes, but many are repetitive. She has a cute name for each kind of cleaner, when really they are all just variations on her disinfectant or vinegar mix. If you double check the ingredients and purpose of the cleaner, you do not need to make so many.
P.S. My hesitant husband recently came out and told me (unprompted) that he really likes our new cleaners. He thinks they work well and they make him feel better about breathing while cleaning (something unavoidable).
I also bought and recommend "The Virtuous Consumer" by Garrett and "Living Green" by Horn.
A Must for Beginners Learning to Clean Naturally! 2007-10-02
The recipes are easy and work great! Since purchasing this book, I have not purchased anymore commercial-chemical cleaning products and my home smells and looks terrific. My favorites are "Alice's Wonder Spray" and "Hollywood Bowl". It's amazing what simple household ingredients can do. However, I'm still searching for a safe dishwasher and laundry detergent recipe although Mrs. Meyer's is the best off the shelf.
Best in this catagory ! 2007-10-01
I am currently researching the concept of earth friendly , earth based cleaning and home products, and this book is the best, most informative, most helpful, and best put together (editing, story, humour, recipes, resources, etc) I have come across. I believe it would be helpful to have in every home ! I have made various recipes, and they work very well. This is practical, down to earth, intelligent information.
The author takes time to let us know what is in commercial, chemical home care products, as well as the toxic effects on the environment and our own bodies. Interesting tidbits abound through the book (ie: too much laundry detergent will attract DIRT to your clothes; use less) .
I have a few books in this genre. I am glad I have them all. So far this book is the best.
earth-friendly housekeeping 
2007-09-21
Great ideas, but way too much lecturing. Give me one chapter on the perils of chemicals, and then get on with the practical solutions.
