Member Reviews
I've seen Zach's videos before I've seen this book available on NetGalley for ARC readers and needless to say, I jumped to the opportunity to read it.
As someone who's in her mid twenties I had the opportunity to do laundry quite a bit and remove my fair share of stains, however, I found quite a few new things and learned that some things I knew (but never tried myself) are actually myths and don't help with cleaning at all.
I want to keep my clothes looking as good as possible for a long time and cleaning them is a big part of this. Learning how to remove stains and how to care for different fabrics is really important, not to add how much detergent to use, the pros and cons of fabric softener. But it's not only about the washing part, you get to learn more about drying, removing the wrinkles and storing your clothes properly. Information about the difference between dry-cleaners and home cleaning and why sometimes you should actually pay for this service. I liked the graphics that present how people do laundry around the world, but combining the washer and dryer feels misleading, since personally I use a washer, but not a dryer, so I'm part of two categories and I feel like a good part of Europe is as well (at lest in my country, drying your clothes on a clothesline is more common)
In conclusion, I find this book to be a great resource for young adults or anybody just starting doing laundry, as long as you want to really do it as correct as possible and not just throw everything into the washing machine, add some detergent and softener and call it a day.
This is a rare occasion where I am reviewing a book before I have read it all the way through. This might be because it is not the kind of book one can read the same way one reads other books.
There is a lot of knowledge and background that the authors bring to the table. We begin with their credentials and then move on to very specific details. I once went on a crash course for sewing and the teacher was very serious about the theory aspect and I realised much later how much more of an effort I should have made. Starting this book brings similar feelings. Talking about fabrics and kinds of stains, even going as far as the history and current washing styles around the world may seem like a stretch, but to someone like me it adds a lot of substance to my reading.
I appreciated the effort and the way the book is laid out and I think it’s definitely one that people would love to use at home ( even if they don’t realise it until they need it). I personally enjoy the tedium of laundry because it’s probably the rare occasion I clean up a little. This book, therefore, is one I would love to have in print someday. I would recommend it to others who enjoy this idea to make our washing more efficient and clothes longer lasting.
I received this book thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my fondness for laundry and my reading through the book.
Wonderful book of information that works. I would recommend buying a paper copy so you can have it on hand and refer to it often! This is a great resource for anyone who does laundry.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
Full review and links to social will be posted as soon as possible.
I'd like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Laundry Book
If only The Laundry Book had come into my life 20 years ago! This ultimate laundry guide by fabric-care experts Zach and Jerry Pozniak offers a refreshing take on a task we often dread. With easy-to-follow tips from TikTok personality Zach and his father Jerry, owners of the luxury dry-cleaning company Jeeves, this book is both practical and enjoyable, making even the most stubborn stains feel conquerable.
The book breaks down every aspect of laundry, from understanding care labels to prolonging the life of your clothes. It covers science-backed methods to save time, money, and even the planet, all while keeping your wardrobe looking fresh. The A-to-Z stain removal guide is a game-changer, and the advice on choosing products and reducing wrinkles is invaluable.
The Laundry Book is a must-have reference for anyone looking to tackle laundry with confidence and ease. Whether you’re a laundry novice or a seasoned pro, this guide is packed with insights to lighten your load and make laundry day less of a chore.
Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title in advance.
An important and nuanced look into the daily chore that still leaves many mystified: laundry. This book is full of tips and advice similar to “Laundry Love” by Patric Richardson.
I wish I had a physical copy of this book. This was totally digestible (not too much info) for the average person, but I loved the little snippets when the authors’ personalities shone through. Perfectly written, such a niche subject for a book that EVERYONE needs, and even quite funny at times. Loved it.
The Laundry Book is an interesting philosophical and comprehensive guide to laundry and textiles by Zach & Jerry Pozniak. Released 15th Oct 2024 by Quarto on their Rock Point imprint, it's 208 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is a genuinely engaging thorough tutorial with solid information aimed at extending the life of our clothes, taking care of the items we have and saving time, using scientifically based appropriate cleaning products, and making a household chore less unpleasant (or even actually fun). It's a progressive guide, from the very very basics of what/how/why of textile cleaning and preservation, through available products (and what they do, specifically), sorting, cleaning, washing, drying, removing wrinkles, hanging/storage, what dry-cleaners do, and other laundry tidbits and interesting asides.
If it's not ground-breaking, it certainly is interesting and a good reference.
Five stars. Beautifully written, engaging, warmly funny, and full of valuable info. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home reference shelf, or gift-giving.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Not only is this book incredibly educational, it's also so gorgeously illustrated. I never thought I'd be so excited about a laundry book, but this is so unique and I found it so informative. I think that this would make such a great gift also! Gorgeous cover as well. Highly recommend this one to keep on hand as the information is so useful!
Great guide, every houselhold needs to have this knowledge at hand
I’ll start with a little background about the authors of this book, it’s their family history really which kind of makes the book a tiny bit memoir-ish.
Jerry the father (of this father & son book duo), started in what became the family business in 1986 originally just to 'help out' but ended up never leaving!
Zach (the son of the duo) did other things until his father Jerry, talked him into joining him in the family business in 2018. Zach is the one that does the marketing and social media for the business. This father & son team are 3rd and 4th generation dry cleaners.
The business they own & operate is Jeeves New York and it concentrates on and deals with working on high value speciality garments
Jeeves the business, was originally established in London in 1969 and has expanded far and wide as there are now Jeeves stores in 17 cities all around the globe. Jeeves also has a Royal Warrant meaning they take care of the royal clothing including those beautiful beaded, bejewelled gowns the female members of the family wear.
Jeeves is a luxury dry cleaners, when asked why does Jeeves exist their reply is would you take a 'Ferrari car to a Ford garage' therefore Jeeves exists for those heirloom, bespoke, vintage, couture, one of a kind items that need cleaning.
In 2020 when the global pandemic hit business dropped by 85% overnight! So needing to find a way to diversify, is how this book came about.
The authors describe it this 'field guide to laundry' designed to be dipped in and out of, as and when needed.
The book is set out in Chapters and then those Chapters are split into different sections. Chapter 1 covers the history of laundry, which though I had ideas about I still found really interesting to read about. How “doing the laundry” began by beating clothes on rocks by the river where the flowing water took away the stains and odour. How the “Valcha” aka washboard was invented in the 17th century. It was also interesting to learn that the original laundry soap was olive oil & ash. Early laundry methods were time consuming and hard work, thankfully with the invention of washing machines things improved.
I loved the “fun fact” that in Germany if your washing machine is considered noisy you will not be allowed to use it during “quiet time” which is 10pm to 6am and the whole day Sunday!
The book also covers an over view of laundry products, laundry detergent such as – liquid, gel, pods, tabs etc, then there’s the laundry boosters, liquid fabric softener, dryer sheets, dryer balls, and the newer arrival of scent beads too.
There’s advice on leaving buttons undone, pulling zipper closed and what “like items together” really means. Stain removal advice stating to treat the stain immediately even if you cannot wash the item immediately, at the stain remover is then working.
There’s even a section on “How often should you wash your stuff” such as anything you perspire on should be washed after wearing once along with things like baby clothes, and underwear. Bath towels at least once a week, blankets monthly, the list continues.
The book advises different methods of drying clothes as well as the benefits of ironing versus steaming etc.
The book gives advice on how to choose a dry cleaner. It also covers the difference between a dry cleaner and dry cleaning. A dry cleaner uses a variety of solvents including water to clean cloth, whereas dry cleaning which is a specific art of cleaning using waterless solvents.
The book also gives website links for sites on best liquids etc, washing machines, dryers etc
along with 'pro tips' such as laundry bag for socks, or safety pin them together! Zach and Jerry also share stories of garments they've rescued.
This book really is a brilliant guide to everything laundry related, a book every household should have! Whether you're starting out in your first home doing your own laundry or you've been doing the laundry for a large household for years ...there is something in this book for everyone! Would make a perfect new home gift or for Uni students who will be doing their own laundry for the first time. It reminded me of CSE home economics lessons at school learning all the laundry care labels etc. It is the type of book you need sitting on the book shelf or on your e-reader or phone to refer to when you get that awkward stain on your favourite outfit!
I was excited to read this book, as I have two kids at home so I need to know the secrets to getting stains out. This was a comprehensive book outlining all things laundry (one of the worst household chores IMO). The tips and tricks I learned are beneficial - and I will be getting a copy for my son when he moves out next year!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I am useless at laundry. I bung the washing machine on 30, add some detergent and hope for the best. Often I have had ruined garments as a result.
This book is a welcome addition to my bookshelf. Filled with tips and useful knowledge to help even the most novice of launderers. I love the design of the book too - simple and elegant and not garish so will look perfect on display. The illustrations inside are lovely too.
At 105 pages, this is a short and sweet guidebook with easily digestible information. Don’t hesitate to buy and add to your collection! I’ll be referring back to this regularly.
An overall guide to cleaning your clothes properly
OK, let me start by saying that I am NOT someone who loves to do laundry…but since I nonetheless have to do quite a bit of it, I was intrigued to see if this book would help me get this necessary task done well. The answer to that: yes, it does. The book assumes that the reader has never washed a load of laundry in their lives (hmm, perfect for young people headed off to college or to their first apartments perhaps?) and deals with topics as basic as how to read the care labels on your items (and why it is important to do so) and how to sort clothes (in a macro and micro way, depending on your needs and set-up). Even if you have those areas under control, there is plenty within the covers to learn, including a great breakdown of types of stains, how to treat them and with what types of products, and what to do when a stain happens when you’re out and about. There’s even a chapter on how to best hang and/or store your clothes once they’re all clean. The authors are the owners of a high end dry cleaning company, so they know of what they write. While the price for the relatively short (about 200 pages in total) book may seem a little on the high side, if its tips can help you save one stained item from permanent ruin you will have more than made back your investment. I think this book makes a nice addition to a household’s reference library and highly recommend it. My thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Book/Rock Point for allowing me early access to a copy of The Laundry Book.
Overall, the book gives a very good introduction to all things laundry. As someone who has been doing laundry for many years, most of the information wasn't new although some of the anecdotal pieces were interesting and new to me. So, if you are comfortable in the laundry room and have had to treat, well, most of the stains that can affect everyday clothing, this book probably won't introduce any new tidbits of information or make your life in the laundry any easier. I do, however, think that this book has a lot of value for someone who has never had to do laundry or who has had limited exposure to it. My kids who are almost ready to move out and take on their own households could and would get a lot of value out of this book and being able to reference. Sure, you can look up some of this information online with a quick Google search, but I have found so many contradictory tidbits of information online that, unless you are an expert already or familiar with the laundry game, you're as likely to find something completely wrong as something completely right. So, if someone has never done laundry before, it's nice to have a reference guide that is reputable and provides the right information.
I am seriously thinking about buying this for each of my kids when the are ready to move out. It may save me a few phone calls to ask for advice on what to use to remove grease stains or ketchup.
Anything you ever wanted to know about laundry and more. Covers everything from how to treat stains to how to sort clothes and prepare them for washing.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group- Rock Point for providing a digital copy.
This book is a comprehensive and well-structured resource on everything about laundry. The evidence-based tips and facts about stain removal, fabrics and were very useful.
This book is so helpful and I learned so much! Just when you think you know everything about laundry, there is always something to learn when it come to clothes and caring for them. One of the things I liked most about the book is the author talks about being frugal and ways to save money when it comes to laundry. I think everyone is looking for this, and this is so helpful. I also like that there is stain removal guide because I am always wondering how to remove different stains and this helped me learn what to do for different kinds. It put me at ease! There are so many helpful tips and tricks and this book is so worth it!
As a mum of two surprisingly messy children, I do a lot of laundry! I was pleasantly surprised to discover several tips and tricks in The Laundry Book that should make the whole process more efficient.
First off, the book provides a quick overview of the history of laundry before detailing the various ingredients used in laundry detergent and fabric softener. The next section focuses on how to prepare your clothes to be washed. This is where I discovered I've been doing things wrong all this time, as apparently all buttons should be unbuttoned to lower the stress on the button thread (meaning, in the long run, less buttons to sew back on!). The art of stain removal is discussed in the next section, which provides some scientific explanations on the various types of stains as well as specific advice for removing them, with more detailed provided in the A-Z Stain Removal Guide at the end of the book. The following section is on Washing Basics, from loading the machine to dealing with washing machine problems and maintenance. My favourite tip from this section was the "hand test" to check that the washing machine isn't too full. Drying Basics is covered in the next section, with helpful tips on how to avoid wrinkling, which is then explored even further in the section entitled Getting the Wrinkles Out. The next section is on Hanging and Storing Clothes, the following chapter on What Drycleaners Do, and the one after that explains how often items should be washed (great for answering the popular questions of how often pyjamas and bedsheets should be washed). The final chapter is entitled The Joy of Clean Clothes and is followed by appendices on garment care labels, stain removal, and how to care for different fabrics/special items.
As you can tell from the breakdown, this book was really comprehensive and full of practical, helpful tips.
A recommended read for anyone who does laundry on a regular basis!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
At the risk of sounding dramatic, but this book is life changing! Not only do you get detail instructions on specific stains, fabrics, products, but they actually explain the *why* behind the uses and reactions between stains/products/fibers. The appendix alone is worth buying this book!
Laundry is something that is commonly overwhelming for people, and Zach + Jerry really break it down in a way that feels attainable and enjoyable.