Lars Müller Publishers Cleaning

Cleaning by Lars Müller Publishers is an engaging book about the various ways, tools and methods of cleaning across the globe. Illustrated with beautiful photographs and drawings, this book examines cleaning as a shared phenomenon that unites humanity. It also offers a poetic exploration of the cultural and social meanings of cleaning. The book is edited by Kenya Hara, a world-renowned Japanese graphic designer, curator and author who has worked, for example, as the art director for Muji and written several books on design theory. The book consists of a total of 504 pages and 374 illustrations.

Cleanliness is a core value of societies around the globe. So much so that cleaning seems to be an inherent part of human nature and an expression of how we interact with and domesticate our environment. This book explores the concept of cleaning in its various aspects. Illustrations from various cleaning methods expand our conception of an activity that is such a big part of our daily lives. From a child sorting its toys and the meticulous work of a clockmaker to an impressive deep-clean of a ship: each process is treated with the same calm fascination while short texts add a semi-poetic dimension. The book’s handy size invites readers to take it out into the world as they look at everyday processes with fresh eyes. Flipping through the pages of Cleaning is as enlightening as it is entertaining.