The Tao of Cleaning is divided into five parts, each dealing with a major problem that makes cleaning difficult. Lao Tzu's Tao Teh Ching was chosen as the model for this book because it is pithy and deals with reconciling problems in a balanced way. Of course The Tao of Cleaning does not pretend to approach the stature of the original, but it pays homage to it. In emulating the Tao Teh Ching the author wished to entertain the reader and divert attention away from the bitterness of the tasks at hand by enlisting the wisdom of a legendary sage.