h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This is a rather expensive idea, but people just setting up house could think about it. They'd never have to buy cleaning agents of any kind (except washing up liquid) and worry about the environment again. A steam cleaner (various proprietory names) which cleans the windows, tiles, floors, car (especially the felty inside bits) upholstery, fiddly corners, etc just with steam has all these advantages and generally you don't even get your hands wet. Just steam over everything and rub dry. Have it demonstrated when you buy to see which is the best way for windows etc. Mine has an iron attachment and, although it makes a noise, ironing is more professional and done in half the time. Most things can be just steam-blasted on the hanger (these jackets with the tailored sleeves which just get worse the more you twist and turn them on the ironing board, and definitely woollens.) Switch it on when you get up, it heats up while you're in the shower, steam your clothes on the hanger before you put them on. Don't forget to switch it off and TELL YOURSELF YOU'VE switched it off or you'll find yourself doing a u-turn on the motorway halfway to the office.