Don Aslett

Donald Andrew Aslett (July 23, 1935 – August 21, 2024) was an American businessman, author, and expert in cleaning and housekeeping. He co-founded Varsity House Cleaning Company in 1957, which later evolved into Varsity Facility Services, a major building service contractor. Aslett authored numerous books on cleaning and organization, advocating for efficient, clutter-free living. He also founded the Museum of Clean in Pocatello, Idaho, which showcases a vast collection of cleaning artifacts and promotes environmentally friendly practices. His contributions earned him recognition, including induction into the Idaho Hall of Fame.

Background Donald Aslett was born on July 23, 1935. He was raised in Twin Falls, Idaho, and grew up in Dietrich, Idaho, about away. Aslett served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hawaii. Around 1957, he married Barbara and started his cleaning business. which was designed for energy conservation and low maintenance.

Aslett was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

Career

Varsity Facility Services While studying at Idaho State College, Aslett described himself as the "crazy entrepreneur" and Luke as the "strong facilitator." The business grew to employ 30 to 50 people, with Mountain State Telephone and Telegraph as one of their early clients. The company continued to grow, and by 1990, it had 2,500 employees and operated in 14 states. Varsity Contractors was generating total revenues of $190 million by 2006.

Arlo Luke, who had been the president and CEO for 28 years, stepped down in 2011, and by 2013, Aslett was no longer involved in the daily management of the company.

Author Aslett authored 40 books on cleaning and organization, with publications in 10 languages. He advocated reducing cleaning time by 75% through decluttering, using appropriate tools, and designing homes with low-maintenance features. Aslett emphasized personal responsibility for cleanliness, stating, "even if President Bush stayed at my house, he'd know where the vacuum is." He earned nicknames like the Sultan of Shine and the Dean of Clean.

Aslett emphasized that the museum is about the concept of "clean" rather than just cleaning tools. He believed decluttering and eliminating excess lead to a healthier, more positive lifestyle.

Other By the mid-1990s, Aslett had made around 5,000 television appearances, including on shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, where he discussed cleaning. To engage his audience, Aslett added an entertaining flair to his presentations, covering topics such as "Make Your House Do the Housework" and "Clean in a Minute."