Museum of Clean poised for November opening

POCATELLO, Idaho — Don Aslett challenged a group of local youth to square off in a squeegee window cleaning contest against none other than the cleaning guru himself at the Museum of Clean.

At the request of a group from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the entrepreneur opened up the doors to his six-story building to provide the group with a sneak peek in advance of the museum's soft opening celebration slated for Nov. 18-19.

"This is not going to be a 'walk and gawk' museum. We are going to teach people how to clean," Aslett said. "Believe me, the wait will be worth it."

Aslett has devoted the last six years of his life to the renovation project in Pocatello.

Late last month, several trees were planted outside, the landscaping was completed and lights were installed in the parking lot.

Once the shelves are stocked at the gift shop, the Museum of Clean will officially be ready to open to the public.

"It's already a worldwide attraction," Aslett said. "Selling the value of clean is a concept that can apply to air, water, mind and language. Anything clean is desirable, beautiful, safe and honorable."

Besides being able to check out hundreds of different kinds of vacuum cleaners, ranging from a 4,000-pound antique to a petite handheld device, members of the church group learned about the history of cleaning.

The children were also taught how to vacuum more efficiently, how to remove stains and how to properly wipe their feet off on a mat before entering a home.

"The renovation may be complete, but a museum is never finished," Aslett said. "A guy recently brought in a vacuum from 1911 to donate to the museum."

Aslett went on to predict that the displays at the Museum of Clean will double in size within the first year of being open to the public.

"I see the potential, and it's exciting," he said. "I've put a lot of time and effort into putting these collections together ... so, it's nice to see people's wowed expressions. It's very rewarding."

Source: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700188458/Museum-of-Clean-poised-for-November-opening.html