"Better" as in, I've downloaded/installed/run the TES4Edit program, and I've got the screen with all the .esm/.esp files showing, but then the instructions say: "Right-click anywhere in the list and pick “Select None."

This does not happen. I get all kinds of options after right-clicking, but "Select None" is not one of them. This mod business is becoming much more work than it's worth, at least for my ignorant self. Can you tell I'm getting pretty frustrated? I mean, I've barely started the " automatic" cleaning process, and already I'm stuck, and barring my finding some, even more detailed instructions, I quit, 'cause it's not worth my sanity.

This is probably the best one you'll find: http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/TES4Edit_Cleaning_Guide