Clean: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is general and can be used in most situations to indicate something is free from dirt or impurities.

• The kitchen is clean after I wiped all the surfaces.
• Please clean your room before our guests arrive.

Use to describe a place or thing that is well-organized and free from mess. It implies orderliness and proper arrangement, not just cleanliness.

• The children's playroom was tidy after they put all their toys away.
• His appearance is always tidy and professional.

This word is used when something is extremely clean, with no spots or stains at all. Often used for emphasizing the immaculate condition.

• The hotel room was spotless.
• She keeps her car in spotless condition.

Use when referring to something that is organized, orderly, and tidy. Often used to describe how items are arranged rather than their cleanliness.

• Her handwriting is very neat.
• He keeps his desk neat and organized.

To remove dirt, dust, or other unwanted substances from something. It is a general term and can be used in most situations.

• I need to clean my room before the guests arrive
• She cleans her car every Sunday

To clean something using water and usually soap. Generally used for clothes, dishes, and body parts.

• I need to wash my clothes before the trip
• The kids need to wash their hands before dinner

To clean something by rubbing it hard with a brush and usually with soap and water. Used for hard or stubborn dirt.

• I had to scrub the floor to remove the stains
• She scrubbed the pots until they sparkled

To make something free from bacteria or other microbes, often using chemicals. Commonly used in hygiene and medical contexts.

• Make sure to sanitize your hands before eating
• They sanitize the equipment after each use

Use this when you want to refer to something that is free from dirt or impurities. It's a general term and can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.

• The kitchen is clean now
• She decided to clean up her schedule

Similar to 'cleanse', but more frequently used as an adjective or with the gerund form to emphasize the ongoing process of purification or cleaning.

• She started a cleansing diet last week
• The cleansing of the mind is important for mental health

This word is best used when referring to a vigorous, physical cleaning, especially for surfaces or objects that require effort to remove dirt or stains.

• She spent hours scrubbing the bathroom tiles
• The pots need a good scrubbing to remove the burnt food

This is used when referring to cleaning with water, usually related to clothes, dishes, or one's body. It's a common term and doesn't imply as much effort as 'scrubbing'.

• They are washing the car
• He is washing his hands before dinner