Cleaner: meaning, definitions and examples

Cleaner can refer to anyone who cleans spaces such as offices, homes, or public areas. It is a broad term and can be used in various formal and informal contexts.

• We hired a cleaner to tidy up our house every week.
• The office cleaner doesn't come on weekends.

Janitor is often used in the context of schools, office buildings, and other large facilities. It refers to someone who maintains and cleans these spaces. The term can sometimes have a negative or less prestigious connotation.

• The janitor locked the doors after the school day ended.
• She worked as a janitor in a downtown office building.

Maid refers to someone who works in private homes or hotels to perform cleaning and possibly other household chores. This term might carry an old-fashioned or less formal tone and sometimes has a lower-status implication.

• The hotel maid changed the sheets every day.
• They hired a maid to help with the cleaning once a week.

Housekeeper is usually used for someone who takes care of the house and performs cleaning duties as well as possibly cooking and managing other household chores. Typically used in a more formal or professional setting, especially in hotels or large households.

• The housekeeper ensured that every room was spotless.
• Our housekeeper also helps with laundry.

Refers to something that makes another thing free of dirt or unwanted materials, often used in the context of household cleaning products or services.

• I bought a new cleaner for the kitchen floor.
• The office cleaner comes every evening.

Refers to a device or software that enhances performance by improving efficiency and speed, commonly used in computer and software contexts.

• I installed an optimizer to speed up my laptop.
• The company's website runs faster thanks to a new optimizer.

Refers to a device or person that removes debris or dirt from surfaces, typically larger areas like streets or large floors, and can also refer to a defensive position in sports like soccer.

• The sweeper cleaned the streets early in the morning.
• In the game, the sweeper made sure no one passed the defensive line.

Refers to a specialized item or software used for upkeep and repairs, often in a technical or industrial setting.

• They used a maintenance tool to fix the broken machine.
• The IT team employs several maintenance tools for system optimization.

Describing something that is free from dirt or impurities. Often used to compare something to a previous condition.

• The kitchen looks much cleaner after we scrubbed the floor
• This new detergent makes your clothes cleaner than ever

Highlighting something that is completely free from any dirt, marks, or stains. Emphasizes extreme cleanliness.

• She keeps a spotless house, with no sign of dust anywhere
• The hotel room was spotless, meeting all hygiene standards

Referring to something that is perfectly clean or faultless. This term is often used in a formal or serious context.

• Her office is always immaculate, with everything in its place
• The chef is known for maintaining an immaculate kitchen

Describing something in its original condition or has been kept very clean. It can also refer to natural, untouched conditions.

• The car was in pristine condition, despite being ten years old
• They hiked through pristine forests untouched by human activity