Cleaning: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for removing dirt, dust, or other unwanted materials from surfaces.

• She spent the afternoon cleaning the kitchen
• Cleaning the bathroom is not my favorite chore

Refers to organizing and putting things in their proper place rather than deep cleaning.

• He spent the morning tidying his room
• The office needs tidying before the meeting starts

Indicates intense cleaning, often involving a brush and effort to remove tough stains or grime.

• She was scrubbing the floor to get rid of the mud stains
• The pots and pans needed some serious scrubbing

Specifically refers to removing dust from surfaces like furniture or shelves.

• I need to do some dusting before our guests arrive
• Don't forget to dust the bookshelf

General context of cleaning specific items, rooms, or surfaces.

• I am cleaning the kitchen after dinner.
• She is cleaning her car before the trip.

Used to discuss implementation of measures to maintain a clean and healthy environment, usually at a community or public level.

• Environmental sanitation is crucial for reducing diseases in urban areas.
• Proper environmental sanitation includes waste management and clean water supply.

Refers to efforts and measures to reduce or eliminate pollution in the environment. Often used in regulatory and environmental policy contexts.

• The new legislation focuses on pollution abatement to improve air quality.
• Effective pollution abatement strategies are necessary to protect wildlife.

Use when referring generally to making something free of dirt, dust, or unwanted substances.

• I'm doing the cleaning today
• We need to do some cleaning before the guests arrive

Used when organizing or arranging things in the right order and making things seem neat. It's more about organization than deep cleaning.

• Let's tidy up the living room before our guests arrive
• He tidied up his desk before starting work

Applies when cleaning something with water and usually soap, often used for clothes, dishes, and one's body.

• I need to wash my car
• Wash your hands before dinner

Refers to rubbing something hard with a brush and soap to remove dirt or stains. Often used when dealing with tough or stubborn dirt.

• You need to scrub the pots to get them really clean
• She scrubbed the floor until it was spotless