Topic-Related Verbs - Verbs Related to Cleaning

Here you will learn some English verbs referring to cleaning such as "wipe", "disinfect", and "rinse".

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Topic-Related Verbs
to clean [verb]

to make something have no bacteria, marks, or dirt

Ex: Sarah cleans the kitchen counters with a sponge .
to wipe [verb]

to clean or dry a surface using a cloth, etc.

Ex: He wiped his hands on a towel after washing them in the sink .
to wash [verb]

to clean someone or something with water, often with a type of soap

Ex: I usually wash my car at the car wash .
to rinse [verb]

to clean something quickly with water, often without using soap, in order to remove dirt or other substances

Ex: The mechanic rinsed the engine parts with a hose to remove grease and grime .

to bathe under a continuous flow of water, typically for cleansing the body

Ex: He prefers to shower in the evening to unwind before bed .
to bathe [verb]

to wash or clean the body by putting it in water or pouring water over it

Ex: In some cultures , it is customary to bathe in cold water for health benefits .
to scour [verb]

to clean something thoroughly by scrubbing it hard with a rough or tough material

Ex: He scoured the grill grates with a wire brush to remove burnt residue .

to destroy bacteria, virus, etc. by cleaning with a special substance

Ex: The daycare center disinfects toys regularly to keep the children healthy .

to remove all bacteria or other microorganisms from something

Ex: Tattoo artists sterilize their equipment to ensure a safe and hygienic environment .

to clean something thoroughly to reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria, or other harmful microorganisms

Ex: During flu season , it 's a good idea to sanitize frequently-touched surfaces like doorknobs and light switches .

to wash, clean, and iron clothes and linens

Ex: He prefers to launder his dress shirts at home rather than using a dry cleaner .

to remove unnecessary or unwanted items or things from a place

Ex: The manager asked everyone to clear out their desks and discard any unnecessary paperwork .

to clean plates, cups, bowls, or other kitchen items after eating

Ex: The restaurant staff quickly washed up the dishes after closing time .

to make a place neat and orderly by putting things away, cleaning, or organizing

Ex: Tidy up your desk after finishing your homework .

to remove or neutralize unpleasant smells from something

Ex: He deodorizes his gym bag by spraying it with a fabric refresher .

to collect and remove dirt or trash, typically from the floor or a surface using a broom

Ex: The cleaning crew had to sweep up the leaves that had blown into the hallway .

to completely empty or remove the contents of a space, container, or place, often thorough cleaning

Ex: After the garage sale , they were able to clean out the garage and make room for a home gym .

to clean something by using water to make the dirt or other substances go away

Ex: The janitor worked diligently to wash away the stubborn stains in the school hallway .

to remove or neutralize harmful substances from something

Ex: The water treatment plant decontaminates the drinking water to ensure its safety .

to make a place, substance, etc. dirty or harmful by adding dangerous material

Ex: Food can be contaminated if not stored properly or if handled in unsanitary conditions .

to damage the environment by releasing harmful chemicals or substances to the air, water, or land

Ex: Pesticides used in agriculture can pollute soil and groundwater if not applied responsibly .

to make a dirty mark by rubbing or spreading something on a surface

Ex: His hands were smudged with ink after working on the drawing .
to taint [verb]

to infect or dirty something with a disease or harmful microorganism

Ex: Flooding can taint crops with harmful bacteria from sewage .

to make a place dirty by leaving trash or waste scattered around

Ex: It 's important to teach children not to litter and to respect the environment .

to damage the appearance of something by causing a flaw or imperfection

Ex: Careless handling can blemish delicate fabrics , leaving stains or tears .
to grime [verb]

to dirty something with a layer of dirt, grease, or filth

Ex: The factory chimney grimed the nearby buildings with soot and smoke .