Definition clean in British English

Other ways of saying clean

wash to clean something using water and sometimes soap: Mum was outside washing the car.Go and wash your hands before dinner.

wipe to clean a surface such as a table, window, or shelf using a cloth, especially a slightly wet cloth: A bartender was slowly wiping the counter.

mop to clean a floor using water, soap, and a mop (=a cleaning tool with a long handle): Don’t walk over the floor after I’ve mopped it.

brush to rub something with a brush in order to remove dirt, dried mud, dust etc. You also brush your teeth using a toothbrush, toothpaste, and water: Brush your teeth after every meal.Ben was brushing mud off his jacket.

scrub to clean something by rubbing it hard, using a stiff brush with soap and water: It’s going to be hard to scrub that saucepan clean.

sweep to clean a floor, a set of stairs, or a pavement using a brush with a long handle: We scrubbed the kitchen floor and swept the hall.

dust to remove dust from furniture, shelves, and other surfaces, using a soft cloth: I hardly ever dust the bedrooms.

cleanse to clean your skin thoroughly, often using a special liquid or cream: Gently cleanse the wound and apply a loose bandage.