House cleaning is a chore that most people dread. It can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially if you don’t know the proper vocabulary to use. In this article, we will introduce you to some common house cleaning vocabulary that will help you communicate more effectively with your cleaning service or family members.
Basics of House Cleaning
When it comes to house cleaning, there are a few basics that everyone should know. In this section, we’ll cover the essential cleaning tools and products you’ll need to keep your home looking its best.
Cleaning Tools
Cleaning tools are essential for keeping your home clean. Here are some of the most commonly used tools:
- Broom and dustpan: Used for sweeping floors and collecting dirt and debris.
- Vacuum cleaner: Ideal for cleaning carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Mop and bucket: Used for cleaning hard floors, such as tile, hardwood, and laminate.
- Microfiber cloths: Great for dusting and cleaning surfaces without leaving streaks or scratches.
- Scrub brush: Ideal for cleaning tough stains and grime in the kitchen and bathroom.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are essential for removing dirt, grime, and stains from surfaces in your home. Here are some of the most commonly used cleaning products:
- All-purpose cleaner: Ideal for cleaning most surfaces, including countertops, appliances, and floors.
- Glass cleaner: Used for cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.
- Bathroom cleaner: Ideal for cleaning toilets, sinks, and showers.
- Furniture polish: Used for cleaning and polishing wood furniture.
- Dish soap: Ideal for cleaning dishes, but can also be used for cleaning other surfaces.
Remember to always read the labels on cleaning products and follow the instructions carefully. Some products may be harmful if used incorrectly, so it’s important to use them properly and store them safely.
English Vocabulary for House Cleaning
Cleaning Tools & Equipment
- Broom: a tool with a long handle and stiff bristles (usually made of straw or plastic) for sweeping dust, dirt and crumbs from the floor.
- Duster: a small brush that is used for dusting (removing dust). The bristles are usually softer than a broom and are sometimes made of feathers to dust fragile items.
- Dustpan: a pan with a small handle that is used to pick-up dust after it has been swept in a pile with a broom or duster.
- Vacuum cleaner: an electrical machine that is used for cleaning floors, carpets/rugs, furniture, etc., by sucking the dirt and dust into a bag in the machine.
- Mop: a tool for cleaning the floor which has a long handle and cloth or a sponge at the end.
- Sponge mop: a tool with a long handle and a sponge at the end that is used to clean floors.
- Bucket: a container that has a handle and is used for holding water. Buckets are often used when cleaning floors (the mop is dipped into the soapy water in the bucket).
- Spray bottle / spray cleaner: a bottle with a spray nozzle attached that sprays (spreads) the cleaning solution or water onto the item being cleaned.
- Squeegee: a cleaning tool with a a rubber strip on one end and a hangle that is used to wripe liquid across or off the surface of window, floors, shower walls or other surfaces.
- Plastic gloves: gloves that are made of plastic and are used to protect the hands while cleaning.
- Garbage can: a container for garbage.
- …
Cleaning Verbs
Room-Specific Cleaning Vocabulary
Kitchen Cleaning
When cleaning the kitchen, we need to use specific vocabulary to ensure that we are cleaning everything properly. Here are some common kitchen cleaning terms:
- Degrease: Cleaning up grease and oil from surfaces, such as stovetops, ovens, and countertops.
- Sanitize: Using chemicals to kill bacteria and germs on surfaces, such as cutting boards and countertops.
- Descale: Removing mineral buildup, such as limescale, from appliances, such as coffee makers and kettles.
- Deodorize: Removing unpleasant smells from the kitchen, such as garbage odors and food smells.
Bathroom Cleaning
Cleaning the bathroom requires specific vocabulary to ensure that we are cleaning everything properly. Here are some common bathroom cleaning terms:
- Disinfect: Using chemicals to kill bacteria and germs on surfaces, such as toilets, sinks, and shower stalls.
- Descaling: Removing mineral buildup, such as limescale, from fixtures, such as showerheads and faucets.
- Deodorize: Removing unpleasant smells from the bathroom, such as urine smells and mildew odors.
- Scrubbing: Using a brush or sponge to remove dirt and grime from surfaces, such as tiles and grout.
Living Room Cleaning
When cleaning the living room, we need to use specific vocabulary to ensure that we are cleaning everything properly. Here are some common living room cleaning terms:
- Dusting: Using a cloth or duster to remove dust from surfaces, such as shelves and tables.
- Vacuuming: Using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris from carpets and rugs.
- Polishing: Using a polish or wax to shine surfaces, such as wood furniture and floors.
- Spot cleaning: Using a cleaner to remove stains from surfaces, such as upholstery and carpets.
That’s it for our room-specific cleaning vocabulary!
Professional Cleaning Terms
When it comes to professional cleaning, there are many terms that may be unfamiliar to those outside of the industry. Here are a few key terms to know:
- HEPA filter: This stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter, which is designed to trap small particles like dust and allergens.
- Microfiber: A type of cloth made from tiny synthetic fibers that are highly effective at picking up dirt and dust.
- Squeegee: A tool with a flat, rubber blade used for cleaning windows and other smooth surfaces.
- Sanitize: To reduce the number of bacteria and other germs to a safe level.
- Disinfect: To kill or eliminate nearly all bacteria and other germs.
- Degreaser: A cleaning solution designed to remove grease and oil from surfaces.
- pH: A measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. Many cleaning products are formulated to be pH-neutral.
In addition to these terms, there are many others that may be specific to certain types of cleaning or equipment. It’s always a good idea to ask your cleaning professional if you’re unsure about any of the terminology they use.
Green Cleaning Terms
When it comes to house cleaning, using eco-friendly products is becoming more and more popular. Here are some of the most common “green” cleaning terms you might come across:
- Biodegradable: Applies to cleaning products that can be broken down naturally by bacteria or other living organisms.
- Compostable: Refers to materials that can be broken down into organic matter and used as fertilizer.
- HEPA: Stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters are used in vacuums and air purifiers to trap small particles like dust and pollen.
- Microfiber: A type of cloth made from tiny synthetic fibers that are great at trapping dirt and dust.
- Non-toxic: Refers to cleaning products that do not contain harmful chemicals.
- Sustainable: Describes products or practices that are environmentally friendly and can be maintained over time without depleting natural resources.
Switching to green cleaning products can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and keep your home clean and healthy. By using these terms, you can make informed decisions about the products you use and their impact on the environment.
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Vicki
Friday 18th of October 2019
Thanks for the website - very helpful
Issa
Saturday 20th of October 2018
Perfect
Sherry
Wednesday 3rd of January 2018
Perfect