housecleaning
Sweeping and mopping
Housecleaning is the work of cleaning a house—dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing, and tidying.
The term extends to any thorough removal of unwanted things: The new CEO promised a housecleaning of corrupt executives.
Such figurative housecleaning suggests sweeping out problems that have accumulated through neglect.
Removing surface grime
- moppingCleaning floors with water
- vacuumingRemoving dirt by suction
- scrubbingCleaning by rubbing hard
- sweepingExtensive and far-reaching
polishing · wiping · washing · ironing · tidying · decluttering · organizing · neatening
Chemical cleaning agent
- bleachChemical stain and germ killer
- soapFatty alkali cleanser
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
sponge · mop · broom · duster · vacuum · bucket · gloves · rags
State of being tidy
- orderlinessMethodical arrangement of things
- unclutteredFree from disorder
- spick-and-spanCompletely clean and orderly
- shipshapeOrderly and neat
immaculate · spotless · organized · spruce · minimalism · decluttering · systematizing · categorizing
Rearranging an existing framework
- overhaulComplete systematic repair
- purgeEliminate unwanted elements
- shake-upSudden structural overhaul
- reformImprove by correcting faults
streamlining · reorganization · revamp · clear-out · transformation · renewal · staff · changes
Killing bacteria and viruses
- sanitizingEliminating harmful microorganisms
- sterilizingDestroying all microorganisms
- decontaminatingRemoving harmful agents
- germicideAgent that kills microbes
antibacterial · antiseptic · hygiene · purification · fumigation · biocide · bathroom · kitchen
dusting
Removing surface grime
sweeping · polishing · wiping · washing · ironing · tidying · decluttering · organizing · neatening · straightening
detergent
Chemical cleaning agent
- bleachChemical stain and germ killer
- soapFatty alkali cleanser
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
sanitizer · sponge · mop · broom · duster · vacuum · bucket · gloves · rags · spray
neatness
State of being tidy
- orderlinessMethodical arrangement of things
- unclutteredFree from disorder
- spick-and-spanCompletely clean and orderly
shipshape · immaculate · spotless · organized · spruce · minimalism · decluttering · systematizing · categorizing · sorting
restructuring
Rearranging an existing framework
- overhaulComplete systematic repair
- purgeEliminate unwanted elements
- shake-upSudden structural overhaul
reform · streamlining · reorganization · revamp · clear-out · transformation · renewal · staff · changes · dismissals
disinfecting
Killing bacteria and viruses
- sanitizingEliminating harmful microorganisms
- sterilizingDestroying all microorganisms
- decontaminatingRemoving harmful agents
germicide · antibacterial · antiseptic · hygiene · purification · fumigation · biocide · bathroom · kitchen · surfaces
- cleaninghousekeeping, disinfect, dust, cleanse, sanitization
- homemakingcooking, laundry, recipes, baking, sewing
- shakeupsshakeup, shake-up, reshuffle, reorganization, restructuring
housecleaningmaking a mess
dirtying · cluttering · littering · hoarding · disorganizing
housecleaningyard work
Outdoor property maintenance
landscaping · gardening · lawn care · groundskeeping · snow removal