scrubbings

Hard surface cleanings

Scrubbings are instances of vigorous cleaning by rubbing a surface with a brush, cloth, or abrasive: The old floors needed several scrubbings before they looked presentable.

The word emphasizes repeated or intensive effort—one scrubbing might not be enough.

cleaning

sponge

Absorbent cleaning material

  • mopFloor-washing implement
  • brushBristled cleaning tool
  • bucketOpen-top carrying vessel

soap · detergent · rinse · wipe · washcloth · scouring · sudsing · elbow grease · polish · cleanse

grime

dirt

Loose dry earth

  • filthFoul, accumulated matter
  • stainsDiscolorations on surfaces
  • greaseThick oily lubricant

soot · smudge · muck · crud · gunk · residue · scum · tarnish · buildup · crust

byproduct

residue

Matter left behind

dirty water · lather · grit · runoff · scrapings · sediment · dregs

sanitization

disinfect

Kill pathogens on surfaces

bleach · antiseptic · hygiene · purification · fumigation · steam-cleaning · pressure-washing · antibacterial · germicide · sterile

effort

toil

Strenuous, prolonged effort

elbow grease · labor · strain · fatigue · grind · hard work · vigorous · tiresome · back-breaking · repetitive

Opposites
cleaning intensity

scrubbingsdustings

Light surface coverings

spritzes · misting · soakings · wipes

surface treatment outcome

scrubbingscoatings

Applied surface layers

waxings · sealings · lacquerings · glazings

surface treatment method

scrubbingscoatings

Applied surface layers

dirtying · stainings · muddying · contaminations · besmirching

Phrases
Family

scrubbing

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G