spot-clean
Treat stains locally
Spot-clean means to clean only the soiled areas rather than washing the whole item.
Care labels on clothing or upholstery often specify "spot-clean only" when full washing would damage the material: The silk blouse should be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth.
The hyphen is sometimes dropped.
Chosen for specific attention
- localisedRestricted to particular area
- focusedDirecting attention narrowly
- carefulExercising caution and attention
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
gentle · delicate · controlled · selective · pinpoint · isolated · contained · specific
Absorbing by pressing
- dabbingLight, repeated pressing
- pattingLight repeated touching
- wipingRubbing to clean
- spongingTaking without reciprocating
scrubbing · rubbing · pre-treatment · soaking · rinsing · handwash · lifting · agitating
Absorbent cleaning material
- microfiberUltrafine synthetic textile threads
- brushBristled cleaning tool
- clothWoven or knit material
- cotton ballFluffy absorbent fiber sphere
paper towel · spray bottle · white cloth · toothbrush · squeegee · steam wand
Chemical cleaning agent
- stain stickPretreating tool for fabric
- solventDissolving liquid or financially stable
- degreaserOil-dissolving cleaner
- vinegarAcidic cooking liquid
peroxide · bleach · fabric spray · club soda
Ongoing preservation effort
- touch-upMinor cosmetic correction
- fresheningMaking more lively
- preventiveMeant to stop trouble
- extendingIncreasing in reach
targeted
Chosen for specific attention
- localisedRestricted to particular area
- focusedDirecting attention narrowly
- carefulExercising caution and attention
meticulous · gentle · delicate · controlled · selective · pinpoint · isolated · contained · specific · minimal
blotting
Absorbing by pressing
sponging · scrubbing · rubbing · pre-treatment · soaking · rinsing · handwash · lifting · agitating · tamping
sponge
Absorbent cleaning material
- microfiberUltrafine synthetic textile threads
- brushBristled cleaning tool
- clothWoven or knit material
cotton ball · paper towel · spray bottle · white cloth · toothbrush · squeegee · steam wand
detergent
Chemical cleaning agent
- stain stickPretreating tool for fabric
- solventDissolving liquid or financially stable
- degreaserOil-dissolving cleaner
vinegar · peroxide · bleach · fabric spray · club soda
upkeep
Ongoing preservation effort
- touch-upMinor cosmetic correction
- fresheningMaking more lively
- preventiveMeant to stop trouble
grease
Thick oily lubricant
blood · grass · mud · pet stain · makeup · oil · rust · tannin · protein · watermark