What Is Another Way to Say “Clean Up”?

Looking for synonyms for clean up? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say clean up.

  • Tidy up
  • Purify
  • Sanitize
  • Sweep
  • Neaten
  • Scrub
  • Decontaminate
  • Disinfect
  • Spruce up
  • Straighten up
  • Clear up
  • Wash
  • Polish
  • Dust
  • Organize
  • Mop up
  • Freshen up
  • Spick-and-span
  • Streamline
  • De-clutter
  • Sterilize
  • Vacuum
  • Primp
  • Pick up
  • Refine

Want to learn how to say clean up professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Tidy up

Used for making a place orderly or neat.

Example: “Please tidy up the conference room before the clients arrive.”

2. Purify

Appropriate for removing contaminants or impurities.

Example: “The lab technicians are required to purify the samples before analysis.”

3. Sanitize

Used for making something clean by removing bacteria or germs.

Example: “After each use, the medical equipment must be sanitized.”

4. Sweep

Appropriate for cleaning or clearing a space using a broom or brush.

Example: “The custodial staff will sweep the hallways every evening.”

5. Neaten

Used for making something orderly or tidy.

Example: “She neatened the stack of documents on her desk.”

6. Scrub

Appropriate for cleaning something by rubbing it hard, often with a brush and water.

Example: “The floors of the restaurant are scrubbed nightly.”

7. Decontaminate

Used for removing or neutralizing dangerous substances.

Example: “The spill area must be decontaminated by a trained professional.”

8. Disinfect

Appropriate for cleaning an area or surface to destroy bacteria.

Example: “Disinfect the surgical tools before they are used again.”

9. Spruce up

Used informally for making something neater, cleaner, or more attractive.

Example: “We need to spruce up the office before the open house.”

10. Straighten up

Appropriate for making a place or things tidy.

Example: “Please straighten up the meeting room after the session.”

11. Clear up

Used for removing items that are cluttering a space.

Example: “Clear up the workspace at the end of the day to maintain a clean environment.”

12. Wash

Appropriate for cleaning with water and, typically, soap.

Example: “The kitchen staff must wash all utensils thoroughly after use.”

13. Polish

Used for making something smooth and shiny by rubbing.

Example: “The maintenance team will polish the lobby floors every weekend.”

14. Dust

Appropriate for removing dust from a surface.

Example: “Dust all the office furniture as part of the regular cleaning routine.”

15. Organize

Used for arranging or ordering things so that they are easy to find and use.

Example: “Organize the files in the cabinet for easy access.”

16. Mop up

Appropriate for cleaning or wiping a liquid using a mop.

Example: “Any spills in the kitchen should be mopped up immediately to prevent accidents.”

17. Freshen up

Used to make a place smell better and appear cleaner.

Example: “We’ll freshen up the guest rooms before the visitors arrive.”

18. Spick-and-span

Appropriate for being completely clean and neat.

Example: “The inspection team expects the facility to be spick-and-span.”

19. Streamline

Used for improving a system or process by making it more efficient and orderly.

Example: “Streamline the document filing system to improve retrieval efficiency.”

20. De-clutter

Appropriate for removing unnecessary items from an overcrowded space.

Example: “De-clutter the desk to create a more productive workspace.”

21. Sterilize

Used for making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.

Example: “All surgical equipment must be sterilized before use.”

22. Vacuum

Appropriate for cleaning a floor, upholstery, etc., with a vacuum cleaner.

Example: “The carpets in the office are vacuumed daily.”

23. Primp

Used informally for spending time making minor adjustments to one’s appearance or the appearance of a space.

Example: “She primped the reception area before the guests arrived.”

24. Pick up

Appropriate for tidying a space by removing and putting away items.

Example: “Please pick up all the materials after the workshop.”

25. Refine

Used for improving something by making small changes, particularly to make it more effective or precise.

Example: “Refine the cleaning schedule to ensure all areas are adequately covered.”

Linda Brown