Ever felt your language needed a scrub when describing tidiness or order? Struggling beyond “clean” or “organize” to capture nuances of making things spotless?
This article dives into idioms for cleaning, equipping you with vibrant expressions for both physical neatness and metaphorical rectification. These phrases will polish your prose, making your descriptions shine.
Best Idioms for Cleaning
1. Clean as a whistle
Meaning: Very clean; also, perfectly done or clear.
In a Sentence:
After she finished cleaning, the kitchen was as clean as a whistle.
The deal went through as clean as a whistle, with no complications.
Other Ways to Say: Spotless, Flawless, Pristine, Perfect
2. Clean bill of health
Meaning: A declaration or certification that someone or something is healthy or in good condition.
In a Sentence:
After all the tests, the doctor gave me a clean bill of health.
The car passed its inspection and received a clean bill of health.
Other Ways to Say: Healthy, In good condition, Approved, Certified well
3. Clean out
Meaning: To empty something completely; to thoroughly clean a place; to deplete someone’s money.
In a Sentence:
We need to clean out the garage this weekend.
The burglars cleaned out the entire safe.
Other Ways to Say: Empty, Clear out, Empty out, Deplete (money)
4. Clean plate
Meaning: To eat all the food on one’s plate.
In a Sentence:
My mom always told me to eat a clean plate before I could have dessert.
The child proudly showed his clean plate after dinner.
Other Ways to Say: Eat everything, Finish food, Leave no leftovers
5. Clean sheet
Meaning: A record of good behavior or performance with no mistakes or blemishes; in sports, not conceding a goal.
In a Sentence:
The new manager promised to start with a clean sheet.
The goalkeeper was proud to keep a clean sheet in the match.
Other Ways to Say: Fresh start, Clear record, No mistakes, Undefeated (sports)
6. Clean someone out
Meaning: To take all of someone’s money, often by winning it or by swindling them.
In a Sentence:
That poker game really cleaned him out; he lost everything.
The unexpected repairs completely cleaned me out financially.
Other Ways to Say: Bankrupt, Impoverish, Swindle, Deplete funds
7. Clean your clock
Meaning: To hit someone hard; to defeat someone decisively (informal, aggressive).
In a Sentence:
If you try that again, I’ll clean your clock!
Our team really cleaned their clock in the final game.
Other Ways to Say: Beat up, Defeat decisively, Thrash, Wallop
8. A new broom sweeps clean
Meaning: A new person in charge will make many changes.
In a Sentence:
The new CEO is making a lot of changes; a new broom sweeps clean, I suppose.
We’re hoping that with the new management, a new broom sweeps clean and improves efficiency.
Other Ways to Say: New leadership, Fresh start, Reform, Change from new person
9. Clean break
Meaning: A complete and sudden separation or end to a relationship or situation.
In a Sentence:
After their argument, they decided to make a clean break and never speak again.
He needed a clean break from his old habits to start fresh.
Other Ways to Say: Complete separation, Clear ending, Fresh start, Decisive split
10. Clean up
Meaning: To make something tidy or orderly; to improve one’s behavior; to make a large profit.
In a Sentence:
Please clean up your room before guests arrive.
He really needs to clean up his act if he wants to keep his job.
The company cleaned up on the new stock market investment.
Other Ways to Say: Tidy, Organize, Improve behavior, Make profit
11. Come clean
Meaning: To confess the truth; to admit to something.
In a Sentence:
It’s time you came clean about what really happened.
He decided to come clean to his parents about the broken vase.
Other Ways to Say: Confess, Admit, Disclose, Reveal the truth
12. Have clean hands
Meaning: To be innocent of wrongdoing; to not be involved in something illegal or immoral.
In a Sentence:
He insisted he had clean hands regarding the scandal.
The judge determined that the defendant had clean hands in the matter.
Other Ways to Say: Innocent, Blameless, Not guilty, Uninvolved
13. Clean slate
Meaning: A fresh start, free from past mistakes or debts. (Same as ‘clean sheet’).
In a Sentence:
After moving to a new city, he felt like he had a clean slate.
The new policy allowed everyone to start with a clean slate.
Other Ways to Say: Fresh start, New beginning, Clear record, Tabula rasa
14. Clean as a new penny
Meaning: Very clean and shining; in excellent, pristine condition.
In a Sentence:
After a thorough wash, the car was as clean as a new penny.
Her reputation remained as clean as a new penny despite the rumors.
Other Ways to Say: Spotless, Pristine, Impeccable, Brand new looking
15. Clean as a new pin
Meaning: Very clean and tidy; immaculate. (Similar to ‘clean as a new penny’).
In a Sentence:
The newly renovated apartment was as clean as a new pin.
He kept his workshop as clean as a new pin.
Other Ways to Say: Spotless, Immaculate, Tidy, Pristine
Related Post: 50 Idioms for Home Finding Your Sanctuary
16. Clean cut
Meaning: Neat and tidy in appearance; wholesome or respectable in character.
In a Sentence:
He always presents himself as a clean-cut young man.
The movie presented a clean-cut image of heroism.
Other Ways to Say: Neat, Tidy, Wholesome, Respectable
17. Clean getaway
Meaning: An escape that is accomplished without being caught or leaving any trace.
In a Sentence:
The thieves made a clean getaway after the heist.
Despite the obstacles, the team achieved a clean getaway from the difficult situation.
Other Ways to Say: Successful escape, Unhindered escape, Flawless escape
18. Clean sweep
Meaning: A complete victory; winning all parts of a competition or all available options.
In a Sentence:
Our team made a clean sweep of all the awards at the competition.
The party won a clean sweep of the elections.
Other Ways to Say: Complete victory, Total win, Dominant performance
19. Clean up your act
Meaning: To improve one’s behavior or performance.
In a Sentence:
If you want to stay in this team, you need to clean up your act.
The company was told to clean up its act or face legal action.
Other Ways to Say: Improve behavior, Behave better, Reform, Get your life in order
20. A clean sheet/slate
Meaning: A new start without any previous mistakes or bad records. (Repetition for emphasis, as it’s common).
In a Sentence:
The new year offers everyone a clean slate to start fresh.
After rehabilitation, he was given a clean slate by his family.
Other Ways to Say: Fresh beginning, Clear record, New opportunity
21. Clean house
Meaning: To remove unwanted or inefficient people or things from an organization; to thoroughly clean one’s home.
In a Sentence:
The new CEO decided to clean house and replace several senior executives.
It’s time to clean house and get rid of all this clutter.
Other Ways to Say: Purge, Reorganize, Remove inefficiencies, Declutter
22. Clean the floor with someone
Meaning: To defeat someone decisively or criticize them very harshly.
In a Sentence:
Our team cleaned the floor with the opponents in the final game.
The lawyer cleaned the floor with the witness during cross-examination.
Other Ways to Say: Defeat easily, Dominate, Humiliate, Criticize harshly
23. Spick and span
Meaning: Very neat and clean.
In a Sentence:
She always keeps her apartment spick and span.
The children made sure the playroom was spick and span before their parents came home.
Other Ways to Say: Spotless, Immaculate, Pristine, Tidy
24. Wipe the slate clean
Meaning: To forget past faults or offenses and start fresh.
In a Sentence:
Let’s wipe the slate clean and try to work together again.
The new policy aims to wipe the slate clean for ex-offenders.
Other Ways to Say: Forgive and forget, Start anew, Erase past mistakes, Give a fresh start
25. Clean as a hound’s tooth
Meaning: Very clean; impeccable (often used for reputation or moral character).
In a Sentence:
His reputation in the community was as clean as a hound’s tooth.
The financial records were examined and found to be as clean as a hound’s tooth.
Other Ways to Say: Pristine, Impeccable, Flawless, Untarnished
26. Make a clean breast of it
Meaning: To fully confess something, especially something bad that one has kept secret.
In a Sentence:
He finally decided to make a clean breast of it and tell the whole truth.
It’s better to make a clean breast of it now than to live with guilt.
Other Ways to Say: Confess fully, Admit everything, Disclose completely, Come clean
27. Keep your nose clean
Meaning: To stay out of trouble; to avoid illegal or dishonest activities.
In a Sentence:
If you want to succeed, you need to keep your nose clean and avoid bad influences.
The detective advised the ex-convict to keep his nose clean.
Other Ways to Say: Stay out of trouble, Behave well, Avoid problems, Be law-abiding
28. Clean up the mess
Meaning: To sort out a difficult or chaotic situation; to literally clean a dirty area.
In a Sentence:
The new manager was hired to clean up the mess left by the previous one.
Someone needs to clean up the mess in the kitchen after the party.
Other Ways to Say: Rectify a situation, Resolve problems, Tidy up, Organize
29. Sparkle like a new pin
Meaning: To be exceptionally clean, bright, and shiny. (Similar to ‘clean as a new pin/penny’).
In a Sentence:
After polishing, the silver jewelry sparkled like a new pin.
The freshly washed windows sparkled like a new pin in the sunlight.
Other Ways to Say: Glistening, Shiny, Pristine, Brilliant
30. Wash your hands of something
Meaning: To disclaim responsibility for or involvement with something; to cease to be involved.
In a Sentence:
After countless arguments, he decided to wash his hands of the whole affair.
The government washed its hands of the problem, leaving it to local authorities.
Other Ways to Say: Disclaim responsibility, Abandon, Renounce, Give up on
31. Sweep under the rug
Meaning: To conceal or ignore a problem or scandal in the hope that it will be forgotten.
In a Sentence:
The company tried to sweep the safety issues under the rug.
You can’t just sweep your problems under the rug; you have to face them.
Other Ways to Say: Conceal, Hide, Ignore, Cover up, Suppress
32. Clean the decks
Meaning: To get ready for action; to clear away unnecessary things to prepare for something new (nautical origin).
In a Sentence:
We need to clean the decks before we can start the new project.
The company is cleaning the decks for a major reorganization.
Other Ways to Say: Prepare for action, Clear the way, Make ready, Declutter for a purpose
33. Polish to perfection
Meaning: To refine something until it is flawless or excellent.
In a Sentence:
He spent hours polishing his presentation to perfection.
The artist polished every detail of the sculpture to perfection.
Other Ways to Say: Refine, Perfect, Improve, Fine-tune
34. Tidy up loose ends
Meaning: To resolve minor outstanding issues or complete small unfinished tasks.
In a Sentence:
Before leaving for vacation, I need to tidy up a few loose ends at work.
Let’s tidy up these loose ends before we close the project.
Other Ways to Say: Resolve minor issues, Finish small tasks, Tie up loose ends
35. Scrub up well
Meaning: To look good when dressed up; to appear presentable. (Often used for someone who usually dresses casually).
In a Sentence:
I was surprised; he really scrubbed up well for the wedding.
She always scrubs up well for formal events.
Other Ways to Say: Look smart, Dress well, Be presentable, Clean up nicely
Related Post: 50 Idioms About Teeth Sink Your Teeth In
36. Dust off your skills
Meaning: To refresh or revive skills that have not been used for a long time.
In a Sentence:
I need to dust off my French skills before my trip to Paris.
He had to dust off his old coding knowledge for the new job.
Other Ways to Say: Refresh skills, Practice old skills, Revive knowledge, Relearn
37. Sweep the board
Meaning: To win every prize or contest; to win everything available. (Similar to ‘clean sweep’).
In a Sentence:
Our team swept the board at the national championships.
The new product is expected to sweep the board in the market.
Other Ways to Say: Win everything, Dominate, Achieve complete victory
38. Clean as a bell
Meaning: Perfectly clean; also, having a clear and pure sound.
In a Sentence:
The mountain air was as clean as a bell.
Her singing voice was as clean as a bell.
Other Ways to Say: Pristine, Pure, Clear, Immaculate
39. Wipe the floor with someone
Meaning: To defeat someone very easily or humiliate them. (Similar to ‘clean the floor with someone’).
In a Sentence:
The experienced chess player wiped the floor with his amateur opponent.
The debater wiped the floor with his rival in the final round.
Other Ways to Say: Defeat decisively, Dominate, Humiliate, Win easily
40. Clear the decks
Meaning: To prepare for action; to remove obstacles to get ready for something. (Similar to ‘clean the decks’).
In a Sentence:
We need to clear the decks for the new project by finishing all current tasks.
The manager ordered everyone to clear the decks for the upcoming audit.
Other Ways to Say: Prepare, Make ready, Get organized, Remove obstructions
41. Wash away your sins
Meaning: To cleanse oneself of guilt or past wrongdoings.
In a Sentence:
He hoped his good deeds would wash away his past sins.
Some people believe confession helps to wash away your sins.
Other Ways to Say: Atone for sins, Redeem oneself, Be forgiven, Clear one’s conscience
42. Make a clean sweep
Meaning: To win everything; to remove all undesirable elements. (Similar to ‘clean sweep’).
In a Sentence:
The new coach made a clean sweep of the entire roster.
The political party made a clean sweep in the recent elections.
Other Ways to Say: Complete victory, Total removal, Overhaul, Win all
43. Clean out the closet
Meaning: To get rid of old or unwanted items, especially clothes; figuratively, to reveal secrets.
In a Sentence:
I spent the entire weekend cleaning out the closet, donating old clothes.
The scandal forced him to clean out the closet and reveal past mistakes.
Other Ways to Say: Declutter, Get rid of, Discard, Reveal secrets
44. Spotless reputation
Meaning: A reputation that is perfect and free from any wrongdoing or scandal.
In a Sentence:
He had a spotless reputation throughout his long career.
The company prides itself on its spotless reputation for customer service.
Other Ways to Say: Unblemished reputation, Impeccable reputation, Untarnished record
45. Sweep it under the carpet
Meaning: To hide or ignore a problem or scandal rather than dealing with it publicly. (Same as ‘sweep under the rug’).
In a Sentence:
Don’t try to sweep the financial issues under the carpet; we need to address them.
Ignoring the problem and sweeping it under the carpet will only make it worse.
Other Ways to Say: Conceal, Hide, Ignore, Cover up, Suppress
46. Clean your plate
Meaning: To eat all the food on one’s plate. (Repetition, but common enough to include again).
In a Sentence:
“You can’t leave the table until you clean your plate,” Dad said.
She was always praised for cleaning her plate at dinner.
Other Ways to Say: Eat everything, Finish food, Leave no leftovers
47. Bright as a button
Meaning: Very cheerful, intelligent, or alert.
In a Sentence:
Despite being sick yesterday, she’s bright as a button today.
The new student is bright as a button and grasps concepts quickly.
Other Ways to Say: Alert, Intelligent, Cheerful, Lively
48. Mop the floor with someone
Meaning: To defeat someone utterly or criticize them very harshly. (Similar to ‘clean the floor with someone’).
In a Sentence:
Our debate team mopped the floor with the opposing side.
The lawyer mopped the floor with the witness’s testimony.
Other Ways to Say: Defeat decisively, Dominate, Humiliate, Overwhelm
49. Polish your act
Meaning: To improve one’s performance, behavior, or presentation.
In a Sentence:
If you want to get that promotion, you need to polish your act in meetings.
The band needs to polish its act before its big concert.
Other Ways to Say: Refine performance, Improve behavior, Practice, Perfect skills
50. Keep it clean
Meaning: To maintain cleanliness; to keep language or behavior appropriate and decent.
In a Sentence:
Please keep the kitchen clean after you use it.
The comedian was told to keep it clean for the family audience.
Other Ways to Say: Maintain cleanliness, Be decent, Be appropriate, Avoid vulgarity
Exercise to Practice – Idioms About Cleaning
- After the major renovation, the entire house was _________________________ and ready for the new furniture.
- The doctor gave the patient a _________________________ after his last check-up, much to his relief.
- The company decided to _________________________ and fire all employees involved in the scandal.
- The new manager is known for being decisive; everyone expects she’ll _________________________ in her first few weeks.
- He had to _________________________ to his parents about sneaking out last night.
- The politician insisted he _________________________ regarding the controversial budget decisions.
- After years of rivalry, the two siblings decided to _________________________ and move forward.
- The rookie team surprisingly _________________________ their experienced opponents in the final match.
- If you want to stay out of trouble with the law, you need to _________________________.
- The company tried to _________________________ the financial irregularities, hoping no one would notice.
Answer Key
- spick and span (or clean as a whistle / clean as a new pin)
- clean bill of health
- clean house
- sweep clean (from “a new broom sweeps clean”)
- come clean
- had clean hands
- wipe the slate clean (or make a clean break)
- wiped the floor with (or cleaned the floor with / mopped the floor with)
- keep your nose clean
- sweep under the rug (or sweep under the carpet)
Conclusion
This journey through idioms for cleaning unveiled a linguistic toolkit far beyond mere tidying. It’s about articulating profound shifts, from literal neatness to metaphorical renewal and resolution. These phrases imbue your language with a polished gleam, transforming simple descriptions into vivid insights. Now, empower your voice. Integrate these idioms for cleaning to elevate your discourse, clarifying complexity and ensuring every word resonates with impactful precision.
Danny Weber is a language enthusiast and freelance writer with a passion for unpacking the beauty of idioms and metaphors. Through years of research and creative exploration, Danny helps readers understand the deeper meanings behind familiar phrases—making figurative language feel accessible, engaging, and alive. Whether he’s decoding classic sayings or crafting new twists on old expressions, Danny’s work invites you to see language with fresh eyes.
