B116 words · Intermediate

Housework & Repairs vocabulary — B1

Housework & Repairs vocabulary for thorough cleaning and basic maintenance, including polish, disinfect, deep clean and screwdriver — words for jobs beyond everyday tidying.

16 questions

Words in this set

polish
/ˈpɑlɪʃ/
To rub a surface with a cloth until it shines.
Example: She polishes her shoes every Sunday evening without fail.
rinse
/rɪns/
To wash something quickly with clean water to take off soap or dirt.
Example: Rinse the plates before you put them in the dishwasher.
disinfect
/dɪsɪnˈfɛkt/
To clean something using a chemical that kills germs.
Example: Remember to disinfect the kitchen surfaces after cooking meat.
stain
/steɪn/
A mark that is difficult to remove, often caused by a liquid or food.
Example: There's a coffee stain on the carpet.
soak
/soʊk/
To leave something in water for a while to loosen dirt.
Example: Let the pans soak overnight before you wash them.
sweep up
To collect dirt or mess from the floor using a brush.
Example: Can you sweep up the crumbs from the floor?
wipe down
To clean a whole surface by rubbing it with a cloth.
Example: She wiped down the counters before dinner.
freshen up
To make a room or space feel cleaner and more pleasant.
Example: A quick tidy can freshen up the whole flat.
air dry
To let something lose its wetness naturally, without a machine or heat.
Example: It's best to air dry this jumper instead of using the dryer.
deep clean
To scrub somewhere thoroughly, including places you don't usually reach.
Example: We deep clean the kitchen every few months.
leak
/lik/
A hole or crack that lets liquid or gas escape when it should not.
Example: There's a leak under the sink, so the floor is wet.
drill
/drɪl/
A tool with a spinning point that makes round holes in wood or walls.
Example: Can I borrow your drill to put up these shelves?
ladder
/ˈlædər/
A tall set of steps you climb to reach high places, often leaning against a wall.
Example: Hold the ladder while I clean out the gutter.
blocked
/blɑkt/
Full of something stuck inside that stops water flowing through.
Example: The kitchen sink is blocked again and the water won't drain.
screwdriver
/ˈskruˌdraɪvər/
A hand tool with a thin end that fits into a screw so you can turn it.
Example: Pass me the small screwdriver to tighten this handle.
maintenance
/ˈmeɪntənəns/
Regular work done to keep something in good condition.
Example: The building needs regular maintenance.