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CLEANING THE HOUSE VOCABULARY 1 (ESL)

level: Beginner/Intermediate (A2/B1)
English has specific vocabulary for all the tasks involved in cleaning a home. This exercise covers the essential verbs, nouns, and phrases used when talking about cleaning and tidying.


READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!

Choose the best response to complete each sentence.

1. Pass me the ________. I want to scrub the counter.
2. Pass me the ________. I want to sweep the floor.
3. Fill this ________ with water.
4. The shelves are very ________.
5. I already ________ my bed.
6. The chemicals in this cleaning product can be ________ ( = dangerous) to your health.
7. This is the best product to ________ stains.
8. Make sure you ________ the hallway as well.
9. We only use pet-________ cleaning products.
10. We have a washing machine, but no ________ .
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Cleaning the House Conversation Questions 1. How often do you clean your home? Do you have a regular cleaning schedule?
2. What is your least favorite cleaning task? Why?
3. Do you think a clean home is important for your mental health and wellbeing? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever hired a professional cleaner? What was the experience like?
5. Are there any cleaning tips or tricks you swear by?
6. Do you think people are more or less house-proud than previous generations? Why?
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Did you know? Many cleaning-related words in English come from the specific tools used for the task. Sweep comes from Old English swāpan; scrub is related to Middle Dutch and Low German words for scratching or rubbing; and vacuum comes directly from the Latin word for "empty space" — referring to the suction mechanism that removes dirt.

The first practical vacuum cleaner was invented in 1901 by British engineer Hubert Cecil Booth. Early models were so large they were pulled by horse-drawn carriages and operated from outside the house, with long hoses pushed through windows. Portable household models became popular in the 1920s.
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