Clean vs. Cleanse: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 30, 2023
Clean means being free from dirt or pollution, while cleanse refers to the process of making something clean, often implying purification.
Key Differences
Clean and cleanse are related concepts, but they are used differently in the English language. Clean is an adjective describing something free from dirt, impurities, or pollutants, reflecting a state of purity or tidiness. It can also be a verb, indicating the act of removing dirt or impurities. For instance, a clean room is one that is tidy and free of dirt.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Conversely, cleanse is a verb denoting the act of making something clean, usually implying a thorough cleaning or purification. It is often associated with purifying the body, skin, or system from toxins or impurities. A cleanse often refers to a process that is more comprehensive and specific than a general cleaning, focusing on the elimination of impurities or toxins.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Clean, when used as an adjective, portrays the state or condition of being free of dirt or pollutants, emphasizing purity and orderliness. It can refer to various things like clean clothes, clean air, or clean energy, each representing the absence of contamination, pollution, or disorder.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
In comparison, cleanse implies an action or a process focusing on purifying or detoxifying, often involving the removal of unwanted substances or toxins. Cleanse is commonly used in health and skincare contexts, symbolizing a restorative and rejuvenating process, like a skin cleanse or a body cleanse.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Clean and cleanse, while related, have subtle differences in their implications and usage. Clean represents a state of being free from impurities or a simpler act of cleaning, while cleanse involves a deeper, often more holistic process of purification and renewal.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Being free from dirt or impurities
The process of making something clean
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Usage
Describes purity or the act of removing dirt
Refers to thorough cleaning or purifying
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
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Clean and Cleanse Definitions
Cleanse
To purify from impurities or toxins.
Many people cleanse their bodies by fasting.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
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Cleanse
To eliminate undesirable elements.
The company needed to cleanse its reputation.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Clean
Free from dirt, stain, or impurities; unsoiled
A clean kitchen floor.
Clean clothes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Free from foreign matter or pollution; unadulterated
Clean air.
Clean drinking water.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Cleanse
To treat (the body or an organ) with a regimen intended to remove impurities and promote health
Drank vegetable juice for a week to cleanse her digestive system.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Cleanse
To purify morally or spiritually
Cleanse the organization of corruption.
Cleansed of sin.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Producing relatively little pollution
A clean fuel.
A cleaner, more efficient engine.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Producing relatively little radioactive fallout or contamination
A clean nuclear bomb.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Having no imperfections or blemishes; regular or even
A clean edge.
A smooth, clean joint.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Not ornate or intricate; spare
"the clean lines and exquisite proportions of early modernism" (Judith Thurman).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Cleanse
(transitive) To spiritually purify; to free from guilt or sin; to purge.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Cleanse
(transitive) To remove (something seen as unpleasant) from a person, place, or thing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Cleanse
An act of cleansing; a purification.
I regularly visit the spa for a massage and a facial cleanse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Cleanse
To render clean; to free from fith, pollution, infection, guilt, etc.; to clean.
If we walk in the light . . . the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin.
Can'st thou not minister to a mind diseased,And with some sweet oblivious antidoteCleanse the suffed bosom of that perilous stuffWhich weighs upon the heart?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Cleanse
Clean one's body or parts thereof, as by washing;
Clean up before you see your grandparents
Clean your fingernails before dinner
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Cleanse
Purge of an ideology, bad thoughts, or sins;
Purgatory is supposed to cleanse you from your sins
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Cleanse
To free from moral or spiritual pollution.
He sought to cleanse his soul through prayer.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Clean
Fit for all readers, listeners, or audiences; not ribald or obscene
A clean joke.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Showing no evidence of using banned or performance-enhancing substances
Proven to be clean before the race.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
To get rid of (impurities or dirt, for example); remove
Cleaned up the trash.
Cleaned off the stains.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
To prepare (fowl or other food) for cooking, as by removing the entrails or fat.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(Sports) To lift (a barbell) from the floor to the shoulders in one motion.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(aerodynamics) Allowing an uninterrupted flow over surfaces, without protrusions such as racks or landing gear.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Empty.
The cargo hold is clean.
Mister, I want to see a clean dinner plate or there'll be no dessert for you.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Pure, especially morally or religiously.
Our kids can watch this movie because it is clean.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Not having used drugs or alcohol.
I've been clean this time for eight months.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(of criminal, driving, etc. records) Without restrictions or penalties, or someone having such a record.
Unlike you, I’ve never caused any accidents — my record is still clean!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(informal) Not in possession of weapons or contraband such as drugs.
I'm clean, officer. You can go ahead and search me if you want.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Smooth, exact, and performed well.
I'll need a sharper knife to make clean cuts.
A clean leap over a fence
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(informal) Cool or neat.
Wow, Dude, those are some clean shoes ya got there!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(health) Being free of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
I want to make sure my fiancé is clean before we are married.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Free from that which is useless or injurious; without defects.
Clean land;
Clean timber
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(weightlifting) The first part of the event clean and jerk in which the weight is brought from the ground to the shoulders.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(transitive) To remove dirt from a place or object.
Can you clean the windows today?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
To remove equipment from a climbing route after it was previously lead climbed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(intransitive) To make things clean in general.
She just likes to clean. That’s why I married her.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
To brush the ice lightly in front of a moving rock to remove any debris and ensure a correct line; less vigorous than a sweep.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
To purge a raw of any blemishes caused by the scanning process such as brown tinting and poor color contrast.
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Fully and completely.
He was stabbed clean through.
You must be clean mad.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Free from that which is useless or injurious; without defects; as, clean land; clean timber.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Free from awkwardness; not bungling; adroit; dexterous; as, a clean trick; a clean leap over a fence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Free from restraint or neglect; complete; entire.
When ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of corners of thy field.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Free from moral defilement; sinless; pure.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
That I am whole, and clean, and meet for Heaven
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Free from that which is corrupting to the morals; pure in tone; healthy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Without limitation or remainder; quite; perfectly; wholly; entirely.
All the people were passed clean over Jordan.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
To render clean; to free from whatever is foul, offensive, or extraneous; to purify; to cleanse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
A weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Make clean by removing dirt, filth, or unwanted substances from;
Clean the stove!
The dentist cleaned my teeth
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Remove unwanted substances from, such as feathers or pits;
Clean the turkey
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Clean one's body or parts thereof, as by washing;
Clean up before you see your grandparents
Clean your fingernails before dinner
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Deprive wholly of money in a gambling game, robbery, etc.;
The other players cleaned him completely
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Remove all contents or possession from, or empty completely;
The boys cleaned the sandwich platters
The trees were cleaned of apples by the storm
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits;
Children with clean shining faces
Clean white shirts
Clean dishes
A spotlessly clean house
Cats are clean animals
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Free of restrictions or qualifications;
A clean bill of health
A clear winner
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(of sound or color) free from anything that dulls or dims;
Efforts to obtain a clean bass in orchestral recordings
Clear laughter like a waterfall
Clear reds and blues
A light lilting voice like a silver bell
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
Not spreading pollution or contamination; especially radioactive contamination;
A clean fuel
Cleaner and more efficient engines
The tactical bomb is reasonably clean
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(of behavior or especially language) free from objectionable elements; fit for all observers;
Good clean fun
A clean joke
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
(of a manuscript) having few alterations or corrections;
Fair copy
A clean manuscript
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Clean
Of a surface; not written or printed on;
Blank pages
Fill in the blank spaces
A clean page
Wide white margins
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Clean
Marked by or calling for sportsmanship or fair play;
A clean fight
A sporting solution of the disagreement
Sportsmanlike conduct
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Clean
Thorough and without qualification;
A clean getaway
A clean sweep
A clean break
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Clean
(of a record) having no marks of discredit or offense;
A clean voting recor
A clean driver's license
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Clean
Free from clumsiness; precisely or deftly executed;
He landed a clean left on his opponent's cheek
A clean throw
The neat exactness of the surgeon's knife
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Clean
Free of drugs;
After a long dependency on heroin she has been clean for 4 years
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Clean
Completely; used as intensifiers;
Clean forgot the appointment
I'm plumb (or plum) tuckered out
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Oct 11, 2022
Clean
In conformity with the rules or laws and without fraud or cheating;
They played fairly
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
FAQs
Is clean only used to describe physical cleanliness?
No, clean can also describe moral or spiritual purity, as well as clarity in expression.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can cleanse refer to a moral or spiritual purification?
Yes, cleanse can imply a moral or spiritual purification, as in cleansing one's soul.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can one cleanse their reputation?
Yes, cleansing a reputation refers to removing undesirable elements or perceptions to restore it.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Does clean air mean it’s purified?
Clean air typically means it is free from pollutants and contaminants, so it can be considered purified.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Can a clean design refer to its aesthetics?
Yes, a clean design typically means it has a simple, uncluttered, and clear aesthetic.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Can cleanse mean to clear something?
Yes, to cleanse can also mean to clear or purge something of undesirable elements.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Can clean be used as a verb?
Yes, clean can be used as a verb meaning to make something free from dirt or impurities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Is cleanse more thorough than clean?
Typically, yes, cleanse often implies a more thorough and specific cleaning or purifying process.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Is a clean break referring to cleanliness?
No, a clean break usually means a complete and clear separation or change.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
Is cleansing always related to health?
No, while often used in health contexts, cleansing can refer to purifying or cleaning anything from substances to reputations.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is cleansing always physical?
No, cleansing can also be moral, spiritual, or emotional, referring to purifying aspects beyond the physical.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Can a cleanse be a diet?
Yes, a cleanse can be a diet aimed at detoxifying the body by eliminating toxins.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
Can clean refer to a complete action?
Yes, clean can refer to thoroughness or completeness in action, like a clean sweep.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can you clean your conscience?
Yes, cleaning one's conscience typically means resolving moral or ethical dilemmas and guilt.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
