Differences between clean out and clean up
Clean out usually means to completely empty a space or container of its contents, while clean up generally means to tidy or organize a space by removing dirt, clutter, or unnecessary items.
Meanings and Definitions: clean out vs clean up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Clean out
- 1Tidy up thoroughly and throw away unwanted things..
I really must CLEAN the study OUT; there's stuff all over the floor and piles of paper everywhere.
- 2Cause someone to spend all their money.
The holiday CLEANED me OUT- I'm broke till the end of the month.
Clean up
- 1Tidy and clean.
CLEAN this bedroom UP; it's a disgrace.
- 2Profit, sometimes suddenly.
At the horse races yesterday we really CLEANED UP.
Usage Examples: clean out, clean up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
clean out
Example
I need to clean out my closet; it's full of clothes I don't wear anymore.
Example
She cleans out her garage every spring.
clean up
Example
Please clean up your room before your friends come over.
Example
She cleans up the kitchen after dinner every night.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clean out
empty out
To remove all the contents of a space or container.
Example
He had to empty out his entire closet to make room for the new furniture.
strip down
To remove all the components or contents of something.
Example
The mechanic had to strip down the car engine to fix the problem.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clean up
tidy up
To make a space neat and organized by removing dirt, clutter, or unnecessary items.
Example
She spent the afternoon tidying up her room and putting away her clothes.
straighten up
To make a space orderly and neat by arranging things properly.
Example
Before the guests arrived, they had to straighten up the living room and put away the toys.
neaten up
To make a space clean and tidy by arranging things in an orderly way.
Example
He asked his assistant to neaten up his office before the meeting with the clients.
Differences in clean out vs clean up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: clean out or clean up?
In daily conversation, people use clean up more often than clean out. This is because clean up is used for more routine tasks such as cleaning a room or organizing a closet. Clean out is not used as much, but it's commonly used when we're talking about completely emptying something like a closet or a fridge. So, while both phrases are used, clean up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of clean out and clean up
Clean out and clean up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of clean out and clean up
The tone of clean out and clean up can differ based on context. Clean out often carries a more drastic or urgent tone when related to completely emptying a space or container, while clean up typically has a more practical and casual tone, especially when referring to tidying or organizing a space.
