What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cleanse
Example
She uses a gentle cleanser to cleanse her face every morning. [cleanse: verb]
Example
Many people do a juice cleanse to detoxify their bodies. [cleanse: noun]
wash
Example
I need to wash my car because it's covered in dirt. [wash: verb]
Example
She put the dirty clothes in the washing machine to wash them. [wash: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wash is more commonly used than cleanse in everyday language. Wash is a familiar word that covers a wide range of cleaning contexts, while cleanse is less common and has a more specialized usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cleanse and wash?
While wash is generally associated with a casual and informal tone, cleanse can have a more formal or specialized connotation. Cleanse is often used in professional or specialized contexts, such as skincare or health discussions.
