What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
laundry
Example
I need to do my laundry this weekend. [laundry: noun]
Example
She spent the afternoon doing laundry and folding clothes. [laundry: gerund or present participle]
cleaning
Example
I need to clean the kitchen before our guests arrive. [clean: verb]
Example
He hired a cleaning service to come once a week and tidy up the house. [cleaning: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cleaning is a more common term than laundry in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and tasks. Laundry is more specific and is used primarily in the context of washing clothes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between laundry and cleaning?
Both laundry and cleaning can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although cleaning may be more versatile due to its broader range of applications.
