1 B1 neutral
To clean a large surface or object from top to bottom with vigorous scrubbing
"They scrubbed down the kitchen walls before repainting them."
separable
scrub down
B1 neutral separable transitive
To clean a surface or object thoroughly by scrubbing it vigorously
In plain English
To clean something really well by rubbing it hard, usually with a brush
What does "scrub down" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To wash a person's body thoroughly, especially a child or an animal
"She scrubbed the muddy dog down in the garden before letting it inside."
separable
3 B1 neutral
To clean a vehicle, vessel, or outdoor structure thoroughly using brushes and water
"The crew scrubbed down the deck of the boat after returning to port."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To scrub (clean by hard rubbing) something down — fairly transparent; 'down' implies top-to-bottom or complete cleaning
Actually means
To clean something really well by rubbing it hard, usually with a brush
Usage tip
Commonly used for cleaning large surfaces like walls, floors, or the body. 'Down' emphasises thoroughness — cleaning from top to bottom. Also used in medical or hygiene contexts.
Words that pair with "scrub down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
walls deck floor surfaces tiles body
How to conjugate "scrub down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scrub down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scrubs down
he/she/it
Past simple
scrubed down
yesterday
Past participle
scrubed down
have + pp
-ing form
scrubing down
continuous
Hear "scrub down" in the wild
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Other ways to say "scrub down"
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