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scrub down

B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To clean something really well by rubbing it hard, usually with a brush

Literal meaning: To scrub (clean by hard rubbing) something down — fairly transparent; 'down' implies top-to-bottom or complete cleaning

Meanings

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."

Grammar: separable
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."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

walls deck floor surfaces tiles body

Forms

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

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Synonyms

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