swab down
To clean a floor or surface by rubbing it hard with a wet mop or cloth.
Meanings
To clean a surface, especially a floor or ship's deck, by scrubbing it with a wet mop or cloth.
"The sailors were ordered to swab down the deck before the captain's inspection."
In medical or laboratory contexts, to clean a surface, wound, or area using a swab and antiseptic solution.
"The nurse swabbed down the operating table with disinfectant before the next procedure."
Common in nautical contexts ('swab the deck'). Also used in medical and laboratory settings for cleaning surfaces with antiseptic. Less common in everyday domestic use, where 'mop down' or 'wipe down' would be more typical.
Commonly used with
Forms
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