Table of Contents
Have you ever wondered how to talk about the tasks we do at home? Learning English vocabulary for household chores is important because it helps us communicate and understand the responsibilities we have in maintaining a clean and organized living space. Knowing the names of different chores and the tools we use can make our daily routines easier and more efficient. Are you ready to discover the words for cleaning, cooking, and taking care of our homes? Let’s dive into this exciting world of household chores together!
Cleaning Chores
1. Sweeping (verb) /ˈswiːpɪŋ/: The act of using a broom to remove dirt, dust, and debris from floors or other surfaces.
Example: She spent the morning sweeping the kitchen and living room floors.
2. Mopping (verb) /ˈmɒpɪŋ/: The act of using a mop to clean and sanitize floors by applying water and cleaning solution.
Example: After mopping the bathroom floor, it looked and smelled much cleaner.
3. Vacuuming (verb) /ˈvæk.juː.mɪŋ/: The act of using a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and debris from carpets and other surfaces.
Example: He spent the afternoon vacuuming the bedrooms and hallway.
4. Dusting (verb) /ˈdʌstɪŋ/: The act of removing dust from furniture, shelves, and other surfaces using a cloth or duster.
Example: She carefully dusted the bookshelves and picture frames in the living room.
5. Scrubbing (verb) /ˈskrʌbɪŋ/: The act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush or cloth and cleaning solution to remove dirt and stains.
Example: He spent some time scrubbing the kitchen countertops to remove the stubborn stains.
6. Polishing (verb) /ˈpɒlɪʃɪŋ/: The act of making a surface shiny and smooth by rubbing it with a cloth and a polishing agent.
Example: She spent an hour polishing the wooden dining table to make it shine.
7. Washing dishes (verb) /ˈwɒʃɪŋ ˈdɪʃɪz/: The act of cleaning plates, glasses, and other eating utensils with water and soap.
Example: After dinner, they took turns washing dishes and putting them away.
8. Washing windows (verb) /ˈwɒʃɪŋ ˈwɪndoʊz/: The act of cleaning glass windows using water, soap, and a squeegee or cloth.
Example: He spent the morning washing windows to let more sunlight into the house.
9. Cleaning mirrors (verb) /ˈkliːnɪŋ ˈmɪrərz/: The act of removing smudges and streaks from mirrors using a cleaning solution and cloth.
Example: She spent a few minutes cleaning mirrors in the bathroom to make them spotless.
10. Tidying up (verb) /ˈtaɪdiɪŋ ʌp/: The act of putting things away, organizing, and making an area neat and orderly.
Example: The children were responsible for tidying up their bedrooms each day.
11. Decluttering (verb) /diˈklʌtərɪŋ/: The act of removing unnecessary items and organizing a space to reduce clutter.
Example: She spent the weekend decluttering the garage and donating unwanted items.
12. Disinfecting surfaces (verb) /dɪsˈɪnfektɪŋ ˈsɜrfəsɪz/: The act of cleaning surfaces with a disinfectant to kill germs and bacteria.
Example: He made sure to disinfect surfaces in the kitchen after preparing raw chicken.
13. Cleaning toilets (verb) /ˈkliːnɪŋ ˈtɔɪləts/: The act of scrubbing and sanitizing the inside and outside of a toilet bowl.
Example: She put on gloves before cleaning toilets in each of the bathrooms.
14. Cleaning shower/bathtub (verb) /ˈkliːnɪŋ ˈʃaʊər/ˈbæθtʌb/: The act of removing soap scum, dirt, and stains from a shower or bathtub.
Example: He spent some time cleaning the shower/bathtub to make it sparkle.
15. Taking out the trash (verb) /ˈteɪkɪŋ aʊt ðə træʃ/: The act of removing garbage from a building and placing it in a designated outdoor area or container.
Example: She remembered to take out the trash before leaving for work.
16. Recycling (verb) /riˈsaɪklɪŋ/: The act of collecting, sorting, and disposing of reusable materials in an environmentally friendly way.
Example: He made sure to separate the paper, plastic, and glass before recycling them at the recycling center.
17. Deep cleaning (verb) /diːp ˈkliːnɪŋ/: The act of thoroughly cleaning a space, including hard-to-reach areas and items that are not cleaned regularly.
Example: She decided to spend the weekend deep cleaning the entire house to make it feel fresh and new.
Laundry Chores
1. Sorting laundry (verb) /ˈsɔr.tɪŋ ˈlɔn.dri/: The act of separating clothes into different groups based on color, fabric type, or washing instructions before washing them.
Example: She spent a few minutes sorting laundry into whites, darks, and colors.
2. Washing clothes (verb) /ˈwɒʃɪŋ ˈkloʊðz/: The act of cleaning garments using water, detergent, and a washing machine or by hand.
Example: He spent the afternoon washing clothes for the entire family.
3. Drying clothes (verb) /ˈdraɪ.ɪŋ ˈkloʊðz/: The act of removing moisture from garments using a dryer, clothesline, or drying rack.
Example: She hung the drying clothes outside on the clothesline to take advantage of the sunny weather.
4. Ironing clothes (verb) /ˈaɪərnɪŋ ˈkloʊðz/: The act of using an iron to remove wrinkles and create a smooth appearance on fabrics.
Example: He spent an hour ironing clothes to make them look neat and presentable.
5. Folding clothes (verb) /ˈfoʊldɪŋ ˈkloʊðz/: The act of bending and arranging garments into a compact shape for storage.
Example: She carefully folded clothes and placed them in the dresser drawers.
6. Hanging clothes (verb) /ˈhæŋɪŋ ˈkloʊðz/: The act of suspending garments on hangers and placing them in a closet or wardrobe.
Example: He spent some time hanging clothes in the closet to prevent wrinkles.
7. Storing clothes (verb) /ˈstɔrɪŋ ˈkloʊðz/: The act of placing garments in an organized manner in closets, dressers, or other storage spaces.
Example: She spent the day storing clothes in her new wardrobe.
8. Mending clothes (verb) /ˈmɛndɪŋ ˈkloʊðz/: The act of repairing damaged garments by sewing, patching, or fixing broken parts.
Example: He spent an evening mending clothes with holes or missing buttons.
9. Dry cleaning (verb) /ˈdraɪ ˈkliːnɪŋ/: The act of cleaning garments using a chemical solvent instead of water, often done by professional cleaners.
Example: She took her delicate dresses to the dry cleaning service to preserve their quality.
10. Hand washing (verb) /ˈhænd ˈwɒʃɪŋ/: The act of cleaning garments by gently rubbing them with water and detergent using hands instead of a washing machine.
Example: He spent some time hand washing his delicate sweaters to prevent damage.
11. Bleaching clothes (verb) /ˈbliːʧɪŋ ˈkloʊðz/: The act of using a bleach solution to whiten or disinfect garments.
Example: She used a small amount of bleach while bleaching clothes to brighten the white fabrics.
12. Removing stains (verb) /rɪˈmuːvɪŋ ˈsteɪns/: The act of eliminating spots or marks from fabrics using specialized cleaning techniques or stain removers.
Example: He carefully applied stain remover to the shirt before removing stains in the wash.
13. Washing bedding (verb) /ˈwɒʃɪŋ ˈbɛdɪŋ/: The act of cleaning sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and other bed linens using water and detergent.
Example: She spent the morning washing bedding to freshen up the bedrooms.
14. Washing towels (verb) /ˈwɒʃɪŋ ˈtaʊəlz/: The act of cleaning bath, hand, and dish towels using water and detergent.
Example: He made sure to wash towels separately from the rest of the laundry to prevent color transfer.
15. Sorting socks (verb) /ˈsɔr.tɪŋ sɒks/: The act of organizing and matching pairs of socks after they have been washed and dried.
Example: She spent a few minutes sorting socks and folding them neatly in her drawer.
16. Laying out clothes (verb) /ˈleɪ.ɪŋ aʊt ˈkloʊðz/: The act of selecting andarranging garments for wearing the following day or for a specific event.
Example: He spent some time laying out clothes for his job interview to ensure a polished appearance.
Outdoor Chores
1. Mowing the lawn (verb) /ˈmoʊ.ɪŋ ðə ˈlɔn/: The act of cutting grass using a lawn mower to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
Example: He spent Saturday morning mowing the lawn to keep it looking well-manicured.
2. Raking leaves (verb) /ˈreɪk.ɪŋ ˈliːvz/: The act of gathering fallen leaves using a rake, often done during autumn months.
Example: She spent the afternoon raking leaves in the backyard and made a large pile for the kids to jump in.
3. Weeding the garden (verb) /ˈwiːd.ɪŋ ðə ˈɡɑr.dən/: The act of removing unwanted plants, typically invasive or harmful, from a garden or lawn.
Example: He spent some time weeding the garden to help the flowers and vegetables grow better.
4. Planting flowers (verb) /ˈplænt.ɪŋ ˈflaʊərz/: The act of placing flower seeds or seedlings into soil to grow and bloom.
Example: She enjoyed planting flowers in her garden to create a colorful and fragrant display.
5. Watering plants (verb) /ˈwɔː.tər.ɪŋ ˈplænts/: The act of providing water to plants and flowers to help them grow and stay healthy.
Example: He made sure to water the plants daily to keep them hydrated during the hot summer months.
6. Trimming hedges (verb) /ˈtrɪm.ɪŋ ˈhɛdʒɪz/: The act of cutting back and shaping bushes or hedges using pruning shears or clippers.
Example: She spent an hour trimming hedges to create a neat and tidy border around the yard.
7. Shoveling snow (verb) /ˈʃʌv.əl.ɪŋ ˈsnoʊ/: The act of removing snow from paths, driveways, or sidewalks using a shovel.
Example: He woke up early to shovel snow from the driveway so they could leave for work.
8. Cleaning the pool (verb) /ˈkliːn.ɪŋ ðə ˈpuːl/: The act of removing debris and maintaining water quality in a swimming pool.
Example: She spent some time cleaning the pool before the weekend pool party.
9. Washing the car (verb) /ˈwɒʃ.ɪŋ ðə ˈkɑr/: The act of removing dirt and grime from a vehicle’s exterior using water and soap.
Example: He spent Saturday afternoon washing the car to keep it looking shiny and clean.
10. Cleaning the garage (verb) /ˈkliːn.ɪŋ ðə ˈɡær.ɪdʒ/: The act of organizing, decluttering, and tidying up a garage space.
Example: She spent the weekend cleaning the garage to create more room for storage.
11. Sweeping the patio (verb) /ˈswiːp.ɪŋ ðə ˈpæt.i.oʊ/: The act of removing dirt, leaves, and debris from an outdoor paved area using a broom.
Example: He spent some time sweeping the patio before setting up the furniture for the barbecue.
12. Cleaning gutters (verb) /ˈkliːn.ɪŋ ˈɡʌt.ərz/: The act of removing leaves, debris, and dirt from roof gutters to ensure proper water drainage.
Example: She spent the morning cleaning gutters to prevent any water damage during the rainy season.
13. Pruning trees (verb) /ˈpruːn.ɪŋ ˈtriːz/: The act of trimming and cutting back tree branches to maintain their health and appearance.
Example: He spent the day pruning trees in the yard to encourage new growth and prevent overcrowding.
14. Composting (verb) /ˈkɒm.poʊst.ɪŋ/: The act of collecting and decomposing organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, to create nutrient-rich soil.
Example: She started composting kitchen scraps to provide natural fertilizer for her garden.
15. Fertilizing lawn (verb) /ˈfɜr.tɪ.laɪz.ɪŋ ˈlɔn/: The act of applying nutrients, often in the form of a chemical or organic substance, to a lawn to promote healthy growth and maintain its green appearance.
Example: He spent the weekend fertilizing the lawn to help it recover from the dry summer months.
16. Picking up litter (verb) /ˈpɪk.ɪŋ ʌp ˈlɪt.ər/: The act of collecting and disposing of trash, such as paper, plastic, and other debris, from the ground or public spaces.
Example: She spent the afternoon picking up litter in the local park during a community cleanup event.
Kitchen Chores
1. Cooking (verb) /ˈkʊk.ɪŋ/: The act of preparing food by combining, mixing, and heating ingredients.
Example: She spent the evening cooking a delicious pasta dish for her family.
2. Baking (verb) /ˈbeɪk.ɪŋ/: The act of preparing food, such as bread, cakes, or cookies, by combining ingredients and cooking them in an oven.
Example: He enjoyed baking homemade chocolate chip cookies on the weekends.
3. Preparing meals (verb) /prɪˈpɛr.ɪŋ ˈmilz/: The act of planning, cooking, and assembling food dishes for consumption.
Example: She spent Sunday afternoon preparing meals for the upcoming week.
4. Making coffee/tea (verb) /ˈmeɪk.ɪŋ ˈkɒf.i/ˈtiː/: The act of brewing coffee or steeping tea leaves to create a hot beverage.
Example: He started his morning routine by making coffee for himself and tea for his wife.
5. Setting the table (verb) /ˈsɛt.ɪŋ ðə ˈteɪ.bəl/: The act of placing utensils, plates, glasses, and napkins on a table for a meal.
Example: She asked her children to help with setting the table before dinner.
6. Clearing the table (verb) /ˈklɪr.ɪŋ ðə ˈteɪ.bəl/: The act of removing dishes, utensils, and leftovers from a table after a meal.
Example: After dinner, he helped with clearing the table and putting the dirty dishes in the sink.
7. Loading dishwasher (verb) /ˈloʊd.ɪŋ ˈdɪʃˌwɒʃ.ər/: The act of placing dirty dishes, glasses, and utensils into a dishwasher for cleaning.
Example: She made sure to load the dishwasher before going to bed each night.
8. Unloading dishwasher (verb) /ˈʌnˈloʊd.ɪŋ ˈdɪʃˌwɒʃ.ər/: The act of removing clean dishes, glasses, and utensils from a dishwasher and putting them away.
Example: He started his day by unloading the dishwasher and organizing the clean items in the cabinets.
9. Storing leftovers (verb) /ˈstɔːr.ɪŋ ˈlɛftˌoʊvərz/: The act of placing uneaten food into containers and refrigerating or freezing them for future consumption.
Example: She carefully stored leftovers from dinner in airtight containers to enjoy for lunch the next day.
10. Cleaning the oven (verb) /ˈkliːn.ɪŋ ðə ˈʌv.ən/: The act of removing grease, food particles, and grime from the interior of an oven.
Example: He spent some time cleaning the oven to ensure it was in good working condition.
11. Cleaning the fridge (verb) /ˈkliːn.ɪŋ ðə ˈfrɪdʒ/: The act of removing expired food, wiping down shelves, and organizing items within a refrigerator.
Example: She spent the afternoon cleaning the fridge and discarding any expired products.
12. Grocery shopping (verb) /ˈɡroʊ.səri ˈʃɒp.ɪŋ/: The act of purchasing food, beverages, and household items from a store.
Example: He went grocery shopping on Saturdays to stock up on ingredients for the week’s meals.
13. Meal planning (verb) /ˈmil ˈplæn.ɪŋ/: The act of determining and organizing meals and recipes for a specific period, such as a week or month.
Example: She spent some time on Sunday mornings meal planning to make weeknight dinners easier.
14. Updating shopping list (verb) /ˈʌpˌdeɪt.ɪŋ ˈʃɒp.ɪŋ ˈlɪst/: The act of adding or removing items on a list needed for future grocery shopping trips.
Example: He checked the pantry and refrigerator, updating the shopping list to include any missing items.
15. Organizing pantry (verb) /ˈɔr.ɡən.aɪz.ɪŋ ˈpæn.tri/: The act of arranging and categorizing food items, such as canned goods, dry goods, and spices, in a pantry or cupboard.
Example: She spent her Saturday morning organizing the pantry to make it easier to find ingredients while cooking.
16. Sharpening knives (verb) /ˈʃɑr.pən.ɪŋ ˈnaɪvz/: The act of refining the cutting edge of a knife or other cutting tools to improve their performance.
Example: He made sure to spend some time sharpening knives to make meal preparation faster and safer.
Other Household Chores
1. Feeding pets (verb) /ˈfiːd.ɪŋ ˈpɛts/: The act of providing food for domestic animals such as cats, dogs, or birds.
Example: She made sure to feed the pets every morning before leaving for work.
2. Walking the dog (verb) /ˈwɔːk.ɪŋ ðə ˈdɒɡ/: The act of taking a dog out for exercise and to relieve itself, usually on a leash.
Example: He enjoyed walking the dog around the neighborhood after dinner.
3. Cleaning pet cages (verb) /ˈkliːn.ɪŋ ˈpɛt ˈkeɪdʒ.əz/: The act of removing waste, changing bedding, and sanitizing the living space of an animal kept in a cage or enclosure.
Example: She spent time on the weekend cleaning the pet cages for the hamsters and birds.
4. Changing light bulbs (verb) /ˈʧeɪndʒ.ɪŋ ˈlaɪt ˈbʌlbz/: The act of replacing old, burned-out, or broken light bulbs with new ones.
Example: He noticed the hallway was dim, so he spent some time changing light bulbs to brighten the space.
5. Making the bed (verb) /ˈmeɪk.ɪŋ ðə ˈbɛd/: The act of arranging and tidying the sheets, blankets, and pillows on a bed.
Example: She made a habit of making the bed every morning to keep her bedroom neat and tidy.
6. Changing bed linens (verb) /ˈʧeɪndʒ.ɪŋ ˈbɛd ˈlɪn.ənz/: The act of removing and replacing the sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding materials on a bed.
Example: He spent Saturday morning changing the bed linens and washing the dirty ones.
7. Organizing closets (verb) /ˈɔr.ɡən.aɪz.ɪŋ ˈklɒz.əts/: The act of sorting, arranging, and tidying the contents of a closet, such as clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Example: She spent her afternoon organizing the closets to make it easier to find her outfits.
8. Paying bills (verb) /ˈpeɪ.ɪŋ ˈbɪlz/: The act of settling financial obligations, such as utilities, rent, or credit card charges.
Example: He sat down at his desk to pay the bills that had arrived in the mail.
9. Checking mail (verb) /ˈʧɛk.ɪŋ ˈmeɪl/: The act of looking through and collecting letters, packages, and other postal items from a mailbox or post office.
Example: She made a habit of checking the mail as soon as she arrived home from work.
10. Decorating for holidays (verb) /ˈdɛk.ər.eɪt.ɪŋ fɔr ˈhɒl.ə.deɪz/: The act of adorning a home with festive ornaments, lights, and other embellishments for special occasions or celebrations.
Example: He spent the weekend decorating the house for the holidays, hanging lights and setting up decorations.
11. Sewing buttons (verb) /ˈsoʊ.ɪŋ ˈbʌt.ənz/: The act of attaching or reattaching buttons to clothing using a needle and thread.
Example: She sat down in the evening to sew buttons back onto her son’s shirt.
12. Watering indoor plants (verb) /ˈwɔːt.ər.ɪŋ ˈɪn.dɔr ˈplænts/: The act of providing water to houseplants for their growth and maintenance.
Example: He made sure to water the indoor plants every few days to keep them healthy.
13. Checking home security (verb) /ˈʧɛk.ɪŋ hoʊm sɪˈkjʊr.ɪ.ti/: The act of inspecting and ensuring that a home’s locks, alarms, and other safety measures are functioning properly.
Example: She spent some time checking the home security system to make sure it was working correctly.
14. Ventilating rooms (verb) /ˈvɛn.tɪl.eɪt.ɪŋ ˈruːmz/: The act of allowing fresh air to circulate within a space by opening windows, doors, or using fans.
Example: He opened the windows to ventilate the rooms and get rid of any stale air.
15. Pest control (noun) /ˈpɛst kənˈtroʊl/: The management and regulation of unwanted insects, rodents, or other animals that can cause damage or spread disease.
Example: She called a professional pest control company to deal with the ants in the kitchen.
Congratulations on expanding your English vocabulary for household chores! Now you can confidently talk about the tasks you do at home and understand the language of cleanliness and organization. By learning these words, you have gained valuable skills that will help you take care of your living space and contribute to a comfortable home environment. Remember to practice these words in your daily life and appreciate the importance of maintaining a clean and tidy home. Keep up the great work!
