100+ Household Chores Vocabulary in English...More Fun Than it Sounds

Yak Yacker Real-life English • Daily routines • Clean-ish vibes

120+ words and phrases, grouped by area. With examples. And “Hear” buttons so you can say vacuum confidently instead of “the loud floor machine.”

Household chores are the everyday tasks that keep a home clean, livable, and not embarrassing when someone rings the doorbell.

This list gives you the verbs people actually use (like do the dishes, take out the trash, and wipe down) plus the tools and messes that come with them.

Yak Snark: If you say “I performed domestic sanitation procedures,” people will not be impressed. They will just ask you to take out the trash anyway.

Sources used for common chore collocations and US/UK variants: :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Quick Visual Cards

Start with the big classics. These show up in daily life, small talk, and roommate negotiations.

Daily

make the bed

Arrange sheets and pillows neatly.

For example: I make the bed right after I get up.

Kitchen

do the dishes

Wash plates, cups, and utensils.

For example: You cook, and I will do the dishes.

Floors

vacuum

Clean floors with a vacuum cleaner.

For example: I vacuum the living room every Saturday.

Floors

mop the floor

Clean hard floors with a wet mop.

For example: We should mop the floor after dinner.

Laundry

do the laundry

Wash clothes and other fabric items.

For example: I do the laundry twice a week.

Surfaces

dust

Remove dust from surfaces.

For example: Please dust the shelves, not just the TV.

Bathroom

clean the bathroom

Wash and disinfect bathroom surfaces.

For example: I clean the bathroom on Sundays.

Waste

take out the trash

Remove waste to the outside bin.

For example: Can you take out the trash tonight?

Table of Household Chores Vocabulary (120+)

Everything is grouped by category so your brain does not melt like soap in a hot bucket.

Word / Phrase	What it means	Example sentence
do chores	Do household tasks.	For example: We do chores on Saturday morning.
do the housework	Clean and maintain the home.	For example: I do the housework while my partner cooks.
tidy up	Make a space neat.	For example: Please tidy up before guests arrive.
clean up	Remove mess and dirt.	For example: We cleaned up after the party.
declutter	Remove extra stuff you do not need.	For example: I declutter my desk once a month.
organize	Arrange things in order.	For example: I organized the pantry by category.
put things away	Return items to the correct place.	For example: Put things away after you use them.
pick up	Lift and collect items from the floor or a surface.	For example: Pick up your shoes from the hallway.
sort	Separate into groups.	For example: Sort the mail into bills and letters.
schedule	Plan a time to do a task.	For example: We schedule cleaning on Friday nights.
share the load	Split chores fairly.	For example: We share the load so nobody burns out.
chore chart	A list showing who does what.	For example: The chore chart says I do bathrooms this week.
deep clean	Clean very thoroughly.	For example: We deep clean the kitchen before holidays.
spot clean	Clean one small area or stain.	For example: I spot cleaned the sofa after the spill.
sanitize	Reduce germs, often with disinfectant.	For example: I sanitize the doorknobs every few days.
disinfect	Kill germs on a surface.	For example: Disinfect the counter after handling raw chicken.
air out	Let fresh air in; remove smells.	For example: I air out the room after cooking fish.
freshen up	Make a space smell and feel cleaner.	For example: I opened windows to freshen up the apartment.
wash the dishes	Clean dishes with soap and water.	For example: I wash the dishes while the tea steeps.
rinse	Wash quickly with water only.	For example: Rinse the cups before putting them in the rack.
dry the dishes	Remove water from clean dishes.	For example: I dry the dishes with a clean towel.
put dishes away	Return dishes to cabinets.	For example: Please put the dishes away after they dry.
load the dishwasher	Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher.	For example: I will load the dishwasher after dinner.
unload the dishwasher	Take clean dishes out of the dishwasher.	For example: Can you unload the dishwasher this morning?
wipe down the counter	Clean the countertop with a cloth.	For example: Wipe down the counter after cooking.
scrub	Rub hard to clean a dirty surface.	For example: I scrubbed the pan because the sauce burned.
soak	Leave in water to loosen dirt.	For example: Soak the pot for ten minutes first.
wash up (UK)	Wash dishes (common UK phrase).	For example: I will wash up if you cook.
set the table	Put plates and cutlery out for a meal.	For example: The kids set the table before dinner.
clear the table	Remove dishes after eating.	For example: We cleared the table and saved the leftovers.
pack leftovers	Put leftover food into containers.	For example: I packed leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
take out the recycling	Move recyclables to the recycling bin.	For example: Please take out the recycling tonight.
wipe spills	Clean liquid that has spilled.	For example: Wipe spills right away so they do not stain.
sweep crumbs	Sweep small pieces of food off the floor.	For example: I swept crumbs under the table.
clean the sink	Wash and scrub the sink.	For example: Clean the sink after washing greasy dishes.
clean the stove	Remove grease and food from the stovetop.	For example: I clean the stove once a week.
clean the oven	Remove baked-on dirt inside the oven.	For example: We cleaned the oven before hosting dinner.
defrost the freezer	Remove ice buildup in a freezer.	For example: I defrost the freezer when ice gets thick.
clean the fridge	Throw out old food and wipe shelves.	For example: I clean the fridge before grocery day.
take out the compost	Move food scraps to a compost bin.	For example: I take out the compost every evening.
wash produce	Rinse fruits and vegetables.	For example: Wash produce before you cut it.
meal prep	Prepare ingredients or meals in advance.	For example: I meal prep on Sundays to save time.
do a load of laundry	Wash one machine-full of clothes.	For example: I do a load of laundry on Wednesday.
sort laundry	Separate whites, colors, delicates, etc.	For example: Sort laundry so colors do not bleed.
wash	Clean clothes with water and detergent.	For example: Wash towels on a hot cycle.
rinse cycle	A washer step that removes soap.	For example: The rinse cycle helps remove extra detergent.
spin cycle	A washer step that removes water by spinning.	For example: The spin cycle leaves clothes less wet.
dry	Remove water from clothes, often with a dryer.	For example: I dry jeans on low heat.
hang to dry	Dry clothes on a line or rack.	For example: I hang to dry anything delicate.
hang up clothes	Put clothes on hangers.	For example: Please hang up your coat.
fold laundry	Fold clean clothes neatly.	For example: I fold laundry while watching a show.
put away laundry	Store clean clothes in drawers or closets.	For example: Put away laundry before it becomes a chair pile.
iron	Use an iron to remove wrinkles.	For example: I iron shirts for work meetings.
do the ironing	Iron multiple items of clothing.	For example: I do the ironing on Sunday evening.
steam (clothes)	Remove wrinkles with steam.	For example: I steam my blazer instead of ironing it.
treat a stain	Use stain remover before washing.	For example: Treat a stain quickly so it does not set.
hand-wash	Wash by hand instead of using a machine.	For example: I hand-wash wool sweaters.
dry-clean	Clean clothes professionally with solvents.	For example: I dry-clean my suit once in a while.
laundry basket	Container for dirty clothes.	For example: Put socks in the laundry basket, not the floor.
clothesline	A line for hanging clothes outside.	For example: We use a clothesline on sunny days.
drying rack	A rack for drying clothes indoors.	For example: I put delicates on the drying rack.
fabric softener	Product that makes clothes feel softer.	For example: I use fabric softener for towels.
scrub the toilet	Clean the toilet bowl with a brush.	For example: I scrub the toilet once a week.
clean the shower	Remove soap scum and dirt from the shower.	For example: Clean the shower before mold shows up.
clean the bathtub	Wash the tub and remove grime.	For example: I cleaned the bathtub after bath time.
wipe the mirror	Clean fingerprints and spots from a mirror.	For example: I wiped the mirror so it is not foggy and streaky.
polish fixtures	Make taps and handles shiny.	For example: I polished the faucet until it looked new.
mop the bathroom floor	Wet-clean the bathroom floor.	For example: Mop the bathroom floor after washing the shower.
wash bath mats	Clean the mats you step on after bathing.	For example: I wash bath mats every two weeks.
wash towels	Clean towels in the washing machine.	For example: We wash towels on a hot cycle.
replace towels	Put fresh towels out.	For example: I replace towels every few days.
refill soap dispenser	Add more soap to the dispenser.	For example: I refill the soap dispenser when it gets low.
unclog the drain	Remove blockage so water flows.	For example: I unclogged the drain because hair built up.
squeegee the glass	Wipe water off shower glass with a squeegee.	For example: I squeegee the glass after every shower.
remove mold	Clean mold from damp areas.	For example: We removed mold from the tile grout.
scrub grout	Clean the lines between tiles.	For example: I scrub grout with an old toothbrush.
wipe the sink	Quick-clean the bathroom sink.	For example: I wipe the sink after brushing my teeth.
clean the toilet seat	Wipe and disinfect the seat.	For example: Clean the toilet seat with disinfectant wipes.
take out bathroom trash	Empty the small bathroom bin.	For example: I take out bathroom trash every few days.
replace toilet paper	Put a new roll on.	For example: Replace the toilet paper when the roll is empty.
sweep	Use a broom to gather dirt.	For example: I sweep the kitchen floor after cooking.
vacuum the carpet	Clean carpet with a vacuum.	For example: We vacuum the carpet twice a week.
hoover (UK)	UK word for vacuum.	For example: I hoover the hallway before guests arrive.
mop	Clean hard floors with a mop.	For example: I mop the tiles after I sweep.
wipe	Clean by rubbing with a cloth.	For example: Wipe the table after breakfast.
wipe down	Wipe a whole surface quickly.	For example: I wiped down the desk with a damp cloth.
dust the shelves	Remove dust from shelves.	For example: I dust the shelves every week.
polish	Make a surface shiny.	For example: I polished the wooden table with oil.
buff	Polish by rubbing until smooth and shiny.	For example: I buffed the floor after mopping.
wash the windows	Clean glass windows.	For example: We wash the windows in spring.
clean the blinds	Remove dust from window blinds.	For example: I clean the blinds with a microfiber cloth.
wipe fingerprints	Remove marks left by hands.	For example: I wiped fingerprints off the fridge door.
shake out rugs	Remove dust by shaking small rugs outside.	For example: I shake out rugs on the balcony.
clean baseboards	Wipe the boards along the bottom of walls.	For example: We clean baseboards during deep cleaning.
remove pet hair	Clean hair from furniture and floors.	For example: I remove pet hair with a lint roller.
lint roller	Sticky roller that removes lint and hair.	For example: I keep a lint roller by the door.
microfiber cloth	Soft cloth used for cleaning.	For example: A microfiber cloth is great for screens.
all-purpose cleaner	Cleaner used on many surfaces.	For example: I use all-purpose cleaner on counters.
disinfectant spray	Spray that disinfects surfaces.	For example: I used disinfectant spray on the doorknobs.
trash bag	Bag used to hold garbage.	For example: Replace the trash bag when it is full.
change the sheets	Put clean sheets on the bed.	For example: I change the sheets every week.
wash bedding	Wash sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers.	For example: I wash bedding on a gentle cycle.
fluff pillows	Shake pillows to restore shape.	For example: I fluff pillows to make the couch look nicer.
straighten up	Quickly make a room look neat.	For example: I straightened up before the video call.
pick up toys	Collect toys and put them away.	For example: The kids pick up toys before bedtime.
wipe the TV screen	Clean dust and smudges from a screen.	For example: I wiped the TV screen with a dry cloth.
dust the fan	Remove dust from a ceiling or standing fan.	For example: I dust the fan before summer starts.
clean under the sofa	Clean the floor under furniture.	For example: I vacuumed under the sofa and found a coin.
wash curtains	Clean curtains according to care instructions.	For example: We wash curtains twice a year.
vacuum the upholstery	Vacuum fabric furniture like couches.	For example: I vacuum the upholstery to remove crumbs.
rotate the mattress	Turn or rotate to reduce uneven wear.	For example: We rotate the mattress every few months.
make the guest room	Prepare bedding and tidy for visitors.	For example: I made the guest room before my parents arrived.
clean the remote	Wipe a remote control with disinfectant.	For example: I cleaned the remote because everyone touches it.
vacuum the corners	Vacuum edges where dust collects.	For example: I vacuum the corners to get rid of cobwebs.
wipe light switches	Clean switches people touch often.	For example: I wipe light switches during deep cleans.
dust the picture frames	Remove dust from frames and shelves.	For example: I dust the picture frames every two weeks.
take out the garbage	US wording for removing household waste.	For example: I take out the garbage before it smells.
take out the rubbish	UK wording for removing household waste.	For example: Please take out the rubbish tonight.
empty the bin	Remove trash from a small bin.	For example: I empty the bin when it is full.
empty the trash can	Remove the bag from a trash can.	For example: Empty the trash can and replace the bag.
replace the trash bag	Put in a new bag after emptying.	For example: I replaced the trash bag after taking it out.
recycle	Sort and dispose of materials for recycling.	For example: We recycle glass and paper.
sort recycling	Separate paper, plastic, metal, etc.	For example: Sort recycling before you take it outside.
flatten cardboard	Make boxes flat for recycling.	For example: I flattened cardboard to save space.
run errands	Do outside tasks like shopping or pickups.	For example: I run errands after lunch on weekdays.
do the grocery shopping	Buy food and household items.	For example: We do the grocery shopping every Friday.
restock	Replace items that are running out.	For example: I restock toilet paper and soap.
refill	Fill something again when low.	For example: Refill the water filter jug.
replace batteries	Put new batteries in a device.	For example: I replaced batteries in the smoke alarm.
pay bills	Pay for utilities, rent, services, etc.	For example: I pay bills online at the end of the month.
take in the mail	Collect letters and packages.	For example: Can you take in the mail today?
shred documents	Cut papers into small pieces for security.	For example: I shred documents with personal information.
donate	Give usable items to charity.	For example: I donate clothes I do not wear anymore.
throw away	Dispose of something in the trash.	For example: Throw away expired food.
water the plants	Give plants water.	For example: I water the plants in the morning.
prune	Cut branches to shape a plant.	For example: I prune the roses in early spring.
weed	Remove unwanted plants from soil.	For example: I weed the garden every weekend.
mow the lawn	Cut grass using a mower.	For example: He mows the lawn on Sundays.
trim the hedges	Cut hedges to keep them neat.	For example: We trim the hedges in summer.
rake leaves	Gather fallen leaves with a rake.	For example: I rake leaves in autumn.
sweep the porch	Sweep dirt and leaves from the porch.	For example: I sweep the porch before guests come.
hose down	Spray with a hose to clean.	For example: I hosed down the patio after the storm.
wash the car	Clean a car with water and soap.	For example: We wash the car once a month.
clean the balcony	Sweep and wipe outdoor balcony areas.	For example: I cleaned the balcony and watered plants.
take out the bins	Move bins outside for collection.	For example: I take out the bins on Tuesday night.
bring in the bins	Return bins after collection.	For example: Bring in the bins when you get home.
clean the grill	Remove grease and food from a grill.	For example: I clean the grill after a barbecue.
sweep the driveway	Sweep dirt and leaves off a driveway.	For example: I sweep the driveway after trimming hedges.
clean outdoor furniture	Wipe and wash patio chairs and tables.	For example: We cleaned outdoor furniture before summer.
repot a plant	Move a plant to a larger pot with fresh soil.	For example: I repotted the plant because it outgrew its pot.
fertilize	Add nutrients to help plants grow.	For example: We fertilize the garden in spring.
fix a leak	Repair leaking water from a pipe or tap.	For example: We fixed a leak under the kitchen sink.
tighten a screw	Make a screw more secure.	For example: I tightened a screw on the door handle.
change a light bulb	Replace a burnt-out bulb.	For example: I changed a light bulb in the hallway.
reset the breaker	Turn a tripped circuit breaker back on.	For example: I reset the breaker after the power went out.
test the smoke alarm	Check that the alarm works.	For example: We test the smoke alarm every month.
clean the air filter	Remove dust from a filter for better airflow.	For example: I clean the air filter when it looks dusty.
change the air filter	Replace an old filter with a new one.	For example: We change the air filter every few months.
patch a hole	Repair a small hole in a wall.	For example: I patched a hole before painting.
paint touch-up	Small paint repair on a wall or trim.	For example: I did a paint touch-up where the wall got scratched.
lubricate	Add oil/grease so something moves smoothly.	For example: I lubricate the squeaky door hinge.
assemble furniture	Put furniture together from parts.	For example: We assembled the bookshelf after dinner.
tools	Equipment used for repairs (hammer, screwdriver, etc.).	For example: Keep basic tools in a small box.
screwdriver	Tool used to turn screws.	For example: I used a screwdriver to tighten the hinge.
hammer	Tool used to hit nails.	For example: I used a hammer to hang a picture.
drill	Tool used to make holes.	For example: I used a drill to install the shelf bracket.
duct tape	Strong tape for quick fixes.	For example: Duct tape can hold things temporarily.

Optional Variants Table (US vs UK)

Same chores, different words. Helpful if you watch UK shows, work with Americans, or live with a very opinionated roommate.

US (Common)	UK (Common)	Example sentence
trash / garbage	rubbish	For example: Take out the rubbish / Take out the trash.
vacuum	hoover	For example: I vacuum / I hoover the living room.
dish soap	washing-up liquid	For example: We ran out of washing-up liquid.
do the dishes	wash up	For example: I will wash up after dinner.
garbage can	bin	For example: Put it in the bin.

Yak Snark: Calling it “adulting” does not make it less annoying. But knowing the right words makes it easier to complain clearly, which is basically the goal of language.