wipe down

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To clean the exterior surface of an object, from top to bottom, typically by hand using a damp dishcloth or other cleaning cloth.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Please wipe down the kitchen appliances.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “wipe down” mean?

To clean the exterior surface of an object, from top to bottom, typically by hand using a damp dishcloth or other cleaning cloth.

Is “wipe down” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.