Which one is correct?
"cleaning the table" or "wiping the table"?

Question

Which one is correct?
"cleaning the table" or "wiping the table"?

This phrase is a more general term that can encompass various actions such as wiping, dusting, polishing, and arranging items on the table.

Examples:

She's cleaning the table before the guests arrive.
I need to clean the table to make space for the new dishes.
Cleaning the table is part of our daily chores.
He always does a thorough job of cleaning the table.
Please remember to clean the table after each meal.

Alternatives:

wiping the table
dusting the table
polishing the table
clearing the table
tidying up the table

This phrase specifically refers to the action of using a cloth or paper towel to remove dirt, stains, or spills from the surface of a table.

Examples:

I'll be wiping the table after dinner.
She wiped the table clean before setting the dishes.
He quickly wiped the table to remove the spilled drink.
The waitress wiped the table between customers.
Please make sure to wipe the table thoroughly.

Alternatives:

cleaning the table
dusting the table
polishing the table
clearing the table
tidying up the table

Both 'wiping the table' and 'cleaning the table' are correct phrases, but they convey slightly different actions. 'Wiping the table' specifically refers to removing dirt, stains, or spills from the surface of the table using a cloth or paper towel. On the other hand, 'cleaning the table' is a broader term that can include wiping the table as well as other actions like dusting, polishing, or arranging items on the table.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

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