The utility room vocabulary

The utility room

A utility room (US also Laundry Room) is a small room in a house that contains appliances for cleaning and ironing.

Vocabulary

Detergent

a powder or liquid that is used to remove dirt from clothes, dishes, etc.

• a packet of detergent

Washing machine

an electric machine that is used to wash clothes in

• Did you load the washing machine?

Dustpan

a flat container with a short handle that you put on the floor and sweep dirt and dust into it

• He used a dustpan and brush for cleaning up the broken glass.

Bucket

American English also: Pail

an open container with a handle, often used for holding or carrying water; the amount a bucket can contain

• to fill a bucket with water
• three buckets of water

Vacuum cleaner

Also: Hoover

an electrical machine that sucks up dust and small particles from floors, carpets, etc.

• Replace the vacuum cleaner bag on a regular basis.

Mop

a tool consisting of a mass of thick strings or soft material attached to a long handle, used for washing floors

• He took the mop and a bucket of soapy water and started to wipe the floor.

Broom

a brush with long handle that is used for sweeping something from floors

• She grabbed the broom and swept the kitchen.

Iron

a tool consisting of a handle and flat metal base that is heated with electricity and used to make clothes smooth

• a steam iron

Ironing board

a long narrow table with folding legs, on which you can iron clothes

• He laid the shirt flat on the ironing board and tried to iron out the wrinkles.

Clothes peg

American English: Clothespin

a wooden or plastic object that you use to fasten washing to a clothesline

• Don’t leave the clothes pegs on the line.

Duster

a soft cloth that is used for removing dust from surfaces

• Use that duster to wipe the table.

Tap

American English: Faucet

a device that you can open and close to control the flow of water from a pipe

• The hot/cold tap [=faucet]
• Turn the tap [=faucet] on/off