clean laundry

USAGE SUMMARY

'clean laundry' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to laundry that has already been washed. For example, "I folded the clean laundry and put it away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here is a list of good products to use: Household Cleaning and Laundry Products Shaklee Basic H – (available through a distributor) Simply Clean – laundry, dishwashing, all purpose.

WikiHow

Clean laundry.

Independent

What does your clean laundry smell like?

The New York Times

I am an admirer of clean laundry aromas.

The New York Times

A row of clean laundry hangs in a rundown building.

The New York Times

As the days go by, posters accumulate like clean laundry.

The New York Times

Ms. Rumley said she could live with putting the clean laundry away herself.

The New York Times - Tech

"She stayed back to get some clean laundry done," her husband told his audience.

The New York Times

The towering piles of clean laundry that usually perch precariously on every available surface in our bedroom – they're all gone".

Independent

Jerry refolded the clean laundry to meet his specifications and put out the kitchen fires Priscilla started.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Spot-clean laundry, upholstery, carpet.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scent, consider pairing "clean laundry" with adjectives like 'fresh' or 'crisp' to enhance the sensory experience for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "clean laundry" to refer to the act of washing clothes; instead, use it to describe the state of the clothes after they have been washed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clean laundry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'clean' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'laundry'. It describes laundry that has been washed. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in describing a desirable state or smell.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

13%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clean laundry" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe clothes that have been washed. As Ludwig confirms, it's used across various contexts, most frequently in News & Media. While semantically related alternatives like "freshly laundered clothes" exist, "clean laundry" remains a widely recognized and versatile choice. It's crucial to remember that it describes the state of being clean, not the act of cleaning. By avoiding this error, you can effectively use "clean laundry" to evoke feelings of freshness and order in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

freshly laundered clothes

Focuses on the state of being recently washed.

freshly washed clothes

Highlights the freshness associated with recently cleaned clothes.

washed garments

A more formal way of referring to clothes that have been cleaned.

spotless laundry

Focuses on the absence of stains and dirt after washing.

laundered linens

Specifically refers to beddings and household fabrics that have been washed.

newly cleaned apparel

A slightly more descriptive term emphasizing newness.

sanitized fabrics

Emphasizes the hygienic aspect of cleaning fabrics.

pure laundry

Focuses on the cleanliness and purity achieved through washing.

pristine washing

Highlights the immaculate condition of the cleaned laundry.

unsoiled clothes

Emphasizes the absence of dirt or stains on the cleaned clothes.

FAQs

How can I use "clean laundry" in a sentence?

You can use "clean laundry" to describe the state of clothes after washing, as in "The smell of "clean laundry" is so comforting".

What's a good alternative to "clean laundry"?

Alternatives include "freshly laundered clothes", or "washed garments", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "cleaned laundry" instead of "clean laundry"?

While "cleaned laundry" is understandable, "clean laundry" is the more common and natural-sounding phrase.

Can "clean laundry" be used to describe the process of washing clothes?

No, "clean laundry" refers to the state of the clothes after they have been washed, not the process itself. Use "doing laundry" or "washing clothes" for the process.