clean the counter
/kliːn ðə ˈkaʊn.tər/
Meaning
This phrase means to wipe down, sanitize, or remove dirt, crumbs, and spills from the kitchen work surface (the countertop). It is a standard chore performed before or after preparing food.
Examples
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Please clean the counter before you start chopping the vegetables.
Please clean the counter before you start chopping the vegetables.
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I need to grab a sponge and some spray to clean the counter.
I need to grab a sponge and some spray to clean the counter.
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She always cleans the counter right after making breakfast.
She always cleans the counter right after making breakfast.
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There are sticky juice spills on the kitchen island; can you clean the counter?
There are sticky juice spills on the kitchen island; can you clean the counter?
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It only takes a minute to clean the counter after dinner.
It only takes a minute to clean the counter after dinner.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need to clean the kitchen table's top.
✓ I need to clean the counter.
In a kitchen, the built-in work surface is called the 'counter' or 'countertop', not the 'kitchen table's top'.
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✗ Please wash the counter with a broom.
✓ Please wipe the counter with a cloth.
A broom is used for sweeping floors. To clean a counter, you use a cloth, sponge, or wipe.
Related Expressions
Practice
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After making sandwiches, make sure to ___ so there are no crumbs left.
💡 Wipe down the flat kitchen workspace.
Show answer
clean the counter
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Can you grab the disinfectant spray and ___? I spilled some raw chicken juice.
💡 Sanitize the kitchen work surface.
Show answer
clean the counter