housecleaning

American  

[hous-klee-ning] / ˈhaʊsˌkli nɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of cleaning a house, room, etc., and its furnishings, especially the act of cleaning thoroughly and completely.

2. the act of improving or reforming by weeding out excess or corrupt personnel or of revising methods of operation.

---

Etymology

Origin of housecleaning

First recorded in 1860–65; house + cleaning

Example Sentences

This wasn’t a major housecleaning but more like a culling of online subscriptions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

But even after a new album — the band’s 12th — was released in April, concert sales lagged, leading to the cancellations and a housecleaning behind the scenes.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Spending time with such a character inspired Wenders to do a little housecleaning.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2023

Variously voiced tales ranging from a shocking deathbed confession, a macabre housecleaning service, a half-haunted house and an interstellar thrill ride will engage even jaded listeners.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 5, 2023

The fact that there might be money hidden convinced me beyond a doubt that the Ladies’ Society must not take over the housecleaning.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson