掃除機の英語から窓掃除まで｜海外で役立つ「家事」の英会話

Mom: Could you please vacuum the living room today?
Son: Sure! Should I use the robot vacuum cleaner or the regular one?

Mom: The robot vacuum runs every morning, but it misses some spots. So please use the regular vacuum cleaner with the vacuum hose and attachments.
Son: Got it. The hose sometimes gets clogged with hair. I’ll make sure to clean the brush and empty the dust container afterwards.

Dad: Don’t forget to check and clean the filter too. It helps keep the suction strong.
Son: Will do. Also, I’ll dust the shelves with the duster before vacuuming.

Mom: Great. After vacuuming, please mop the floor with the mop and bucket.
Daughter: I can help! I’ll use the cleaning spray for the kitchen counters and wipe them down with a cleaning cloth.

Mom: Thanks! Make sure to take out the trash before dinner as well.
Son: No problem. I’ll handle all of that.

Customer: Hi, I’m looking for a new vacuum cleaner that’s easy to use.
Salesperson: Sure! Are you interested in a cordless model or a traditional one with a cord?

Customer: I prefer a cordless vacuum because it’s easier to maneuver around the house. Also, it should have powerful suction to pick up all the dirt.
Salesperson: We have this lightweight cordless vacuum that’s perfect for that. It also includes a HEPA filter to improve air quality.

Customer: That sounds great. Does it have a dust container, or do I need to buy vacuum bagsseparately?
Salesperson: It’s a bagless design with a removable dust container that’s easy to empty after cleaning.

Customer: Nice! How about the attachments? I need the one with a narrow vacuum hose and various attachments for corners and upholstery.
Salesperson: This vacuum comes with an array of attachments and a flexible vacuum hose to reach tight spaces.

Customer: And what about noise? I live in an apartment, so a quiet operation model would be best.
Salesperson: This one offers very quiet operation, so it won’t disturb your neighbors.

Customer: Perfect! One last thing — does it have an automatic cord rewind feature if I choose a corded model?
Salesperson: Yes, all corded models come with an automatic cord rewind for easy storage.
Customer: Great, I’ll go with the cordless model. Thanks for your help!

Cleaning in American Households

In American households, cleaning is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. The process involves various tools and steps, each designed to tackle different types of dirt and mess effectively. Here is a detailed overview of how cleaning is typically done in an American home, using some common cleaning items and expressions.

The first step usually involves tidying up or putting away any clutter. This means organizing scattered items, putting them back in their places, and clearing surfaces so that cleaning can be carried out more efficiently. Once the room is tidy, the next task is to dust off surfaces such as shelves, tables, and furniture where dust tends to accumulate. For this, many families use a duster, a tool designed to remove dust from hard-to-reach places.

Next comes the cleaning of floors. For hard surfaces like wood or tile, the floor is first swept with a broom to gather dirt and debris. The gathered dust is then collected using a dustpan. After sweeping, a vacuum cleaner is usually employed, especially on carpets and rugs. Modern homes often have a robot vacuum cleaner that runs automatically, but many still use a traditional vacuum with a flexible vacuum hose and various attachments to reach corners and upholstery. It is important to empty the dust container or replace the vacuum bag regularly and to clean the brush and filter to maintain strong suction power.

After vacuuming, wet cleaning begins. The floor is cleaned by mopping with a mop and a bucket filled with water, sometimes mixed with cleaning agents. For wiping surfaces, a cleaning cloth or rag is used along with cleaning spray to eliminate stains and germs. Commonly, a disinfectant is applied to high-touch areas such as doorknobs and kitchen counters to reduce bacteria.

For windows and glass surfaces, the cleaning process includes dusting off the window frame and tracks to remove loose dirt, then spraying window cleaner on the glass. This is followed by wiping the window with a damp cloth and using a squeegee to remove excess water, leaving a streak-free shine after a final polish with a dry cloth.

In short, cleaning in an American household is a multi-step process that employs a variety of tools such as brooms, dustpans, vacuum cleaners, mops, dusters, and specialized sprays. Keeping these tools in good condition by regular maintenance, such as cleaning the vacuum filter and emptying dust containers, helps ensure the cleaning process is effective and efficient. By following these steps, families create a clean, healthy, and pleasant living environment.