Pühkimine

Pühkimine is the act of sweeping dirt, dust, or debris from a surface using a broom, brush, or other sweeping tool. The noun pühkimine denotes the action, while the verb is pühkima, meaning to sweep. The term is formed with the -mine suffix, which marks a process or action.

Pühkimine is a routine cleaning activity in homes, workplaces, schools, and other spaces. It typically involves cleaning floors, stairs, and corners, and may be part of daily chores or performed after spills or mud. In public or commercial settings, pühkimine is carried out by janitorial staff or municipal services, sometimes with mechanized sweepers.

In addition to its literal sense, pühkimine is used metaphorically to mean clearing away something, such as dust or obstacles, or figuratively wiping the slate clean in discussions or records, though idiomatic usage is context-dependent.

Equipment ranges from traditional brooms and brushes to modern mechanical sweepers or vacuum cleaners, with methods differing by surface type and setting. Cleaning standards influence the frequency and technique of pühkimine in Estonian households and institutions.

Historical note: Before mechanized street cleaning, manual sweeping was essential for maintaining cleanliness in towns and yards; modern urban cleaning combines manual and machine-based pühkimine to keep public spaces orderly.