cleanse

Cleanse is a verb meaning to make something clean by removing dirt, impurities, or contaminants. It can also refer to processes that purify substances, or to rituals or practices intended to purify.

In everyday life, cleansing encompasses personal hygiene, laundry, household cleaning, and skincare. Skin cleansers are formulated to remove oil, sweat, and debris; choices include gels, foams, oils, and milk cleansers, often with considerations of pH and gentleness to preserve the skin barrier.

Detox or cleanse diets, sometimes called body cleanses, aim to remove toxins or reset health; however, evidence for toxin removal is limited. Most claims lack scientific support, and potential risks include dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and poor nutrition. Medical advice is advised, and these approaches are not a substitute for evidence-based medical care.

Spiritual and ritual cleansing involves practices such as water purification rites, smudging with herbs, baptism, or washing in spiritual contexts. Such practices are culturally diverse and emphasize renewal rather than measurable toxin elimination.

In environmental and industrial contexts, cleansing refers to processes that remove pollutants from air, water, or soil, such as filtration, chemical treatment, or bioremediation. Public health and safety rely on cleansing to reduce contaminants and restore ecological balance.