vaskning

Vaskning is the act of cleaning something by means of water and a cleansing agent, such as soap or detergent. In Swedish usage, the term describes various washing processes, including laundering of clothes, washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, and industrial or laboratory cleaning. The word is formed from the verb vaska, meaning to wash, with the agentive suffix -ning.

In everyday Swedish, tvätt is the more common noun for laundry and general cleaning, while vaskning tends to appear in technical, formal, or specialized contexts. It is often used to refer to defined washing procedures in industries, healthcare, laboratories, or research settings, where specific steps and controls are described.

Methods commonly associated with vaskning involve immersion or agitation in water with detergents, followed by rinsing to remove residues and drying. In households, washing machines and dishwashers automate much of the process; manual vaskning is typical for delicate items or situations without machines. In laboratory and industrial environments, vaskning may require precise temperatures, multiple rinses with clean water, and adherence to hygiene and safety standards.

Environmental and safety considerations include the consumption of water and energy, the selection of appropriate detergents, and the management of wastewater. Modern appliances emphasize efficiency and reduced environmental impact, while certain contexts—such as food handling, healthcare, or electronics cleaning—may impose stricter sanitation and protocol requirements.

See also: Laundry, Cleaning, Washing machine, Detergent, Dishwashing, Textile care.