vuiltjes

Vuiltjes is a Dutch noun meaning small particles of dirt or dust that accumulate on surfaces. The word is the diminutive form of vuil (dirt) with the diminutive suffix -tje; a single particle is a vuiltje and multiple particles are referred to as vuiltjes. The term is primarily used in everyday language rather than in scientific or technical contexts and conveys a casual, non-specialized sense of cleanliness.

Vuiltjes can refer to any tiny speck of dirt, including dust on furniture, lint on clothing, or marks on windows. It is commonly encountered in households, offices, and schools. Cleaning advice often mentions removing vuiltjes with a cloth or duster, and the word is used neutrally without implying severity. Distinguishing terms include stof for dust more generally and pluisjes for fluff or lint.

In translation, vuiltjes is typically rendered as “dust specks” or “little bits of dirt” in English. The term reflects everyday Dutch language and offers a precise but informal way to describe small dirty particles without specifying material or origin. It appears in both spoken language and informal writing, such as household tips, children’s books, and magazines.