sponge down

present singular third person sponges down · participle present sponging down · participle past sponged down · past sponged down

1. To clean with a sponge

   When they awoke they were fed again and sponged down to make sure their fur was clean. At bed-time they were bathed again.

   2004, Jill Tomlinson, chapter 5, in The Otter Who Wanted to Know, Egmont Books, page 51

   2 more examples

   If your skin is dry and flaky all over, pour a few handfuls of salt in your bath water and sponge down your entire body. When you’re through, slather on the moisturizer.

   1982, Annette Capone, chapter 6, in Skin Deep: A guide to easy skincare, Scholastic Inc., page 62

   Painted wallcoverings can be sponged down, of course, but having a wallcovering with a plastic surface makes it more stain-resistant and easier to keep clean.

   2002, Mike Lawrence, Home Decorating, The Crowood Press, page 12

   Synonyms: sponge

plural sponge downs · alternative sponge-down

1. A quick clean of something (namely the body) with a sponge.

   When high fever is present, a sponge down twice a day will add to the patient’s comfort.

   1951, Evelyn M. Lovely, chapter 7, in The Nursing of Sick Children, E & S Livingstone, page 56

   2 more examples

   When the pack is removed a cold or tepid sponge down should be given and the patient placed in a warm bed.

   1929, Eric F. W. Powell, chapter 4, in Water Treatments, C. W. Daniel Company, page 35

   “And how’s the nurse who can’t tell ’flu from measles?” “As good as the patient who’s scared of a sponge down!”’

   1969, Doris E. Smith, chapter 11, in Fire is for Sharing, Harlequin, page 129