lavar vs. limpiar

Question

lavar to wash limpiar to clean

from lesson 1.13: lavar la ropa limpiar el bano

so if it something that in English would be, to wash, its lavar (like your hair, your laundry, etc) but if its something you have to clean, like the toilet, the bathroom, the air filters, etc, its limpiar?

Rachel

Answer 1

My understanding is that lavar normally involves some kind of liquid (depends on context), while limpiar doesn't have to. Lavar: "to wash", limpiar: "to clean, tidy".

excelente respuesta vicky:) - 00494d19, Sep 13, 2009

Where did you get "Vicky" from ?! That's a girl's name and Viking is a guy. - --Mariana--, Sep 13, 2009

Another budding romance on this forum? Using the diminuitive to pledge an affirmation of undying love? I think that it should have been writting as Viki, however. When it deteriorates to baby talk, (snookum's) I'm out of here. - 0074b507, Dec 9, 2010

Well said, Vikipoo! =P You look so cute when you pillage! - LiveUnsheathed, Dec 9, 2010

We may have to visit that thread on hombreriega again. - 0074b507, Dec 9, 2010

Answer 2

Of course we have to wait for the native speakers to answer this one; however, I was just researching this same question today!

I am of the same understanding that you are with these two words:

Lavar = clothes, hair, dishes

Limpiar = the house, etc.

Answer 3

It's the same as the difference between "wash" and "clean" in English. You wash clothes, you wash the car, you clean the house. I don't know if it has anything to do with fluids or not.

Answer 4

then why do we say "me lava los dientes" and "me limpio los dientes", both meaning to wash my teeth???

Lavar means to clean using water; limpiar means to clean, by whichever means necessary. - lazarus1907, Dec 9, 2010

I've never heard "lavar/limpiar los dientes" I've heard of cepillar los dientes. - Rose2311, Dec 9, 2010

Answer 5

To wash is not necessarily to clean. " I washed the tablecloth but I need to do it again. It didn't get clean.

Answer 6

I always used "cepillar los dientes"

On the spray bottles for cleaning your bathroom/kitchen it says "Limpiar" (I am based in mallorca)

Also on "Ariel" wash liquid for your clothes it uses "lavar" and "limpiar"

Don´t know if this helps!