What does “Crystal Clean” Mean?
When something is “crystal clean,” it means that it is spotlessly clean and shining, like freshly washed and buffed crystal. Windows in particular are often scrubbed so that they are crystal clean, allowing people to see out clearly, but any number of objects and spaces could be cleaned to a high level as well. In some regions, the ability to keep a crystal clean home is viewed as a positive personality trait, with some cultures associating clean living with good character. A whole family of related idioms include references to crystal. When something is “crystal clear,” for example, it means that it is very clearly stated and obvious, with no room for ambiguity or confusion. “Clear as crystal” is another idiom used to describe very clearly stated situations. All of these idioms reference lead crystal, a special type of glass with a very high refractive index which makes it sparkle more than ordinary glass, especially when it is faceted and polished. Some cleaning products, especially
