scouring

/ˈskaʊrɪŋ/
adjective
  1. Used for or relating to thorough cleaning by rubbing.
    • The scouring action of the powder removed the tough stains.
    • She bought a new scouring sponge for the dishes.
    • He used a scouring brush to clean the grill.
noun
  1. The action of cleaning something thoroughly by rubbing it hard, especially with a rough material.
    • After a good scouring, the kitchen floor looked like new.
    • The scouring of the old pots took hours of hard work.
    • The scouring of the ship's deck was a daily chore for the sailors.
  2. The action of searching a place or area very carefully and thoroughly.
    • The scouring of the archives revealed the missing documents.
    • The scouring of the forest for the lost child lasted all night.
    • Police conducted a scouring of the entire neighborhood.