掃き掃除

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 掃き掃除 (はきそうじ) is a compound noun for cleaning floors or grounds by sweeping with a broom.
• Basic usage: 店先の掃き掃除を済ませる makes pre-opening sweeping the completed task, while 掃き掃除に時間がかかる makes it the activity consuming more time on leafy days.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Completed task and time requirement
  • 掃き掃除を済ませる reports task completion, whereas 掃き掃除に時間 concerns a resource it consumes. The term does not include mopping or detergent washing.