Washable means able to be cleaned with water and soap without being damaged or ruined. A washable marker wipes off skin and clothes easily, unlike a permanent marker that leaves lasting stains. Washable paint cleans up from hands and tables with just soap and water.

The opposite of washable is something that gets ruined when wet or needs special cleaning methods. A silk blouse might need dry cleaning instead of regular washing. Some stuffed animals can go right in the washing machine because they're washable, while others would fall apart or lose their shape.

Parents especially appreciate washable items for young children who spill juice, draw on tables, or come home covered in mud. When shopping for school supplies, teachers often require washable markers and crayons because accidents happen, and washable materials make cleanup simple. The word tells you that whatever mess gets made, you can fix it with ordinary washing instead of needing special solvents, professional cleaning, or throwing the item away.