除垢 literally means 'to remove grime'—'除' (chú) means 'to remove, eliminate', and '垢' (gòu) means 'dirt, grime, or buildup', especially the kind that accumulates on surfaces over time (e.g., limescale in kettles, plaque on teeth, or oily residue on kitchen appliances). The term is commonly used in both physical cleaning contexts and metaphorical ones.

In everyday life, 除垢 appears in product names (e.g., water purifier filters labeled '除垢功能'), maintenance instructions, and health-related discussions—for instance, dental professionals may refer to tartar removal as '牙齿除垢'. Figuratively, it extends to social or political contexts meaning 'eradicating corruption', though this usage is formal and often appears in official media or policy documents. It carries a neutral-to-positive connotation when applied to hygiene, but a serious, reform-oriented tone in abstract usage.