Wash before surgery

Crossword Answer — August 02, 2026

Answer

It’s what a surgical team does to get sterile before entering the operating room. 🧼

WSJ Answers

WSJ Crossword

Sunday, August 02, 2026

By Mike Shenk · Edited by Mike Shenk

Tap a square to reveal a letter.

Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.

WSJ Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1Spot for a castaway
  2. 6Salami seller
  3. 10Healthy salad green
  4. 14Starts the bidding
  5. 15Sharif of “Doctor Zhivago”
  6. 16Yoked animals
  7. 17Pricey Japanese beef
  8. 18The Flintstones’ pet
  9. 19Clarinet part
  10. 20“Yes, And?” singer
  11. 23Pickleball court sight
  12. 24Pint in a pub
  13. 25Two-point throw in horseshoes
  14. 29Moody rock genre
  15. 30Sewing line
  16. 32Egg cells
  17. 33“Little Bit of Love” singer
  18. 36Field unit
  19. 38Fleming who created James Bond
  20. 39Galley tools
  21. 40“Stupid Girl” singer
  22. 45Snaky fish
  23. 46“Make it snappy!” letters
  24. 47Play division
  25. 48Largest federation of unions in the U.S.
  26. 50Fragrant conifer
  27. 51Attorney’s org.
  28. 54“All I Know” singer
  29. 58Popular swab
  30. 61Otherwise
  31. 62Idaho’s capital
  32. 63Use a 33-Down
  33. 64Brownish red
  34. 65Bury
  35. 66Walk of Fame symbol
  36. 67Longings
  37. 68“Keen!”

Down

  1. 1Hawkeye
  2. 2Tire in the trunk
  3. 3For real, informally
  4. 4One-named Irish singer
  5. 5Destructive wave
  6. 6Steer clear of
  7. 7Dubai leader
  8. 8Turner of Hollywood
  9. 9Rule without exceptions
  10. 10Seoul’s peninsula
  11. 11Woodsman’s tool
  12. 12Director Spike
  13. 13Terminate
  14. 21Sleep like ___
  15. 22Moore of “G.I. Jane”
  16. 26Pitcher Ryan
  17. 27At any time
  18. 28Tampa baseballers
  19. 29Water pitcher
  20. 30Envelope stick-on
  21. 31Sicilian peak
  22. 33Shop tool
  23. 34“Howdy!”
  24. 35Robber’s haul
  25. 36Cruising
  26. 37Restaurant VIP
  27. 41Hibernation spot
  28. 42Mysterious lore
  29. 43Ingenuous person
  30. 44Wash before surgery
  31. 49Bank heist, for example
  32. 50Worries
  33. 51Japanese dog
  34. 52Persistently trouble
  35. 53Oldsmobile’s last model
  36. 55Model-making need
  37. 56Org.’s kin
  38. 57Minimal amount
  39. 58NFL passers
  40. 59Young one
  41. 60Nest egg option, for short

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Spot for a castaway — Answer: ISLET. Hint: Think of a tiny island where someone stranded might wash ashore. 🏝️
  2. 6. Salami seller — Answer: DELI. Hint: Look for the kind of shop counter where sliced meats and cheeses are sold. 🥪
  3. 10. Healthy salad green — Answer: KALE. Hint: This leafy superfood is a go-to for smoothies and hearty salads 🥗
  4. 14. Starts the bidding — Answer: OPENS. Hint: Makes the first offer in an auction or negotiation. 🔨
  5. 15. Sharif of “Doctor Zhivago” — Answer: OMAR. Hint: Think of the Egyptian actor who portrayed the title doctor in the classic film adaptation 🎬
  6. 16. Yoked animals — Answer: OXEN. Hint: These sturdy farm animals often work in pairs to pull a plow 🐂
  7. 17. Pricey Japanese beef — Answer: WAGYU. Hint: Think of the famously marbled beef prized by gourmets and raised in Japan. 🥩
  8. 18. The Flintstones’ pet — Answer: DINO. Hint: Fred and Wilma’s lovable prehistoric companion 🦕
  9. 19. Clarinet part — Answer: REED. Hint: Think of the thin strip that vibrates to give this woodwind its voice 🎶
  10. 20. “Yes, And?” singer — Answer: ARIANAGRANDE. Hint: This pop superstar turned a punctuation-filled title into a confident anthem. 🎤
  11. 23. Pickleball court sight — Answer: NET. Hint: It divides the court and politely blocks low-flying shots. 🏓
  12. 24. Pint in a pub — Answer: ALE. Hint: A classic fermented drink you might order at the bar 🍺
  13. 25. Two-point throw in horseshoes — Answer: LEANER. Hint: In horseshoes, this two-point toss scores when the shoe rests against the stake without making a ringer. 🐴
  14. 29. Moody rock genre — Answer: EMO. Hint: This genre often expresses deep feelings and emotions through its music. 🎸
  15. 30. Sewing line — Answer: SEAM. Hint: Where two pieces of fabric meet, a neat row of stitches keeps them together 🧵
  16. 32. Egg cells — Answer: OVA. Hint: Tiny female reproductive cells doing the job of a single egg 🥚
  17. 33. “Little Bit of Love” singer — Answer: DWIGHTTWILLEY. Hint: Think of the power-pop artist behind this catchy 1970s tune. 🎵
  18. 36. Field unit — Answer: ACRE. Hint: It measures a patch of farmland, not a sports team’s lineup. 🌾
  19. 38. Fleming who created James Bond — Answer: IAN. Hint: Think of the British novelist who gave the world its most famous spy. 🕵️
  20. 39. Galley tools — Answer: OARS. Hint: These help a crew propel a boat by hand. 🚣
  21. 40. “Stupid Girl” singer — Answer: SHIRLEYMANSON. Hint: Think of the distinctive frontwoman of Garbage, whose band sang this cheeky ’90s hit. 🎤
  22. 45. Snaky fish — Answer: EEL. Hint: This slippery swimmer looks more like a serpent than a typical fish. 🐍
  23. 46. “Make it snappy!” letters — Answer: ASAP. Hint: This brisk abbreviation means “as quickly as possible.” ⚡
  24. 47. Play division — Answer: ACT. Hint: A theatrical performance is often divided into one of these sections 🎭
  25. 48. Largest federation of unions in the U.S. — Answer: AFLCIO. Hint: Think of the nationwide labor organization that brings many American unions under one umbrella. 🤝
  26. 50. Fragrant conifer — Answer: FIR. Hint: Think of the evergreen tree whose fresh, resinous scent fills the forest and holiday season. 🌲
  27. 51. Attorney’s org. — Answer: ABA. Hint: This professional group represents lawyers and helps shape legal standards ⚖️
  28. 54. “All I Know” singer — Answer: ARTGARFUNKEL. Hint: This vocalist is best known for his partnership with Paul Simon before stepping into the spotlight alone 🎤
  29. 58. Popular swab — Answer: QTIP. Hint: A familiar cotton-tipped bathroom helper, often used for careful cleaning. 🧼
  30. 61. Otherwise — Answer: ELSE. Hint: Think of a word meaning “in another way” or “if not.” 💡
  31. 62. Idaho’s capital — Answer: BOISE. Hint: Think of the Gem State’s largest city and center of government 🏛️
  32. 63. Use a 33-Down — Answer: BORE. Hint: Think of what a drill does to wood, or what a dull speaker does to a listener. 🛠️
  33. 64. Brownish red — Answer: RUST. Hint: Think of the earthy color you might see on old iron or autumn leaves. 🍂
  34. 65. Bury — Answer: INTER. Hint: This verb means to place someone in a grave or put something underground. ⚰️
  35. 66. Walk of Fame symbol — Answer: STAR. Hint: Think of the celestial shape honored on Hollywood’s famous sidewalk ⭐
  36. 67. Longings — Answer: YENS. Hint: These are strong desires for something you deeply want. 💭
  37. 68. “Keen!” — Answer: NEATO. Hint: A cheerful way to say something is impressively cool or delightful! 😎

Down

  1. 1. Hawkeye — Answer: IOWAN. Hint: Think of what you’d call someone from the state whose teams are the Hawkeyes. 🏈
  2. 2. Tire in the trunk — Answer: SPARE. Hint: It’s the backup wheel waiting in your car for an unexpected flat. 🛞
  3. 3. For real, informally — Answer: LEGIT. Hint: A casual way to say something is genuine or truly happening. 👍
  4. 4. One-named Irish singer — Answer: ENYA. Hint: Think of the Irish vocalist famous for dreamy, layered music and a single memorable stage name 🎶
  5. 5. Destructive wave — Answer: TSUNAMI. Hint: A powerful ocean surge caused by an undersea disturbance can devastate coastlines. 🌊
  6. 6. Steer clear of — Answer: DODGE. Hint: Think of giving something a wide berth rather than facing it head-on. 🚧
  7. 7. Dubai leader — Answer: EMIR. Hint: Think of the traditional title held by Dubai’s ruler. 👑
  8. 8. Turner of Hollywood — Answer: LANA. Hint: Think of the glamorous classic-film star who appeared in The Postman Always Rings Twice 🎬
  9. 9. Rule without exceptions — Answer: IRONLAW. Hint: Think of a completely unyielding principle—one that allows no exceptions. ⚙️
  10. 10. Seoul’s peninsula — Answer: KOREA. Hint: Think of the East Asian peninsula where Seoul sits, with a northern and southern half 🗺️
  11. 11. Woodsman’s tool — Answer: AXE. Hint: A classic hand tool for chopping firewood in the forest 🪵
  12. 12. Director Spike — Answer: LEE. Hint: This filmmaker is known for socially conscious films like Do the Right Thing and BlacKkKlansman. 🎬
  13. 13. Terminate — Answer: END. Hint: Bring something to its final point or bring it to a close 🛑
  14. 21. Sleep like ___ — Answer: ALOG. Hint: Picture the famously motionless sleeper compared to a chunk of firewood. 🪵
  15. 22. Moore of “G.I. Jane” — Answer: DEMI. Hint: Think of the actress who starred opposite Patrick Swayze in “Ghost.” 🎬
  16. 26. Pitcher Ryan — Answer: NOLAN. Hint: Think of the legendary fireballer whose first name is also shared by a blockbuster filmmaker. ⚾
  17. 27. At any time — Answer: EVER. Hint: Think of a word meaning “whenever” or “at some point.” ⏰
  18. 28. Tampa baseballers — Answer: RAYS. Hint: This Florida team plays its home games near Tampa Bay ⚾
  19. 29. Water pitcher — Answer: EWER. Hint: This old-fashioned vessel is made for pouring drinks at the table. 🏺
  20. 30. Envelope stick-on — Answer: STAMP. Hint: It helps your letter travel through the mail without needing a ticket. 📬
  21. 31. Sicilian peak — Answer: ETNA. Hint: Think of a famous volcano that might give you a warm reception! 🌋
  22. 33. Shop tool — Answer: DRILL. Hint: A handy workshop tool for making holes in wood or metal. 🔧
  23. 34. “Howdy!” — Answer: HIYA. Hint: A cheerful, informal greeting for someone you’re glad to see 🤠
  24. 35. Robber’s haul — Answer: LOOT. Hint: What a thief might grab during a successful heist 🏴‍☠️
  25. 36. Cruising — Answer: ASEA. Hint: Picture yourself traveling across the ocean, not on land. 🌊
  26. 37. Restaurant VIP — Answer: CHEF. Hint: This kitchen star creates the menu and leads the culinary team. 👨‍🍳
  27. 41. Hibernation spot — Answer: LAIR. Hint: A sheltered animal hideaway for sleeping through the cold months 🐻
  28. 42. Mysterious lore — Answer: ESOTERY. Hint: Think of obscure, insider knowledge known mainly to a select few. 🔮
  29. 43. Ingenuous person — Answer: NAIF. Hint: Think of someone innocent, trusting, and a bit unsophisticated. 🙂
  30. 44. Wash before surgery — Answer: SCRUBIN. Hint: It’s what a surgical team does to get sterile before entering the operating room. 🧼
  31. 49. Bank heist, for example — Answer: CAPER. Hint: Think of a mischievous escapade, often with a playful or criminal twist 😏
  32. 50. Worries — Answer: FRETS. Hint: Feels uneasy or concerned about something 😟
  33. 51. Japanese dog — Answer: AKITA. Hint: This loyal, powerful breed shares its name with a prefecture in northern Japan. 🐕
  34. 52. Persistently trouble — Answer: BESET. Hint: To keep troubling or harassing someone persistently is to do this. 🐝
  35. 53. Oldsmobile’s last model — Answer: ALERO. Hint: This compact sedan was the final vehicle to wear the Oldsmobile badge. 🚗
  36. 55. Model-making need — Answer: GLUE. Hint: It holds tiny pieces together when you’re building a miniature masterpiece. 🧩
  37. 56. Org.’s kin — Answer: ASSN. Hint: Think of a compact abbreviation for an organized group. 🤝
  38. 57. Minimal amount — Answer: NONE. Hint: Think of the empty quantity—there isn’t any to count. 🫥
  39. 58. NFL passers — Answer: QBS. Hint: These gridiron leaders are best known for throwing the ball downfield 🏈
  40. 59. Young one — Answer: TOT. Hint: A very small child, often said with affection. 👶
  41. 60. Nest egg option, for short — Answer: IRA. Hint: Think of a compact retirement savings account. 🐣

The answer to “Wash before surgery” in the Wall Street Journal crossword is SCRUBIN — a 7-letter word. This clue ran in the Wall Street Journal crossword on August 2, 2026, a Sunday puzzle, at 44-Down. If it's the entry standing between you and a clean grid, that's the word you need — and below you'll find why it fits, plus links to the day's other clues if more than one square is giving you trouble.

“Wash before surgery” answer

SCRUBIN (7 letters)

Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is SCRUBIN.

Why the answer is SCRUBIN

It’s what a surgical team does to get sterile before entering the operating room. 🧼

When else has “Wash before surgery” appeared?

Wall Street Journal reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up before, and what the answer was each time — handy if you landed here from a puzzle on another date.

August 2, 2026 (this puzzle) → SCRUBIN. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.

More clues from the WSJ Crossword on August 2, 2026

Stuck elsewhere in the grid? Here are some of the crossing and nearby clues from the same puzzle — tap any for its answer and explanation.

Want every clue in one place? The full Wall Street Journal answer list for August 2, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live WSJ answers are always one tap from the today page.

About the WSJ Crossword

The Wall Street Journal Crossword is a free daily 15×15 (larger for the end-of-week themed grid), edited by Mike Shenk and known for clean, fair cluing with a business and finance streak. This page covers a Sunday puzzle. The WSJ also runs a contest (meta) crossword whose answer hides inside the finished grid, so its long theme entries tend to carry extra weight. Locking one confirmed mid-length answer usually opens the crossings around it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Wash before surgery”?

The answer is SCRUBIN, a 7-letter word. It appeared in the Wall Street Journal crossword on August 2, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Wash before surgery”?

7 letters: SCRUBIN.

Where did this clue appear?

In the Wall Street Journal crossword on August 2, 2026 (a Sunday puzzle), at 44-Down.

Can “Wash before surgery” have a different answer?

Yes — Wall Street Journal sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.

Where can I find the rest of this day's WSJ answers?

The full grid for August 2, 2026 is on the WSJ answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

NYT Crossword Answers NYT Mini Crossword Answers WSJ Answers — Aug 2 Wordle Hint Today Connections Hint Today Strands Hint Today Quordle Hint Today Contexto Hint Today Spotle Hint Today Minute Cryptic Answer Today Pips Hint Today Jumble Answers Today