The meaning of cleaning in a dream can be interpreted washing an object, substance, or symbolizing self-control. Cleansing oneself of guilt and resentments is possible; mainly dealing with hidden memories and realities.
Dreams of cleaning your hands or body often reflect a need to be free of guilt or some kind of burden in waking life. The harder the hands or body are scrubbed in the dream, the greater the need for the unconscious to be free of these feelings. This type of dream can also indicate a desire to cleanse yourself of negative emotions or experiences that may be weighing you down.
Cleaning stains out of clothes can also be significant, representing the need to remove negative aspects of your life or personality. This type of dream may indicate a desire to clean up your image, whether it be personal or professional. Removing stains out of clothes can also symbolize a need to overcome a difficult situation or problem in waking life.
In general, in a dream where you are cleaning something is representative of inward spiritual work you are doing on yourself. Some believe cleaning is about wiping away old beliefs, damaging thoughts and emotions that have been linked to clarity and understanding. Others believe that these dreams symbolize movements towards healing or restoration.