What's the difference between 'clean' and 'clear'?

[sykang97]

Hi, teachers.
I would like to ask about the difference between clean and clear.

Please see the sentence below.

All employees are required to keep their desks clear every day and clean work areas at the end of the week.

Does "clear" sound fine in this sentence?
'clean' seems better to me. If it is OK with 'clear', is that 'adjective'?

Thank you ^^:-D

 

[lotus888]

They mean different things.

To clear a desk is to put away all the things that clutter the desk.

To clean a desk is to clear it and wipe it clean.

Sometimes we say "clean up your desk" to mean clear your desk.



--lotus

 

[SoothingDave]

"Clear" means their desks have no items on them. (Excepting the phone, computer, etc.) Work papers and other stuff are put away every day.

"Clean" means having dirt, dust, etc. removed. They need to do this at the end of every week.