Wash off Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Physical Effort Sometimes 'wash off' implies vigorous scrubbing, not just gentle washing. I had to really wash off the mud from my boots. Pro Tip 2/3Partial Removal 'Wash off' can mean that some residue might remain despite efforts to clean. The stain didn't completely wash off. Pro Tip 3/3Persistence Required Repeated attempts may be necessary to wash off certain substances. She had to wash her hair several times to wash off the oil.