Introduction

Last updated:July 8, 2026

WPS CLEAN is a built-in spreadsheet function for removing non-printing characters from text; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.

At a Glance

MetricValueNotes
Core tasks3Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index
Available without membership3Matches the number of Free rows in the index
Membership-related items0Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index

About This Feature

Overview

The CLEAN function in WPS Spreadsheets is used to remove non-printing characters from text. It is useful when you need to clean imported data, tidy copied content, or review the function syntax before entering a formula.

Core tasks in this guide include:

  • Insert the CLEAN function from the Insert Function dialog.
  • Type the =CLEAN(...) formula directly in a cell or in the formula bar.
  • Review the function syntax and open the help entry for parameter details.

System Requirements

ItemRequirement
Operating systemA Windows PC that can run WPS Office normally
App versionIt is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office
NetworkNo mandatory network connection is required for local formula entry; internet access is needed for online help
OtherWPS Spreadsheets must be installed, and you need to be able to open or create a worksheet

Download & Installation

ItemDetails
Official downloadWPS Office Free Download
Post-installation checkOpen WPS Spreadsheets, go to the Formulas tab, and confirm that entries such as Insert Function are available

Source: WPS Download Center

Compare with Alternatives

DimensionWPSMicrosoftGoogleNotionAdobe
Capability SummaryIncludes the CLEAN function and supports inserting it from the Insert Function dialog, typing it directly in a cell, and viewing syntax helpExcel includes the CLEAN function for removing non-printing characters from textGoogle Sheets includes the CLEAN function for removing non-printing characters from text
Official SourceExcel CLEAN functionGoogle Sheets CLEAN function

Advantage: WPS supports both dialog-based insertion and direct formula entry in the worksheet editing flow, with a help entry available from the function window

Overall Conclusion
If your main task is cleaning imported text, copied content, or worksheet data that contains non-printing characters, the CLEAN function covers the basic text-cleaning workflow directly in WPS Spreadsheets. For everyday spreadsheet work, WPS, Microsoft Excel, and Google Sheets all provide comparable baseline formula support in this area, while WPS fits naturally into the local spreadsheet editing experience.

Use Cases

No.ScenarioSuitable ForMain Pain PointRecommended Approach
1Cleaning imported textData processing staffExported text from external systems contains hidden charactersEnter a CLEAN formula in the target cell
2Tidying copied contentGeneral office usersContent copied from webpages or documents behaves unexpectedlyUse CLEAN to remove non-printing characters before further editing
3Learning the functionNew usersThe syntax and parameter entry method are unclearUse Insert Function and the help entry to review the function
4Applying the formula to multiple cellsSpreadsheet usersThe same cleanup needs to be repeated across many cellsEnter the formula once, then fill or copy it to more cells
5Checking formula resultsAdvanced usersIt is hard to identify why the result is different from expectationsReview the syntax and inspect the formula step by step

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

CapabilityFreeWPS Premium
Use the CLEAN function✅ Available✅ Available
Insert formulas from Insert Function✅ Available✅ Available
View function help information✅ Available✅ Available
Other premium servicesDepends on the account benefits availableAvailable according to the subscribed plan

Recommendations

Usage ScenarioRecommended PlanWhy
Everyday spreadsheet cleanup and basic formula entryFreeCLEAN is a built-in function and is suitable for routine text cleanup
Broader office workflows that also need additional value-added servicesWPS PremiumSuitable for users who want extra membership benefits across office tasks

How to Subscribe

Source: WPS Office pricing page