What word do Americans use for dirt?

Solution 1:

As an American, I think this is dependent on context:

• Dust if in a building

• Crumbs if involving food

• Grime if non-granular (especially if membranous)

In all other contexts (and arguably in some of the ones listed above) it would not be unusual for an American to simply say dirt.

"Clean the dirt off the porch."

"I wiped the dirt off the park bench."

Perhaps one might also make a more indirect reference to such filth using the word mess, but this term is used more generally and could include any of large and small granular filth, membranous filth, or even larger trash or clutter.