Issue #911 Mon 31 Aug
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — August 31, 2026
A tidy, focused grid that leans into a steady rhythm. Expect a straightforward path toward completion today.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
High pressure water hitting a mossy driveway, turning grey stone back to white in seconds.
Heavy duty maintenance equipment
HIGH VELOCITY SURFACE RESTORATION
Spangram 4 hints · 9 letters
The connector word
Single compound noun
9 letters.
Starts with P, ends with H.
POWER WASH
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (6 letters)
- 2 C (8 letters)
- 3 D (9 letters)
- 4 S (5 letters)
- 5 S (4 letters)
- 6 S (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BL (6 letters)
- 2 CL (8 letters)
- 3 DE (9 letters)
- 4 SC (5 letters)
- 5 SO (4 letters)
- 6 SO (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A liquid agent that pulls the pigment right out of a stained white cotton shirt.
6 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BL.
BLEACH
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
The gritty paste you reach for when the kitchen sink basin looks dull.
8 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CL.
CLEANSER
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
A measured capful poured into the machine to revive a load of muddy gym clothes.
9 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DE.
DETERGENT
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Working a stiff bristle brush in circles until the mildew finally gives way.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCRUB
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The slippery bar that leaves a squeaky sound against your skin after a long day.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SO.
SOAP
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A volatile liquid that lifts stubborn paint splatters off the garage floor.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SO.
SOLVENT
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- BLEACH
- CLEANSER
- DETERGENT
- SCRUB
- SOAP
- SOLVENT
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on August 31, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for August 31, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on August 31, 2026?
NYT Strands on August 31, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the August 31, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 9 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "P" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on August 31, 2026?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 9-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 9-letter spangram