A cleaner way to cook (4)

I believe the answer is:

char

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'a cleaner' is the definition.
(charwoman is a type of cleaner)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for char that I've seen before include "Sear - fish" , "Blacken by burning" , "Daily cleaner; burn" , "House cleaner" , "Singe, scorch" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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