An element of Spooner's naked wash? (8)

I believe the answer is:

chlorine

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'an element' is the definition.
(I know that chlorine is a type of element)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chlorine that I've seen before include "Poison gas, with sodium makes salt" , "Toxic green gas" , "It's used to purify water" , "Gas used in STERILISING water and in industry (8)" , "Atomic number 17" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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