As it wandered back home, in need of a wash (7)
I believe the answer is:
stained
'in need of a wash' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'as it wandered back home' is the wordplay.
'wandered' is an anagram indicator.
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'home' becomes 'den' (I've seen this in other clues).
'den' back-to-front is 'ned'.
'as'+'it'='asit'
'asit' anagrammed gives 'stai'.
'stai'+'ned'='STAINED'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stained that I've seen before include "___ glass" , "Marked, discoloured" , "Like many church windows" , "Church feature - side sold was wanting (anag)" , "Soiled" .)