Crossword Genius

Cleaner put off, man! (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

detergent

'cleaner' is the definition.
(detergent is a kind of cleaner)

'put off man' is the wordplay.
'put off' becomes 'deter' (both can mean to discourage).
'man' becomes 'gent' (gent is a kind of man).
'deter'+'gent'='DETERGENT'

(Other definitions for detergent that I've seen before include "Soapless cleanser" , "Cleaning product" , "Soluble cleanser" , "Soluble cleansing agent" , "Synthetic cleaning substance for washing machines" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.