Cleaner starts to merit outstanding pay (3)

I believe the answer is:

mop

'cleaner' is the definition.
(something which 'cleans')

'starts to merit outstanding pay' is the wordplay.
'starts to' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letters of 'merit outstanding pay' is 'MOP'.

(Other definitions for mop that I've seen before include "Polish" , "Finish off a task - . . . up" , "Wet cleaner" , "Cleaning implement" , "A thick mass of hair on head" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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