Crossword Genius

Dirty clothes from dust encountered in section of party (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

washing

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'dirty clothes' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'dust encountered in section of party' is the wordplay.
'dust' becomes 'ash' (I've seen this before).
'encountered in' is an insertion indicator.
'section of party' becomes 'wing' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ash' placed inside 'wing' is 'WASHING'.

'from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for washing that I've seen before include "Cleaning with soap and water" , "Cleaning - laundry" , "Cleansing" , "(and 18) Domestic appliance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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