Crossword Genius

Discourage fellow cleaner (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

detergent

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

'discourage fellow' is the wordplay.
'discourage' becomes 'deter' ('deter' can be a synonym of 'discourage').
'fellow' becomes 'gent' (I've seen this before).
'deter'+'gent'='DETERGENT'

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

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Telegraph.
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