Elen’s car crazy for a washer (8)

I believe the answer is:

cleanser

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'a washer' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'elen's car crazy' is the wordplay.
'crazy' is an anagram indicator.
'elens'+'car'='elenscar'
'elenscar' anagrammed gives 'CLEANSER'.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cleanser that I've seen before include "this can remove dirty marks" , "Purgative" , "Purifying lotion" , "Eg, detergent" , "Facial care product" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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