First bit of stinking blubber to clean up (5)
I believe the answer is:
sweep
'clean up' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sweep that I've seen before include "range" , "Prize draw" , "search" , "Wield a broom" , "Use a brush" .)