In return, detergent shows the bird (5)
I believe the answer is:
egret
'bird' is the definition.
(egret is a kind of bird)
'in return detergent shows' is the wordplay.
'in return' says the letters should be written backwards (return can mean to go backwards).
'shows' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'terge' is hidden within 'detergent'.
'terge' written backwards gives 'EGRET'.
'the' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for egret that I've seen before include "One of a pair of waders" , "Type of forty eight Ac" , "White-plumed wader" , "Mainly white heron" , "Wading bird like a heron" .)