Crossword Genius

It may remove dirt rapidly at first with hot water (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scraper

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

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

'it may remove dirt rapidly' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is present in the answer.
'dirt' could be 'crap' (synonyms) and 'crap' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'at' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scraper that I've seen before include "Hand tool for clearing surfaces" , "Tool for removing, eg, dirt or paint" , "Removal tool" , "Cleaning tool" , "Tool for, eg, removing wallpaper" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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