Kind of water associated with washing and baking (4)
I believe the answer is:
soda
'kind' is the definition.
(I have seen 'kind of water' mean 'soda' so perhaps 'kind' could also mean 'soda')
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for soda that I've seen before include "for use with whisky?" , "Fizzy water, goes well with whiskey" , "Alkaline substance used in cleaning, drinks etc" , "Whisky mixer" , "Sodium carbonate" .)