Crossword Genius

Remove with a slightly scratchy massaging action (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scrub

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

'remove' is the definition.
(scrub can mean to remove or delete)

'slightly scratchy massaging action' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'action' could be 'rub' (rub is a kind of action) and 'rub' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'with a' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scrub that I've seen before include "Eliminate" , "Powerful wash" , "insignificant type" , "Do away with" , "Clean vigorously - stunted vegetation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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