Crossword Genius

Start to cook Jack Sprat's dinner, then wash up (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clean

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'wash up' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for clean that I've seen before include "Second part of 18" , "Squeaky?" , "thoroughly" , "Without stain" , "Squeakily hygienic?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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