Tend to put in thick rope that can be washed (9)

I believe the answer is:

cleanable

'that can be washed' is the definition.
(that which can be cleaned)

'tend to put in thick rope' is the wordplay.
'tend' becomes 'lean' (synonyms).
'to put in' is an insertion indicator.
'thick rope' becomes 'cable' (cable can mean a rope or wire).
'lean' put inside 'cable' is 'CLEANABLE'.

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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