Washed down with a bit of ale in a can? (5)
I believe the answer is:
clean
'washed down' is the definition.
'clean' can be an answer for 'washed'. I am unsure of the 'down' bit.
'bit of ale in a can?' is the wordplay.
'bit of ale' becomes 'le' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'le' placed within 'can' is 'CLEAN'.
'with a' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for clean that I've seen before include "Carrying no illegal drugs" , "thoroughly" , "Unsullied" , "Spotless; launder" , "attentive to personal hygiene" .)