Crossword Genius

With a nut on, is it cleaner? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

washer

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

'cleaner?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'with a nut on is it' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'with' could be 'w' (short for with) and 'w' is found in the answer.
'a' is found in the answer.
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for washer that I've seen before include "Laundry machine" , "Ring of metal fitted between two surfaces to improve grip" , "Metal disc for hawser" , "Tap seal" , "Joint-sealing ring" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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