Cryptic crossword clue
Cleaning up pop group not quite into rock 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SWABBING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Cleaning up" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cleaning up = swabbing.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SWABBING mean?

SWABBING verb
  1. To use a swab on something, or clean something with a swab.
SWABBING noun
  1. The act of one who swabs.

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