Do an absorbing job as cleaner (3,2)
I believe the answer is:
mop up
'do an absorbing job' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.
'cleaner' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'cleaner' could be 'mop' (something which 'cleans') and 'mop' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'up' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'as' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mop up that I've seen before include "Swab" , "Finish a task, clear away remnants" , "Kill (enemy stragglers)" , "take care of" , "Deal with spillage or defeated enemy" .)