Crossword Genius

It helps with the cleaning as shown on TV (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

soap

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'it helps with the cleaning' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'as shown on tv' is the wordplay.
'as' becomes 'so' (I've seen this in other clues).
'shown on tv' becomes 'ap' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'so'+'ap'='SOAP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for soap that I've seen before include "made in a bar?" , "TV entertainment" , "Cleaning agent" , "Cleansing TV serial drama" , "Bath tablet" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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