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'm not certain 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 believe this answer much more).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'le' placed within 'can' is 'CLEAN'.
'with a' is the 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" .)