The term 'cleans up, in a way' can be solved by two crossword solutions: 'EDITS' (5 letters) and 'scavenges' (9 letters). Editing is the process of revising and correcting a written work, such as a book, article, or essay. Scavenging is the act of searching for something, usually food, that has been discarded or abandoned. In this context, both words can be used to describe the act of cleaning up, in a way.