The phrase "take cleaners" means to defeat soundly or punish severely in a competition or conflict. There are plenty of synonyms that can be used instead for this phrase, such as annihilate, obliterate, trounce, vanquish, crush, overwhelm, rout, thrash, defeat, and conquer. These words represent the intensity of the victory or punishment inflicted. "Thrash" or "rout" suggests a complete victory or crushing defeat with high intensity. "Vanquish" or "conquer" suggests a more deliberate and strategic battle plan with a final and complete victory. Overall, there are many similar words that can be used in place of "take cleaners" depending on the context of the situation.