Abstract: A web cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning the surface of a web (22), for example a photographic film. The apparatus has a rotatable particle transfer roller (10) for removing particulate contamination from the web and a rotatable renewal roller (30) having a cleaning surface (36) for contacting and cleaning the particle transfer roller. Wiping contact is established between the particle transfer roller and the renewal roller to effectuate cleaning of the transfer roller. An absorbent cleaning member (46) is positioned in a cleaning fluid reservoir (32) for wetting and cleaning the cleaning surface of the renewal roller.