Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for cleaning vessels. The vessel cleaning apparatus (10) has a suction lance (20) and a flushing lance (40). The flushing lance (40) is configured to receive fluid, such as cleaning liquid and/or compressed air, and to expel it against an inner wall of a vessel to be cleaned. The suction lance (20) is configured to suck off and lead off fluids present in the vessel as well as cleaning liquid supplied through the flushing lance (40) from the vessel, preferably against the direction of effect of gravity.