Abstract: There is described a method and an apparatus for cleaning a dust separator which has a raw gas shaft (3), through which raw gas flows from the top to the bottom, and filter elements (5) protruding into the raw gas shaft (3) transverse to the raw gas flow, by which filter elements the raw gas is deflected into a clean gas shaft (4) under a corresponding separation of dust, and which filter elements are briefly subjected to compressed air one after the other for blowing off the dust particles deposited on the same into the raw gas shaft (3), where during the application of compressed air onto the filter elements (5) their flow connection to the clean gas shaft (4) is interrupted. To ensure a good cleaning effect, it is proposed that during the interruption of the flow connection between the filter elements (5) and the clean gas shaft (4) a raw gas stream having a flow component directed from the top to the bottom flows around the filter elements (5) blocked against the clean gas shaft (4).