Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for cleaning a cylinder surface. The method is particularly suitable for use on flexographic printing cylinders where the automatic cleaning apparatus facilitates the cleaning of plate cylinders or on any type of cylinders. The method comprises detaching particles such as dust, fibers and other foreign objects deposited on the cylinder surface by means of pressurized fluid of air, liquid, ultrasound or other suitable media. After the particles have been detached, the cylinder surface is exposed to a vacuum unit whereby the detached particles and other material deriving from the cleaning medium are sucked off the surface of the cylinder. The advantage is that, in many cases, it will not be necessary to halt the printing process for cleaning the cylinder. The apparatus comprises a cleaning head or pipes capable of providing the pressurized fluid to the cylinder surface and removing any particles detached from the cylinder surface while the cylinder is in normal operation.