Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning and sterilizing machine for small articles such as closure elements for pharmaceutical containers consisting of a treatment tank (1) which is supported by a horizontal shaft (3) in a carrier (2) and is mounted so it can rotate about the axis of the shaft (3) and has a funnel-shaped upper part (6) with a loading and unloading opening (8) arranged in it, said treatment tank being closeable by a valve (7) and having inlet and outlet lines (13, 14) for at least one treatment medium such as water, steam or compressed air connected to it and supported by the shaft (3).