Abstract: A rotary-type capping machine is provided for capping bottles with closure caps. A plurality of capping elements are provided that rotate about a vertical machine axis and can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. To clean the capping elements, rinsing caps can be secured thereon, each of which, when secured on a capping element, closes off toward the outside a rinsing chamber in which are disposed at least those surfaces of the capping element for which cleanliness is particularly critical. To avoid a connection and loosening of hoses or conduits during cleaning, each capping element is provided above a rinsing cap connection area with fixed connections for the supply and withdrawal of a cleaning or rinsing agent. If the capping machine has a cap transfer mechanism with a rotating transfer element, to clean the same a tray-like element for a cleaning agent is provided in which the transfer element can be immersed by lowering the cap transfer mechasnism and/or by raising the tray-like element.