Abstract: A cleaning indicator tests cleaning processes that facilitates a differentiated and gradual assessment of the cleaning processes. To this end, the cleaning indicator contains a plurality of indicator elements that are arranged on a common carrier and alter their properties depending on the cleaning action of a cleaning process, wherein the dependency on the cleaning action is selected differently for each of the individual indicator elements. Furthermore, a test specimen particularly suitable therefor is to be provided. In addition, a method for testing cleaning processes is to be provided, which facilitates a differentiated determination and testing of the cleaning action that is achieved.