Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning particulate material including coal particles and dust from a flexible belt of the type which is adapted to transport material such as coal on its material-supporting surface and which is of a composition which has and is subject to the development of surface cracks. The belt is advanced lengthwise along a predetermined path on its return run with the material-supporting surface on the underside. A scraper blade is supported crosswise of the belt in scraping contact with the material-supporting surface of the belt as the belt is advanced. Liquid is sprayed against the material-supporting surface of the belt and into the surface cracks adjacent to the point of contact of the scraping edge. The liquid is sprayed against a surface of the blade to be deflected into the cracks and also to maintain the blade in a clean condition. A backing member holds the belt down in contact with the scraper blade.