Abstract: A flatware pre-cleaner is disclosed which includes an elongated, inclined tray or tank divided into a plurality of open-topped compartments for receiving flatware. The tank is provided with water inlets and water outlets with a baffle provided at one inlet to distribute the water flow and a spray nozzle in the several compartments connected to the other inlet. The water outlets drain food particles therefrom and maintain a desired water level in the tank so that water discharged from the inlets agitates the water in which the food engaging ends of the flatware are immersed. The compartments are formed by screen partitions spaced above the bottom of the tank to enable gravity flow of food particles and the like to the outlet. Control valves, additive siphons and supporting structure are provided to render the pre-cleaner effective in pre-cleaning flatware.