Abstract: Disclosed is a device for cleaning dental, medical or surgical instruments including a support, a receptacle mounted on the support and intended to receive at least the active part of a dental, medical or surgical instrument and a cover arranged to be removably mounted on one end of the receptacle. The cover includes at least one slot, the slot being arranged such that at least the active part of the instrument can be inserted into the receptacle and removed from the receptacle through the slot, the friction between the active part of the instrument and at least one wall of the slot when the instrument passes through the slot allowing the active part to be mechanically cleaned by retaining solid or liquid dirt and deposits.