Abstract: This invention relates to the removal of soil from paper machine forming fabrics. More particularly, this invention is directed to a method and apparatus for removing contaminants from forming fabric in a papermaking machine wherein the forming fabric moves in a longitudinal direction, the apparatus includes a set of bristles having upper and lower ends and arranged above the forming fabric, the lower ends of the bristles being in contact with the upper surface of the forming fabric and the upper ends of the bristles being engaged by a bristle holder, the bristle holder being supported by a support device and the bristles being comprised of a lower surface energy material oleophilic to polyester at a water/oil interface.