Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning fibrous material which is fed in the form of a sliver by a delivery device to an opening roller carried within a housing which opens the fibrous material and feeds the opened fibers to an open-end spinning device. A dust separator opening is provided in the housing between the delivery device and the open-end spinning device. A source of suction is connected to the dust-separator opening and a gauze-like covering extends over the dust-separator opening for maintaining the fibrous material within the effective range of the opening roller as the fibrous material is carried thereover during the opening process. The dust from the fibrous material is withdrawn through the gauze-like covering and the dust-separator opening by the source of suction. The housing can also be provided with a trash separator opening having a separator edge positioned adjacent thereto for separating trash from the fibrous material simultaneously while the dust is being removed therefrom.