Abstract: A cleaning device is provided, including an electrical consumption unit, at least two batteries, a discharge circuit electrically connecting these to the consumption unit, and a control unit for controlling the discharge circuit, wherein the batteries are connected to each other in parallel. To increase the utility and operational safety of the cleaning device, in the discharge operation of the cleaning device, a parameter reflecting a respective state of charge of the batteries is determinable, and the discharge circuit is controllable by the control unit such that, depending on the result of the determination, a respective discharge current path for the respective battery, in which discharge current path the consumption unit is arranged, is optionally releasable or blockable by means of at least one electrical switching element. In addition, methods for operating a cleaning device are provided.