To provide a cylindrical filter cleaning apparatus and cleaning method which consume low quantity of cleaning water, are inexpensive and eco-friendly.

The cleaning apparatus is used for cleaning a strainer 30 and is provided with a rotary handle 2 rotating the strainer 30, which handle rotates the strainer 30 dipped in a cleaning tank 1 filled with cleaning liquid 20 and having a tapered bottom, along the curved peripheral face of the strainer 30. A roller 3 is provided inside the cleaning tank 1, and the roller 3 contacts the curved peripheral face of the strainer 30 dipped in the cleaning tank 1, and rotates with the rotation of the strainer 30.