Method for cleaning a braiding machine, particularly a machine for braiding electrical cables, said braiding machine comprising a plateau (12) for supporting an annular row of spindle drive members (14), characterized in that it comprises a step of equipping the machine with at least one cleaning tool (84), this cleaning tool comprising on the one hand means (90) configured to be driven by the members and, on the other hand, at least one guide element configured to be housed in slideways (32) for the movement of the tool, said guide element being configured to drive or to be equipped with a means (80) of cleaning said slideways, and a step of rotating said members so as to drive said cleaning means in said slideways.