A connecting end face cleaning tool having superior cleaning properties includes a cleaning fabric (3). This cleaning tool removes soiling attached to the connecting end face (9a) of an optical connecting part when that connecting end face is detached. The cleaning fabric (3) is constructed such that the woof threads protrude from the surface of the fabric more than the warp threads. The cleaning fabric has a tape-like shape, the lengthwise direction of which is the direction of the extension of the warp threads. Soiling is removed from a connecting end face (9a) as the connecting end face and cleaning fabric (3) are moved relatively such that the connecting end face (9a) moves transverse to the woof threads of the cleaning fabric. A method of cleaning a connecting end face uses a cleaning fabric (3) with woof threads protruding from the surface of the fabric more than the warp threads and the fabric is moved relative to the connecting end face (9a) transverse to the woof threads of the fabric.