A method and apparatus for cleaning a conveyor belt includes placing a rotatable cleaning roller in close proximity with the belt. The roller includes a plurality of radially extending vanes configured in the form of a so-called chevron helix. The roller is supported within a frame member, which in turn is attached to the support structure of the conveyor. The frame member includes an adjusting mechanism which adjusts the position of the belt relative to the roller. A sealing arrangement establishes an effective air seal between the roller and the belt to permit a vacuum source to aid in the removal of material from the belt.