The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for surfaces, more particularly window panes. It mainly comprises a handle 1 and a two-part holder 4 for rod-shaped or strip-shaped cleaning elements 8 which is releasably attached to the handle 1. The releasable connection comprises: a forwardly open inner sleeve 2 which is formed on the handle 1 and has diametrically opposite axial slots 11, 12; an outer sleeve 3, mounted rotatably but axially non-displaceably on the inner sleeve 2; and a pin 5, 6 which is inserted in the inner sleeve 2 and is divided into two in the axial direction. The outer sleeve 3 has an internal screwthreading 16, 17 recessed by axial grooves 18, 19 at two diametrically opposite places. By the rotation of the outer sleeve 3 in relation to the inner sleeve 2, the grooves 18, 19 can be brought into alignment with the slots 11, 12. In such alignment the pin 5, 6 divided into two, bearing an external screwthreaded portion 20, 21 on each of diametrically opposite sides, can be axially displaced in the inner sleeve 2. By the rotation of the outer sleeve 3 the screwthreaded portions 16, 17 of the outer sleeve 3 are brought into engagement with the screwthreaded portions 20, 21 of the two halves 5, 6 of the pin, the two-part pin 5, 6 being thus fixed in the inner sleeve 2.