A filter cleaning apparatus includes a suction generating assembly having a suction generating nozzle, such as an eductor nozzle. The suction generating nozzle has a nozzle inlet, a nozzle outlet, and a suction port in fluid communication with the filter material. The suction generating assembly also includes a suction member positioned in fluid communication with the suction port and positioned adjacent the influent surface of the filter material. A pump is positioned upstream of the nozzle inlet and in fluid communication, on a suction side, with the filter tank or other liquid source. The pump may be operated to deliver operating fluid from the filter tank so as to pass the operating fluid through the suction generating nozzle in a direction from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet. As a result, liquid in the filter tank is drawn through the filter material in a reverse direction and into the suction member. The liquid stream that results acts to remove filtered solids and biogrowth from the filter material. The liquid stream, filtered solids and biogrowth, are discharged along with the operating fluid through the nozzle outlet.