A method for producing a magnetic recording medium having a magnetic material coated on a surface of a polymeric film comprising, in the running direction of the polymeric film, the steps of pressing a cleaning tape made of one of a non-woven fabric and a fabric impregnated with a cleaning agent against the surface of said polymeric film onto which said coating material is coated in order to wipe off foreign matter adhering to said surface of the polymeric film; drying the surface of the wiped polymeric film; and just after the drying step, coating a magnetic coating material onto a surface of a polymeric film while said polymeric film is running. An apparatus for the above method is also disclosed.