A process for cleaning a wire or the outer surface of a tube using one or more textile or textile-like material strands that runs substantially parallel, but opposite, to the direction of travel of the wire or tube, that may contain at least one cleaning material, and that are arranged to run in the form of at least one loop lying on the wire or tube, characterized in that the speed and the tension of the textile or textile-like material strand is adjusted and regulated. The device of the invention is device for practicing the method for cleaning a wire or the outer surface of a tube, using textile or textile-like material strands which move substantially parallel to, and against, the direction of travel of the wire or tube, the textile or textile-like material strands surrounding the wire or tube in the form of at least one loop lying close thereto in a looping zone and optionally containing cleaning material, wherein the approach and exit angle of one or more of said material strands is flat with respect to the wire or the outer surface of the tube, characterized by at least one apparatus for adjusting and regulating the speed and the tension of the material strands. Such a device or process wherein the speed and the tension of the material strands can be adjusted keeps the approach and exit angle of the material strand with respect to the wire or the outer surface of the tube low. This prevents the material strand from tightening and tearing.