A method for cleaning a textile machine having a plurality of work stations includes issuing a cleaning request for a first one of the work stations. In response to the cleaning request, the first work station is approached and cleaned by a mobile cleaning device that travels alongside of the textile machine. The cleaning requests are issued for the work stations depending on specifically identified contamination-generating events that have occurred at or near the respective work station since a last cleaning process at the work station. A textile machine configured in accordance with the method is also provided.