An apparatus for cleaning a felt in a system for producing a paper web has a device for introducing a cleaning liquid into the felt and at least one following suction device in the direction of movement of the felt and having a vacuum duct, through which the cleaning liquid is suctioned out of the felt. The suction device between the vacuum duct and the felt is formed with suction ducts, through which the cleaning liquid in the felt is suctioned away. At least one of the suction ducts is assigned an inflatable valve element. In the inflated state of the valve element the suction duct is closed and in its ventilated state the suction duct is opened.