The invention relates to a device for cleaning an optical sensor (2) of an optical detection system for a motor vehicle, said device comprising an assembly for guiding and distributing a cleaning fluid and a drying fluid. Electric motor-driven means (9) are used to move said fluid-guiding and fluid-distributing assembly in a linear movement between a working position in which the fluids can be distributed over an outer surface of the optical sensor (2) and an idle position. Said invention is applicable to motor vehicles.