An adjustable wire rope cleaning device comprising a first base plate and a second base plate, each having opposite ends and two longitudinal sides. Side bars are at the longitudinal sides of at least one of the first base plate and the second base plate and are aligned along an axis of the first base plate, such that a guide channel is defined and partially enclosed by the side bars. The second base plate is slidably attached to the first base plate and within the guide channel. A lateral bar at one end of the first base plate and between the two side bars, and the lateral bar is transverse to the side bars. An adjustment device positioned between the lateral bar and the second base plate, the adjustment device is operable to move the second base plate relative to the first base plate along the axis defined by the guide channel. A brush is coupled to the second base plate, and the brush is adjusted by movement of the second base plate within the guide channel.