A stirring nozzle used in an apparatus for abrasive wire cleaning. The stirring nozzles can be used in series to create multiple cleaning steps wherein fresh cleaning compound contacts the wire to be cleaned. The cleaning apparatus moves both the wire and an abrasive cleaning compound through the interior of the stirring nozzles. At the exit end of each stirring nozzle, cleaning compound is moved outward from the wire path. At the inlet end of each stirring nozzle, cleaning compound is moved inward toward the wire path. The sequential in-and-out movement mixes the cleaning compound.