A roll cleaning apparatus for a paper making machine has a cleaning member that is mounted to a support member that extends lengthwise relative to a first roll. The cleaning member has a pad and is moveable between an engaged position against the roll during operation, and a disengaged position spaced away from the roll in a non-operating condition. The roll cleaning apparatus includes a drive connected to cause linear reciprocation of the cleaning member and a drive or actuator mounted to move the cleaning member between the engaged and disengaged positions, and operable to bias the cleaning member against the roll in use.