The invention relates to a method for operating an automatic cleaning device, in particular an industrially usable dishwasher or cleaning and disinfection device with a man-machine interface and a display with buttons. Symbols for the operation and/or an ongoing process are illustrated on the man-machine interface. An interaction of an operator with the man-machine interface is effected via buttons. Depending on the requirements of the operator, context-sensitive help is retrieved via a retrieval, said help accessing a stored information supply comprising image formats, PNG formats, drawings, maintenance lists, spare parts lists and/or databases, which are offered to the operator.