A method for operating an air jet spinning machine having at least one spinning unit with one spinning nozzle for producing a yarn is provided. During the operation of the spinning unit, the spinning nozzle feeds a fiber composite through an inlet in a predefined transport direction. The fiber composite within a vortex chamber of the spinning nozzle receives a twist with the assistance of a vortex air flow, such that a yarn is formed from the fiber composite. With the assistance of at least one sensor system, the yarn leaving the outlet is monitored with regard to defined yarn flaws. The production of yarn is interrupted upon the detection of a corresponding yarn flaw. Between the detection of the specified yarn flaw and the interruption of the yarn production, a cleaning process is carried out during which an additive is fed to the spinning unit and is applied to the fiber composite and/or the yarn produced from the fiber composite and/or on parts of the spinning nozzle.