To provide a metal strip surface defect preventive method and surface defect preventive equipment capable of using a metal strip after performing the shape correction by a roller type leveler device, and efficiently removing foreign matters on the surface of the metal strip.

Foreign matters on the surface of a metal strip are removed by jointly using a foreign matter transfer device having at least a pair of adhesive rolls arranged so that they can be brought into contact with the surface of the metal strip in a conditioning line on the upstream side of a roller type leveler device, and a pad device capable of wiping off foreign matters deposited on the surface of the metal strip with cloth-like substances while the cloth-like substances are pressed against the surface of the metal strip.