To provide a strip threading method in a strip cleaning apparatus by which the threading of a strip in the same cleaning apparatus can be performed without changing a pass line when the cleaning of the strip is not required, and the development of spots caused by liquid in the strip due to the threading can be prevented, and to provide the strip cleaning apparatus.

The strip cleaning apparatus is provided with cleaning liquid spray nozzles (warm water spray nozzles 4, 7), and rolls for cleaning such as brush rolls 3 and wringer rolls 5 inside a tank body, and cleans a strip 2 running along a pass line P, wherein, when the cleaning of the strip 2 is not required, the rolls for cleaning are separated from the pass line P vertically and the spraying of a cleaning liquid by the cleaning liquid spray nozzles is stopped, further, a trail tarp 61 wider than the strip 2 is extended over the whole length inside the tank body and at a position above the pass line P and below the rolls for cleaning located in the rising position, and while holding the strip 2 to the position of the pass line P by bearing rolls 43, 73 provided outside the tank body, the strip is threaded inside the tank body.