<p>A cleaning device (1) for removing slag and metal residues from tapping crucibles (7) for molten metal, comprising a frame (2) on which is arranged a movable slide (3) that is provided with a rotating cutting tool (4) of the full profile type equipped with a tool head (14), and wherein on the frame (2) there is arranged a travelling crane (5) with a lifting cage (6) for tapping crucibles (7) which can collect, lift and tilt the tapping crucible (7) from a lower position with its opening in a horizontal plane to an upper position for cleaning in which the opening is in a plane that is at 90° to the cutting tool axis (18) and in which the tapping crucible axis (19) is coincident with the cutting tool axis (18), and wherein the cutting tool axis (18) is essentially coincident with the horizontal plane.</p>
