Studies with single, multistage and formulated cleaning regimes have been evaluated for sintered stainless steel and ceramic microfiltration membranes. Results demonstrate the existence of cleaning agent concentration and temperature optima, whilst the effect of increasing crossflow velocity showed minimal increase in flux, and increasing transmembrane pressure showed a decrease in cleaning performance. A qualitative model has been developed which describes the existence of a three species deposit with each species having different removal characteristics. An initial flux increase during cleaning is explained in terms of the removal of loosely bound material which is readily solubilised by caustic solutions. Subsequent flux recovery is explained in terms of changes in deposit morphology that occur on contact with the cleaning agent. Residual fouling, present after the cleaning procedure, accounts for losses in the pristine permeability and selectivity of the membrane.