Advantages of laser cleaning include: it is a non-contact process; it has selective removal capability; it is a fast, stable and environment-friendly process. Laser cleaning is widely used with application covers industrial manufacturing, metal parts processing, construction structures, historic buildings and cultural heritage objects. Laser cleaning is capable of fast removal of contamination and oxide layer on the material’s surface, as well as to reduce surface roughness. In this article, worldwide current development and application status of laser cleaning technology will be introduced which may be provided as references for future development in domestic related industries.