A cleaning device for dislodging, and picking up and retaining foreign particles and other matter adhered on athletic footwear soles or other discrete surfaces, comprising a pad assembly having an inner cushion pad element enclosed within a fabric outer cover, and attachment means on the device for removably clasping it around the fastened footwear laces or other support means to enable brisk rubbing of the footwear soles or other surfaces across the pad assembly of the device to remove foreign matter from such surfaces.