Cleaning method and cleaning fluid for aeration bodies

Disclosed is a method for cleaning aeration elements (1) provided with pores or bores in aerated basins (2) of wastewater treatment plants or water treatment plants. The aeration field (4) formed by the aeration elements (1) and the pipes (3) connecting said aeration elements to each other is completely filled with a cleaning agent in a fluid form by applying pressure that is high enough to send said cleaning agent through the pores or bores of the aeration elements (1). After applying the cleaning fluid on the pores or bores of the aeration elements (1) for a variable amount of time, the aeration field (4) is emptied again. In a further optional cleaning step, the aeration field (4) is cleaned once again with a rinsing fluid, preferably water. Also disclosed are the use of an alkaline cleaning agent with a pH value of at least 10, preferably 12, and advantageous compositions of the cleaning fluid used for cleaning aeration elements.