the invention relates to a method for pre - cleaning parts made of plastic as part of a recycling process , wherein foreign bodies to be removed adhere to the parts , in particular for removing foreign bodies on parts made of plastic , preferably for removing labels , dirt , etc . on used plastic bottles , said method being characterized in that the foreign bodies are removed from the parts by mechanically loading the parts . a device for applying the method is characterized by a housing having a chamber for accommodating the parts , means for mechanically acting upon the parts and means for separating the foreign bodies released from the parts and for discharging the foreign bodies and parts onto separate paths being provided in the chamber .