the invention is related to a washing apparatus for cleaning milking related equipment comprising a washing apparatus connectable to an automatic milking station by interconnecting pipelines in such a way as to enable the washing apparatus to circulate a washing fluid through the milking related equipment of the automatic milking station . the washing apparatus comprise a circulation tank 6 and a separate pre - filling tank , whereby filling in advance and holding of the washing fluid to be used in a subsequent washing step is enabled . the washing apparatus further comprises connecting means for connection of the pre - filling tank to the circulation tank . by means of the invention the time needed to complete a cleaning procedure is shortened essentially , and a cleaning procedure rendered more effective . the invention further relates to such method .