Impact kinetic energy of high-pressure water jet can be used to achieve the purpose of removing rust and paint from surface of steel structure. Through analysis and calculation, we obtain the optimal values of main parameters affecting cleaning efficiency of disc cleaning device. According to optimal cleaning parameters experiments are performed to verify results and optimize nozzle aperture, single nozzle target distance, jet pressure and other cleaning parameters. Influence of cleaning speed and pressure on the cleaning effect of cleaning plate is tested according to the optimal cleaning parameters. We also study the movement of the nozzle during cleaning operation. A design scheme of disk high pressure water jet cleaning device and a novel cleaning plate working method are proposed.