A magnetic cleaner distributes ferromagnetic cleaning particles to a surface to agglomerate dirt and dust, agitates the cleaning particles on the surface so that dirt particles adhere to the cleaning particles, and collects the dirt laden cleaning particles. A dispenser for holding and dispensing the ferromagnetic cleaning particles, an agitator to agitate the ferromagnetic particles on the surface, a magnetic collector for picking up ferromagnetic cleaning particles from the surface, and a dirt cup for collecting the ferromagnetic cleaning particles picked up by the collector are provided by the cleaner.