Aluminum alloy is often used as raw materials for automotive panels and load-bearing components due to light weight, high strength, easy processing and many other advantages. However, impurities and oxide films on the aluminum alloy surface significantly influence the quality of welded joints. This study examines the effect of laser cleaning prior to welding on the laser welding quality of 6061 aluminum alloy. The results show that, under the cleaning process of 300 W-2.5 kHz-2500 mm/s, the oxide film and oil stain on the surface of aluminum alloy can be completely removed without damage to the substrate. In comparison to joints welded without cleaning treatment, the cleaned versions exhibited continuous and smooth weld formations, with virtually no internal pore defects. Furthermore, joint tensile properties showed considerable improvement, with tensile strength reaching as high as 257 MPa.