Laser cleaning is a surface engineering technology which uses the high-energy characteristic of laser to remove attachments on the substrate. It has been gradually promoted in the fields of microelectronics, mould, building, aerospace, and so on. However, as a pillar industry of national economy, there are rare reports on the application of laser cleaning technology in petrochemical industry. In this paper, the cleaning needs and technology status of petrochemical industry are introduced, the existing technology cannot fully meet the new requirements of petrochemical industry development. The development of laser cleaning technology both at home and abroad in recent years is reviewed, the work has provided a theoretical basis and ideal reference for the application of laser cleaning in the petrochemical field. And the application occasions of laser cleaning technology in petrochemical field are analyzed. In addition, the specific research directions and application prospect are pointed out.