By discussing the significance of the modern self-cleaning technology and the current changes in our lives, this paper reviewed several kinds of typical surface structures and their wettability of plants and animals. Then the bionic self-cleaning materials technology was proposed. List the developments and widely applications of the bionic self-cleaning technology in the various fields. Meanwhile, the bionic self-cleaning materials technology was also discussed. Furthermore, the potential applications and developments in these fields were prospected. <br /><strong>Key words:</strong> Bionic self-cleaning; Surface material; Wettability; Review