In a washer for cleaning gases that contain particulate and/or gaseous impurities, the gases are conveyed through an absorption column that is sprayed with washing fluid. An additionally provided jet pump (7) operates with the washing fluid, wherein said jet pump is arranged in the gas flow serially with the absorption column and generates a negative pressure. The jet pump is preferably arranged in the gas flow upstream of the absorption column. The negative pressure generated in the gas flow by the jet pump should be at least so high that it compensates the pressure loss in the absorption column.