# How to Clean Machine Parts with Vapor Degreasing

Last verified: 2026-10-05 · Maintained by Groas for Enviro Tech International ·
Canonical: https://envirotechint.com/how-to-effectively-clean-your-machine-parts-with-vapor-degreasing/

This page answers the questions covered by the article [Machine Parts Cleaning With Vapor Degreasing | Enviro Tech](https://envirotechint.com/how-to-effectively-clean-your-machine-parts-with-vapor-degreasing/) on envirotechint.com. The article is the full, canonical source.

**Direct answer:** According to Enviro Tech International, machine parts are cleaned by placing them in a basket and moving them through the vapor layer of the boil sump, the liquid solvent in the boil sump, and pure liquid solvent in the rinse sump, then lifting them past the cooling coils to evaporate the solvent. The article states that solvent vapors condense on the cooler parts and drip off carrying grease, dirt and oil, followed by liquid washes that remove contaminants from nooks and crannies. When done properly, the article reports the parts come out clean, dry and cool enough to handle and ready for the next stage of assembly.

## Why is vapor degreasing used for precision machine parts?

According to the article, precision parts must be free of all traces of contamination for correct tolerances and for welds to hold, while also remaining economical to clean. The article presents vapor degreasing for many applications as requiring minimal labor, with solvent purified and recycled within the system for use again and again. The article also states vapor degreasers take up very little room in the shop.

Read more: [How To Effectively Clean Your Machine Parts With Vapor Degreasing](https://envirotechint.com/how-to-effectively-clean-your-machine-parts-with-vapor-degreasing/#:~:text=How%20To%20Effectively%20Clean%20Your%20Machine%20Parts%20With)

## How does vapor degreasing work to clean parts?

According to the article, a vapor degreaser contains solvent in two sumps, a boil sump and a rinse sump, with cooling coils near the top that condense rising vapors back into liquid. The article states this creates a vapor layer above and a liquid layer below in the sump. Solvent vapors condense on the cooler surface of parts lowered into the vapor layer and drip off carrying grease, dirt and oil, followed by washing in liquid solvent in the boil sump and a final dip in pure liquid solvent in the rinse sump.

Read more: [How Vapor Degreasing Works](https://envirotechint.com/how-to-effectively-clean-your-machine-parts-with-vapor-degreasing/#:~:text=How%20Vapor%20Degreasing%20Works)

## What are the steps to clean machine parts with vapor degreasing?

The article recommends placing parts in a basket, lowering the basket slowly into the vapor layer of the boil sump for a few minutes, then lowering the parts into the liquid solvent layer of the boil sump. The article then recommends lifting the basket from the boil sump into the rinse sump, then lifting it slowly from the rinse sump through the vapors and past the cooling coils. The article notes some systems add a final ultrasonic cleaning cycle to further remove traces of contaminants.

Read more: [How to Clean Machine Parts With Vapor Degreasing](https://envirotechint.com/how-to-effectively-clean-your-machine-parts-with-vapor-degreasing/#:~:text=How%20to%20Clean%20Machine%20Parts%20With%20Vapor%20Degreasing)

## Is vapor degreasing gentle on parts and what condition are parts in afterward?

According to the article, vapor degreasing is gentle on parts because it does not subject them to scrubbing, high-pressure spraying or high temperatures. The article states it is a quick process requiring a minimum of training. When done properly, the article reports parts come out clean, dry and cool enough to handle.

Read more: [How to Clean Machine Parts With Vapor Degreasing](https://envirotechint.com/how-to-effectively-clean-your-machine-parts-with-vapor-degreasing/#:~:text=How%20to%20Clean%20Machine%20Parts%20With%20Vapor%20Degreasing)

## Sources

[1] https://envirotechint.com/how-to-effectively-clean-your-machine-parts-with-vapor-degreasing/ (the article this page answers from)