Vapor degreasing is a cleaning process that uses solvent vapor to remove flux residues, oils, particles, and other contaminants from component surfaces. The solvent is heated to generate vapor, and the vapor condenses on the cooler surface of the parts being cleaned. As the solvent condenses, it dissolves and carries away contamination from the part surface.

Compared with conventional aqueous cleaning, vapor degreasing is especially suitable for water-free cleaning applications and for parts with narrow gaps, complex geometries, and low stand-off areas. It is widely used in microelectronics assembly, microwave components, and other processes that require high cleanliness and low residue.