The vapor degreasing process is applicable to cleaning all of the common industrial metals: malleable, ductile, and gray cast iron; carbon and alloy steel, stainless steel; copper; brass; bronze; zinc; aluminum; magnesium; tin; lead; nickel; and titanium. Because the process cleans by solvent action rather than by chemical reaction, with proper solvent maintenance, there is no danger of etching or other chemical attack on highly polished or delicate metal surfaces. It is also used to clean articles and workloads containing parts of different metals and assemblies. In addition to removing contaminants from metal, vapor degreasing has been employed for cleaning glass, ceramics, plastics, elastomers, coated items, and combinations thereof, that are not affected by the solvent.