Substitutes in Cleaning Solvents

On this page:

• Overview
• End-uses
  • Metals Cleaning
  • Electronics Cleaning
  • Precision Cleaning
• Related Resources

Overview

Under Title VI of the Clean Air Act, the SNAP program identifies and evaluates substitutes in end-uses that have historically used ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) addressed by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. SNAP listings of acceptable alternatives can help sectors transition away from high global warming potential HFCs under the AIM Act Technology Transitions Program. However, some substitutes that are listed as acceptable under the SNAP program might now face restrictions under the Technology Transitions Program. For detailed information on specific restrictions and guidance, please refer to the Technology Transitions Program.

End-uses

Cleaning solvents are used to remove oil, grease, solder flux, and other contaminants. In the SNAP program, the “cleaning solvent” sector refers to substitutes for non-aerosol solvents used in industrial cleaning in vapor degreasing, cold batch cleaning, or automated cleaning equipment. SNAP does not currently cover dry cleaning, manual cleaning with non-aerosol solvents, non-aerosol mold release agents, or component testing agents.

Metals Cleaning
Metals cleaning is removing contaminants such as cutting oils, grease, or metal filings from metal parts.

Electronics Cleaning
Electronics cleaning is removing contaminants, primarily solder flux residues, from electronics or circuit boards.

Precision Cleaning
Precision cleaning is cleaning to a specific grade of cleanliness in order for products to maintain their value.