Abstract: A degreasing apparatus comprises a vessel (3) the lower portion of which is shut off by means of a bowl-shaped plate (5), to form a container (1) with a heating means (2) for boiling solvent. The bowl-shaped plate (5) has an opening (6) at its lowest point. A valve means (7) is arranged at the opening (6). The valve means (7) comprises a body, preferably a ball, which can seal against a seat which surrounds the opening (6). The density and size of the body are related to the size of the opening (6) so that the body floats up from the seat in the presence of solvent condensate, so that condensate can pass from the valve means to the container (1). Vapor pressurized in the container (1) by the heating means (2) lifts the body from the seat so that vapor can flow up into the treatment space of the vessel (3). When the apparatus is shut off, the body seals the opening (6) and thereby prevents evaporation of solvent from the container (1).