Abstract: A method for removing heat-insulating material, at least some of which is frangibly caked, from an ingot mold before removal of the hot ingot from the mold comprising the steps of providing a low-pressure vacuum, conducting the vacuum through a rigid, manually manipulatable, heat-resistant conduit, and simultaneously fragmentizing the caked heat-insulating material with, and applying the low-pressure vacuum through, the rigid conduit for removing the heat-insulating material.