Abstract: A degreasing apparatus comprises a container for liquid or gaseous solvent, a basket-holder arranged to receive open baskets containing the goods to be degreased, a lifting means to lower the basket-holder into and lift it out of the solvent, a rotary means to set the basket-holder in rotation, and a lid fitted in the basket-holder to close the basket during the degreasing operation. The basket-holder is provided with levers to open and close the basket automatically. One end of the levers engages the lid to lift it and to lower it. The other end of the levers are arranged to come into contact with a stationary stop as the basket-holder approaches its highest position. This contact makes the levers turn, thus lifting the lid.