Used at the appropriate temperature and pressure, CO₂ exhibits optimum oil-dissolving properties. Unlike conventional "snow jet" cleaning systems in which CO₂ is converted into solid ice crystals acting as a blasting medium, the new EcoCO₂ uses carbon dioxide in both its liquid and supercritical states. Liquid CO₂ is fed into the system and rendered supercritical – a state in which it has the density of a liquid but the viscosity of gas – by raising its temperature and pressure. The medium can thus penetrate even minuscule pores and inclusions to remove foreign matter. 

Following the cleaning cycle, the CO₂ may be returned into the circuit or discharged from the system. Prior to this step, the foreign matter removed from the part and the CO₂ are fully separated from each other, and no cleaning agent residue remains present on the cleaned part. The parts have room temperature upon exiting the EcoCO₂. They are dry, free of any residues and ready to undergo further processing immediately.