Clean-in-place (CIP) is a method of cleaning the interior surfaces of pipes, vessels, and process equipment, without disassembly. The washing process consists of several cycles in which detergents, caustic, acid, and rinsing material is recycled through the process equipment via an automated system of tanks, valves, pumps, and heat exchangers managed by a programmable controller.

While conventional CIP significantly reduces the time and cost of sanitation compared to manual cleaning, elevated temperatures and chemical detergents are often required for complete effectiveness. As a result, significant amounts of energy, water, and chemicals are consumed in
traditional CIP processes.