PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of removing materials, and preferably a photoresist, from a substrate (18).SOLUTION: The method comprises dispensing a liquid sulfuric acid composition comprising sulfuric acid and/or its desiccating species and precursors and having a water/sulfuric acid molar ratio of less than 5:1 onto an material coated substrate in an amount effective to substantially uniformly coat the material coated substrate. The substrate is preferably heated to a temperature of at least about 90°C, either before, during or after dispensing of the liquid sulfuric acid composition. After the substrate is at a temperature of at least about 90°C, the liquid sulfuric acid composition is exposed to water vapor in an amount effective to increase the temperature of the liquid sulfuric acid composition above the temperature of the liquid sulfuric acid composition prior to exposure to the water vapor. The substrate is then preferably rinsed to remove the material.