The present application relates to an apparatus and to a method for removing at least a single particulate from a substrate, especially an optical element for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography, wherein the apparatus comprises: (a) an analysis unit designed to determine at least one constituent of a material composition of the at least one single particulate; and (b) at least one gas injection system designed to provide a gas matched to the particular constituent in an environment of the at least one single particulate; (c) wherein the matched gas contributes to removing the at least one single particulate from the substrate.