How Does Dry Ice Blasting Work?
Dry ice blasting accelerates frozen CO₂ pellets at supersonic speed. Three effects — kinetic impact, thermal shock, and gas expansion — lift contaminants off surfaces without abrasives or water.
Dry ice blasting cleans by combining three physical effects that happen the instant a frozen CO₂ pellet strikes a dirty surface.
The Three Cleaning Effects
01. Kinetic Energy
Pellets of dry ice (frozen CO₂ at -109°F) are accelerated through a nozzle using compressed air at supersonic speeds. On impact, they crack and loosen the contaminant layer.
02. Thermal Shock
When the -109°F pellet hits a warmer, grimy surface, it creates a rapid localized temperature drop. That contraction cracks and breaks the bond between the contaminant and the substrate.
03. Gas Expansion (Sublimation)
Instantly after impact, the dry ice pellet turns directly from solid to gas — expanding ~800× in volume. That expansion gets underneath the loosened contaminant and lifts it cleanly away.
The Result
- ✅ Contaminant is gone
- ✅ No secondary waste (the dry ice disappears)
- ✅ No water, no chemicals, no abrasives
- ✅ No damage to the underlying surface
What It Cleans
Dry ice blasting removes grease, oil, carbon, soot, paint, adhesives, rubber, food residue, mold, and biofilm — from metal, wood, concrete, brick, plastic, rubber, electronics, and historical surfaces.
That's why it's the go-to method for automotive, industrial, commercial, and restoration cleaning — all without disassembly in most cases.
Ready to Get Cleaning?
Talk to a dry ice blasting specialist and get a free estimate for your project — no obligation.