What is Dry Ice Blasting and How Does It Work?

In industries like manufacturing, food processing, and fire restoration, cleaning isn’t just about appearances—it’s about safety, efficiency, and compliance. The wrong cleaning method can mean costly downtime, damaged equipment, or even regulatory fines.

That’s why more businesses in Ohio are turning to dry ice blasting. It’s fast, non-toxic, and doesn’t leave behind any waste. If you’re looking for a better way to clean, this might be the answer you’ve been waiting for.

Dry ice blasting is a cleaning method that uses dry ice pellets as the cleaning agent. Dry ice is simply solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) that’s extremely cold, about -109.3°F. During the process, small pellets of dry ice are shot out of a specialized machine at high speed.

These pellets hit the surface, clean off dirt or contaminants, and then disappear into the air because they turn back into gas. This is what makes dry ice blasting unique; it’s a non-abrasive, moisture-free cleaning solution that leaves no secondary waste behind.

Unlike sandblasting or pressure washing, which can damage delicate surfaces or create additional messes, dry ice blasting cleans thoroughly without scratching or soaking the material being treated.

The process is simple but highly effective. Dry ice pellets are loaded into a blasting machine. When the machine is turned on, compressed air shoots the pellets through a nozzle at high speed, similar to sandblasting, but gentler.

Once the dry ice pellets hit the dirty or contaminated surface, three things happen:

• Impact: The force of the pellet helps break apart the top layer of dirt, grime, or paint.
• Cold temperature: The extreme cold from the dry ice causes the dirt or substance to shrink and crack, which helps it lift from the surface.
• Sublimation: The pellet immediately turns from solid to gas, expanding quickly and lifting the broken debris from the surface.

The result? A clean surface with no water, no leftover chemicals, and no need for scrubbing.

Dry ice blasting has many uses across industries in Ohio because it’s effective and doesn’t damage materials. Here are some common applications:

• Industrial Equipment Cleaning: Removes grease, oil, and debris from machinery without disassembly.
• Fire and Mold Restoration: Safely removes soot, smoke damage, and mold from wood, brick, and metal.
• Automotive Cleaning: Cleans engines and undercarriages without using water or chemicals.
• Food Production Facilities: Safe for use in food plants since it’s non-toxic and doesn’t add moisture.
• Historic Preservation: Removes paint and buildup from bricks and stone without damaging the original material.

Whether it’s removing years of grime from a factory floor or carefully restoring a vintage surface, dry ice blasting service in Ohio works in a wide range of settings.

There are several reasons why many property managers and facility owners prefer dry ice blasting over traditional cleaning methods:

• No moisture involved: Since dry ice is a solid CO₂, there’s no water left behind. This makes it perfect for electrical components or surfaces that can’t get wet.
• No secondary waste: The dry ice evaporates, so you only have to deal with the debris that was cleaned off, not leftover media like sand or water.
• Non-damaging: It won’t scratch metal, weaken materials, or damage protective coatings.
• Eco-friendly: No chemicals or solvents are used, and CO₂ used for blasting is often reclaimed from other industrial processes.
• Time-saving: In many cases, equipment doesn’t need to be taken apart to clean it, which saves downtime.

Let’s take a moment to compare dry ice blasting with other cleaning techniques:

1. Pressure Washing uses water, which can damage electrical components and leave moisture behind. Dry ice blasting is dry and safe for sensitive areas.
2. Sandblasting is very abrasive and messy. It can strip paint or damage surfaces. Dry ice blasting is much gentler.
3. Chemical Cleaning often involves hazardous substances and requires proper disposal. Dry ice blasting doesn’t leave behind harmful residues.

So, if you need a thorough clean that’s gentle and dry, dry ice blasting is often the better choice.

If you’re searching for the best dry ice blasting service in Ohio, it’s important to know what separates a professional service from a basic one. Here are some signs of a quality provider:

• Proper equipment: Look for companies that use modern machines specifically designed for dry ice blasting.
• Experienced technicians: A skilled technician knows how to adjust pressure and select the right nozzle to avoid damage.
• Range of services: Whether it’s fire restoration, factory cleaning, or mold removal, experience across industries is a plus.
• Safety knowledge: Dry ice must be handled with care. A good provider will take safety seriously and follow all protocols.
• Clear communication: They should explain what they’ll do, how long it will take, and what to expect afterward.

Many people don’t realize that dry ice blasting can also be a helpful step before applying surface coatings. For example, before applying epoxy floor coating, the surface needs to be clean and free of contaminants.

Dry ice blasting can prepare the surface by removing oils, old paint, or buildup, giving the new epoxy a smooth base to bond. This helps with better shine and durability over time.

So, if you’re planning to upgrade your garage or warehouse with epoxy, consider dry ice blasting as a part of the prep process.

If you’re in Northwest Ohio and need a professional dry ice blasting team, Five Star Maintenance & Construction offers high-quality dry ice blasting service in Ohio for both residential and commercial spaces.

Call us at (419) 443-0414 to schedule your appointment and find out more!