Dry Ice Cleaning: What It Is and How It's Used

When it comes to environmental cleaning and remediation, the right method makes all the difference; especially when safety, surface preservation, and regulatory compliance are top priorities.

Dry ice cleaning, also known as dry ice blasting, is a powerful and precise technique that MP Environmental uses across a wide range of commercial and industrial projects. It allows us to effectively clean and restore surfaces without introducing moisture, harsh chemicals, or abrasive materials.

What Is Dry Ice Cleaning?

Dry ice cleaning is a non-destructive method of surface cleaning that uses compressed air to blast solid carbon dioxide (CO2) pellets at high speeds. These pellets, chilled to -109.3°F, strike the surface and immediately sublimate, turning from solid to gas without leaving any residue or secondary waste behind.

Because there's no water or abrasive material involved, surfaces are left clean, dry, and ready for use or restoration; making it ideal for facilities where downtime, damage risk, or contamination must be minimized.

How It Works

Dry ice cleaning removes contaminants through a unique combination of:

• Kinetic Energy: Dry ice pellets hit the surface with high force to break up unwanted materials.
• Thermal Shock: The extreme cold weakens the bond between the surface and the contaminant.
• Gas Expansion: As the dry ice sublimates, it rapidly expands, helping lift particles and residue away cleanly.

This process allows for thorough cleaning without damaging the substrate, ideal for restoration or precision cleaning tasks.

What Can Dry Ice Cleaning Be Used For?

At MP Environmental, we use dry ice blasting in a wide variety of applications, particularly where traditional cleaning methods fall short. It's especially effective for:

🔹 Fire Damage Restoration: Removes soot and char from surfaces without adding moisture.

🔹 Graffiti Removal: Strips paint and markings from masonry, stone, and brick without etching or surface damage.

🔹 Asbestos Tile Prep: Assists in residue removal during asbestos abatement procedures.

🔹 Electronics and Machinery: Cleans complex and delicate components without the risk of water damage or disassembly.

🔹 Rust and Paint Removal: Prepares surfaces for refinishing or coating, particularly in older facilities or industrial settings.

🔹 Wood and Steel Surface Restoration: Cleans and refreshes structural elements during property rehabilitation.

From historic restoration to industrial maintenance, dry ice cleaning offers versatility without compromise.

Why Commercial Properties Choose Dry Ice Blasting

For property owners, facility managers, and developers, dry ice cleaning provides a high-performance solution that supports both efficiency and compliance. Its dry, residue-free process minimizes cleanup, reduces downtime, and eliminates the risks associated with water or harsh chemicals.

Whether you're preparing for a renovation, addressing site contamination, or restoring architectural details, dry ice blasting provides a reliable, low-impact method to clean and preserve key materials.

Let’s Talk Solutions

MP Environmental brings certified training and advanced tools to every project. We tailor each dry ice cleaning job to your property’s specific needs, delivering results that are thorough, safe, and compliant with all applicable regulations.

Contact us today to learn more about dry ice blasting and how it can support your next restoration or remediation project.