How Dry Ice Blasting Works
Compressed air + solid CO2 pellets = the most effective cleaning technology you've never heard of. No chemicals. No water. No abrasion. Just physics.
The Process
CO2 Pellets Are Loaded
Solid CO2 pellets (about the size of a grain of rice) are loaded into the blasting machine. These pellets are made from reclaimed carbon dioxide — CO2 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
Compressed Air Accelerates the Pellets
The machine uses compressed air (typically 80-300 PSI) to accelerate the dry ice pellets through a specialized nozzle at high velocity. The operator directs the stream at the surface to be cleaned.
Impact & Thermal Shock
When the pellets hit the surface at -109°F (-78.5°C), the extreme temperature difference creates a thermal shock. This causes the contaminant layer (grease, paint, carbon, etc.) to contract and crack, breaking its bond with the underlying surface.
Sublimation Lifts the Contaminant
On impact, the CO2 pellets sublimate — converting instantly from solid to gas, expanding to 800x their original volume. This rapid expansion creates a micro-explosion beneath the contaminant, lifting it cleanly off the surface.
Clean Surface, No Residue
The CO2 gas dissipates into the air. The removed contaminant falls to the ground or can be vacuumed up. There's no water, no chemical residue, no abrasive media to clean up — just a clean surface.
Dry Ice Blasting vs. Other Methods
| Feature | Dry Ice Blasting | Pressure Washing | Chemical Cleaning | Sandblasting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Abrasive | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| No Water | Yes | No | Varies | Yes |
| Chemical-Free | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| No Residue | Yes | No | No | No |
| Safe on Electronics | Yes | No | Varies | No |
| FDA Compliant | Yes | Varies | No | No |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes | Moderate | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry ice blasting safe for my vehicle's paint?
Yes. Dry ice blasting is non-abrasive. The CO2 pellets are much softer than the surfaces they clean. When used at the proper pressure and distance, dry ice blasting will not damage paint, clear coat, chrome, rubber, plastics, or electrical wiring. Our technicians are trained to adjust pressure settings for each application.
How much does dry ice blasting cost?
Pricing depends on the scope of the job — what's being cleaned, how much surface area, and how heavy the buildup is. We offer free estimates. A typical engine bay cleaning runs significantly less than a full restoration strip. Contact us for a quote specific to your project.
How long does a typical job take?
Most automotive jobs (engine bays, undercarriages) are completed in 2-4 hours. Full frame-off restoration cleaning takes longer. Commercial jobs vary based on equipment size and contamination level. Most jobs are completed same-day.
Is dry ice blasting loud?
Yes, dry ice blasting produces noise similar to a pressure washer — typically 90-100 decibels. Our operators wear hearing protection, and we recommend anyone in the immediate area do the same. This is one reason we operate out of a professional shop environment.
Does dry ice blasting remove rust?
Dry ice blasting removes surface rust and loose scale effectively. It will not remove deep, pitted rust that has become part of the metal structure — that requires abrasive blasting or chemical treatment. However, dry ice blasting is excellent for revealing the true extent of rust so you can assess what needs further treatment.
Is dry ice blasting environmentally friendly?
Yes. Dry ice blasting uses reclaimed CO2 (a byproduct of other industrial processes). No new CO2 is produced. There are no chemicals, no water waste, and no abrasive media to dispose of. The only waste product is the removed contaminant itself.
Can you come to my location?
Yes, we offer mobile dry ice blasting service across the Sioux Falls metro area and surrounding region. For larger jobs or jobs that require shop equipment, we recommend bringing the vehicle or equipment to our facility at Frankman Auto Body & Kustom Shop in Harrisburg, SD.
What can't be cleaned with dry ice blasting?
Dry ice blasting is not ideal for removing heavy mill scale, deeply embedded rust, or extremely thick (1/4"+) coatings in a single pass. It's also not used on surfaces that can't tolerate cold temperatures (some specialized plastics). For the vast majority of cleaning applications, it's the best option available.
Ready to See the Difference?
Get a free estimate for your dry ice blasting project. Automotive, commercial, or industrial — we handle it all.