Dry ice blasting for industry and construction: from the façade to the production hall
Professional dry ice cleaning for industry & construction: façades, graffiti, concrete, heritage conservation and steel structures, chemical-free and without secondary waste.
Industry & construction: dry ice blasting
In industry and construction, dry ice blasting is the most versatile cleaning method of all. From façade cleaning, graffiti removal and heritage conservation through to industrial concrete restoration, it comes into its own wherever conventional methods reach their limits or have unwanted side effects.
The decisive difference: dry ice produces no secondary waste. Sandblasting leaves behind tonnes of residual blasting media, high-pressure water cleaning produces contaminated waste water, and chemical methods generate hazardous waste. With dry ice blasting, the CO₂ sublimates, leaving nothing but the dislodged dirt. This reduces disposal costs to a minimum and considerably simplifies official approval.
For listed buildings, dry ice is often the only approved method: non-abrasive (Mohs hardness 2), dry (no moisture penetrating historic masonry) and chemical-free (no reaction with historic building materials). Heritage conservation authorities expressly recommend the method.
Typical applications:
Industry & construction
Dry ice blasting solves industry-specific cleaning tasks where conventional methods reach their limits.
Façade cleaning
Render, clinker brick, natural stone, concrete and fair-faced masonry are freed of dirt, algae, moss and discolouration, without damaging the surface or introducing water.
Graffiti removal
Spray paint is removed without residue from almost any substrate, 2 to 3 times faster than wet chemical methods. Particularly effective on stone, concrete, metal and wood.
Heritage conservation & restoration
Sandstone, marble, granite, stucco and historic timber structures are cleaned gently. No abrasion, no moisture, no chemicals: approved by heritage conservation authorities.
Cement film & efflorescence
Cement film, lime efflorescence and formwork residues are removed from exposed concrete without altering the concrete structure. Ideal for architectural exposed concrete.
Structural steelwork & industrial floors
Rust, old coatings, oil stains and production residues are removed from steel structures, hall walls and industrial floors, without adding moisture.
Paint stripping & coating removal
Old paint, lacquers, corrosion protection and bitumen are removed from metal surfaces, railings and façade elements: gentle on the substrate and without solvents.
Industry & construction: why dry ice?
Industry & construction: these industry-specific benefits make dry ice blasting the most efficient cleaning solution.
No secondary waste, only dirt
Sandblasting produces tonnes of residual blasting media (often as hazardous waste), and high-pressure water cleaning produces contaminated waste water. With dry ice blasting, the CO₂ sublimates, leaving nothing but the dislodged dirt. Disposal costs fall by up to 90%.
Approved for heritage conservation
With a Mohs hardness of 2, dry ice is softer than limestone. No abrasion, no moisture (no penetration into porous masonry), no chemical reaction. Heritage conservation authorities expressly recommend the method for historic buildings.
Environmentally friendly: recycled CO₂
The CO₂ used is a recycled product from industrial processes, so no additional CO₂ is produced. No water, no chemicals, no waste. The method is climate-neutral and straightforward in terms of permits.
Versatile: one method for all surfaces
Metal, concrete, stone, wood, plastic, glass: dry ice cleans almost any surface. The blasting pressure is adjustable from 3 to 16 bar, and the pellet size (0.4 to 3 mm) is matched to the application.
Mobile deployment
We come to your site with all the equipment: compressor, blaster, dry ice supply, extraction, PPE. No stationary set-up required. Can also be used on construction sites, on façade scaffolding and in confined industrial environments.
Before and after from real projects
This is how plants and components look before and after dry ice cleaning. Click on an image pair to open the enlarged view.
Dry ice vs. alternatives
Industry & construction: a direct comparison shows why companies are switching to dry ice blasting.
| Criterion | Dry ice | Sandblasting | High-pressure water cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary waste | Only dirt (CO₂ sublimates) | Tonnes of blasting media | Contaminated waste water |
| Water consumption | Zero | Zero (but dust) | Hundreds of litres per hour |
| Heritage protection | Ideal: approved & recommended | Too aggressive | Moisture penetration |
| Noise | 80 to 100 dB(A) | 100 to 130 dB(A) | 80 to 100 dB(A) |
| Permits | Straightforward (no waste) | Blasting media disposal | Waste water discharge |
Industry & construction: FAQ on dry ice cleaning
Industry & construction: answers to the most frequently asked questions about dry ice cleaning.
Can’t find your question?0800 0010982 · Mon to Fri, 7:00 to 18:00Typically €20 to €60 per m², depending on the degree of soiling, the surface and accessibility. Graffiti removal is at the lower end, intensive paint stripping at the upper end. Following a free site visit, we provide a binding fixed-price quotation.
Sandblasting is abrasive and removes material, which is a problem with sensitive surfaces. Dry ice (Mohs 2) is softer than any building material and non-abrasive. In addition, sandblasting generates tonnes of secondary waste, whereas dry ice sublimates without residue.
Yes, and it is often the only approved method. No abrasion (Mohs 2, softer than limestone), no moisture (no penetration into porous masonry), no chemicals. Documented references: historic cloisters, castle complexes and listed half-timbered houses.
80 to 100 dB(A), depending on blasting pressure and nozzle: comparable to anything from a loud vacuum cleaner to an angle grinder. Hearing protection is mandatory (from 85 dB). For comparison: sandblasting reaches 100 to 130 dB(A).
Yes. The CO₂ is a recycled product from industrial processes, so no new CO₂ is generated. No water, no chemicals, no blasting media waste. Only the dislodged dirt has to be disposed of. This makes the method climate-neutral and straightforward in terms of permits.
Dry ice blasting for your industry too
Professional dry ice cleaning solves cleaning tasks across all industries.
Fire damage restoration
Soot removal, fire damage restoration, odour neutralisation
Learn moreMechanical engineering
Tools, moulds, production equipment
Learn moreFood industry
HACCP-compliant, FDA-suitable, no contamination
Learn morePharmaceutical & medical
Cleanroom-compatible, validatable, residue-free
Learn moreDie casting
Dies, hot and cold chambers, ejectors
Learn more