Cryogenic cleaning has numerous benefits over other building cleaning methods:

• Spraying water on unsuspected passer byers does not occur.
• Slip hazards are eliminated.
• No secondary waste is generated.
• Chemical cleaning agents are eliminated.
• Mold, algae, fungal and other organic substances are killed upon contact.
• CO2 will not damage the surface.
• CO2 will not remove building surface paint or sealers.
• Cleaning during cold weather.

Mold Remediation

Cryogenic cleaning has become the method of choice for mold remediation. There are several factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the dry ice process.


Mechanical Abrasion is the velocity of the media impacting on the surface being cleaned. This mechanical abrasion energy transfer is responsible for most of the work done but is only one aspect of dry the ice blast cleaning process, This will cause the spores to become airborne and captured by HEPA ventilation. Upon impact with the surface the dry ice will sublimate (turns from a solid to a gas).

Thermal differentials occur when the pellet of dry ice impact on the substrate, a slight temperature differential is established between the substrate and the contaminant (mold) will initiate or assist in the removal process and will kill the mold, algae, fungus and organics present.

Molecular expansion occurs when the liquid and gaseous molecules of carbon dioxide and the motive agent enter the pore spaces of the contaminant (mold) and the pore spaces of the substrate. As the molecules expand they push the contaminant (mold) from underneath, further assisting the removal process.

When properly applied, these three factors form a cleaning process that is environmentally friendly and which may be used on delicate components unsuitable for other blast type cleaning processes.

Typical mold remediation procedures and techniques are still to be applied. Dry ice blast areas need to be isolated from clean areas. Negative pressure needs to be created using HEPA-filtered air scrubbers. Double bagging of materials to be discarded is still required.

Different equipment configurations are applied for different mold remediation applications. Dry ice being used on wood surfaces can typically remove mold in a way that is clearly visible and in a methodical manner. Upon completion of the dry ice process all surfaces will need to be vacuumed and cleaned of all debris. A micro-biocide spray should be applied to the remediated areas to inhibit further growth.

Cryogenic cleaning has numerous benefits over other mold remediation cleaning methods:

• Time savings can be in excess of 50%.
• Tight spaces can more easily be accessed.
• Some research has shown that less than 1% of toxic mold spores remain after dry ice cleaning.
• No secondary waste is generated.
• Reduction in manpower requirements.

Dry ice cleaning is beneficial and is the safe remediation method for mold remediation.