Upholstery needs to be taken care of Is it important to clean and disinfect the upholstery in your car? Regardless of…
Dry ice cleaning – cryogenic cleaning
Dry ice cleaning is one of the most effective methods for removing stubborn underbody dirt. From this article you will learn what this type of cleaning is, what costs it involves and in what cases it is worth considering choosing this method.
If you want to expand your knowledge about more thorough vehicle cleaning, please also read the article about active foam.
How does dry ice cleaning work?
Keeping your vehicle clean is quite a challenge. For many drivers, these treatments are limited only to occasional visits to the car wash, but in most cases they do not solve the problem of dirt that is difficult to remove. All types of greasy oil stains, grease and baked-on dirt require special treatment. One of the most effective methods is dry ice washing.
Dry ice, i.e. carbon dioxide in solid form, is in the form of granules at a very low temperature. It is applied to dirt under high pressure, which allows for effective cleaning. The success of this process depends on several factors. First of all – the previously mentioned high blood pressure. Thanks to it, dry ice hits the surface with great force and causes particles of dirt to break off. Secondly – low temperature. When dirt is exposed to a very low temperature, it becomes brittle and comes off the cleaned elements more easily.
How much does dry ice cleaning cost?
How much does it cost dry ice cleaning? Pricing depends primarily on how long the treatment will last and the type of surface on which this method will be used. These factors translate directly into the consumption of material, which is relatively expensive.
An alternative for dry ice cleaning sandblasting is popular. The effectiveness is slightly worse, but the price is definitely lower. This is due to the fact that dry ice for cleaning it is simply a more expensive material. Additionally, the equipment itself is much more expensive, and carbon dioxide is difficult to store and must be used up relatively quickly.
So how much do you have to pay? Prices may vary depending on the workshop, but when deciding on this type of service, you should be prepared for amounts ranging from PLN 600 to even PLN 800. However, looking at the effects, this treatment is definitely worth the price.
Can dry ice cleaning damage our car?
What risks does it carry? dry ice? Cleaning carbon dioxide is not safe for painted surfaces such as bodywork. Due to the high pressure under which the preparation is applied and its very low temperature, there is a risk of spalling. If you want to take care of your bodywork, there are many other less invasive, effective methods of caring for it. One of them is the use of measures such as quick detailer or applying ceramic coatings.
So in what circumstances will it work? dry ice cleaning? They are used in the case of dirt accumulated on the chassis or in the engine compartment. Due to their location and specificity, these surfaces are particularly susceptible to the formation of tar, asphalt and oil contamination, which cannot be removed by mild cleaning agents. body care accessories.
When it comes to cleaning the undercarriage, dry ice definitely works great. It will not result in any damage or pits that may appear during sandblasting. The reason for this is the physical nature of dry ice - after contact with the surface and increasing its temperature, it changes its state to gaseous (sublimation) and disappears..
In what cases should you consider cryogenic cleaning?
When to consider dry ice washing? Drivers often use this cleaning method when their vehicle has oil leaking from the oil pan or from various other places, as well as from pipes located under the chassis. Dry ice will effectively remove dirt from operating fluids, but also residues of tar, grease, etc. that accumulate during everyday use of the car.
In some cases dry ice cleaning is used for surfaces that are yet to be painted. Low temperature and high pressure can effectively remove pits in sheet metal. At this point, however, it should be emphasized again that cryogenic cleaning will not work for everyday body washing.
What are the alternatives to dry ice cleaning?
So how to take care of the bodywork to avoid damage caused by physical and chemical factors? For new vehicles or those whose bodywork is still in good condition, a good solution is surface protection with PPF foil. It is almost invisible to the human eye and protects the paint very well against scratches and difficult-to-remove dirt. Unfortunately, this is quite an expensive undertaking.
Active foam is a safe method of removing dirt from the bodywork. The preparation binds dirt and softens and dissolves it. Thanks to this, all types of deposits can be effectively removed during subsequent washing stages. The option of washing with active foam can be found in many public ones car washes contactless. However, it is worth remembering that after applying it to the vehicle, leave it for a few minutes so that the appropriate chemical reactions can occur.
