Dry ice blasting works through three key stages:

1. Impact Energy
High-velocity CO₂ pellets strike the contaminated surface, loosening dirt and deposits without the aggressive abrasion associated with traditional blasting methods.

2. Thermal Shock
At approximately -78.5°C, the dry ice rapidly cools the contamination, causing it to contract and crack away from the substrate while minimising stress on the underlying material.

3. Sublimation
The dry ice instantly converts from a solid directly into carbon dioxide gas, expanding dramatically in volume. This expansion helps lift contamination away from the surface while leaving no secondary blasting media behind.