Does Dry Ice Kill Bacteria and Viruses?
While dry ice does not make a good disinfectant, it is an efficient cleaning substance in other ways.
Dry ice is a highly useful substance for responsible decorations, theatre fog, science experiments, and, not the least, cleaning heavy-duty equipment. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, one may wonder how to kill bacteria and viruses, and what tool works best. Below is a look at how germs and viruses work and what dry ice can do in the realm of cleaning.
How to Kill Bacteria and Viruses
Germs and viruses are complex little organisms, able to reactivate or morph under specific environmental conditions. Some bacteria are good while others cause disease, and viruses are considered dead, but needing a host to multiply and spread. It is generally known that the best way to kill them off is to break down their molecules. Viruses are proteins surrounded by fatty acid, and when they are on your hands, squelching and scraping them between your palms with soap and water penetrates their cell walls so that they die. Some chemicals battle bacteria and viruses on their own; an appropriate formula containing alcohol, like hand sanitizer, thwarts germs and viruses where they are.
Does Dry Ice Kill Germs?
In short, the answer is “no.” Researchers have concluded that heat kills germs more effectively than cold does, and though some bacteria will die under cold enough temperatures, more will go dormant or even thrive. Dry ice blasting may kill some germs, but it is not a reliable tool for that purpose whatsoever. Exterminating these microorganisms is best left to soap and other chemical agents.
Benefits of Dry Ice Blasting
Although not a disinfecting agent, dry ice is a superb material to use for removing mold, rust, and grime from factory or other equipment. Dry ice blasting is popular for cleaning industrial food processing machines and even antique automobiles. As frozen carbon dioxide, it hits surfaces at a massive, pinpointed force to make gunked up metal look like new without scratching its surface like sandblasting or other types may. It is a clean product that leaves no mess behind, sublimating back into the atmosphere naturally. Just remember to wear protective gear when handling dry ice in any way, and secure decent ventilation to avoid suffocation.
Dry Ice For All Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our dry ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
