Dry Ice Blasting for Car Detailing
Restore vehicles faster without water, chemicals, or disassembly.
Why detailers are switching from pressure washing
Dry ice blasting cleans dry — faster, and safer for what's underneath.
- Water may get into wiring and sensors
- Higher risk of rust and corrosion
- Chemical runoff and disposal concerns
- Longer drying time before reassembly
- More manual scrubbing on grease and carbon buildup
- Dry cleaning process with minimal moisture
- Non-abrasive cleaning for sensitive surfaces
- Reaches tight areas with less disassembly
- No secondary waste — dry ice sublimates
- No drying time required after cleaning
What it cleans
- Engine bays
- Engine components
- Transmission housings
- Brake assemblies
- Suspension parts
- Vehicle frames
- Undercarriages
- Wheel assemblies
- Electrical areas
- Adhesive residue
- Classic car restoration
- …and more
See it in action below ↓
Dry Ice Cleaning for Engine Bay of 1984 Camaro Red Hood
Remove built-up grime and residue around engine bay edges without water or harsh chemical rinsing.
Cleaning Corvette Transmission Bellhousing Underside
Clean grease and road grime from tight underside areas such as bellhousings, brackets, and nearby metal parts.
Cleaning Corvette Front Suspension and Brake Assembly
Reach complex suspension and brake assembly areas where brushes and towels are less effective.
Cleaning Steering Wheel Switch Area in Ford Vehicle
Use controlled dry ice blasting to clean selected interior control areas with minimal moisture.
Find your setup in 4 questions
Get a machine, compressor guidance, a dry ice plan and an estimated starting price.
What are you mainly cleaning?
Your typical job size?
Air compressor?
How often will you use it?
Your recommended setup
- ⚙️Machine
- 💨Air compressor
- 🧊Dry ice plan
- ✅Best for
Estimated setup
Compressor sold separately — read the air compressor guide. Dry air treatment (dryer / separator) is required for stable blasting.
Getting set up is simple
Four steps from delivery to your first blast — plus what to have on hand.
- 1Connect air
Compressor and dry-air line to the machine.
- 2Load dry ice
3 mm pellets into the 44 lb hopper.
- 3Blast
Pellets vanish on impact, lifting grease and carbon.
- 4Drive away
No water, no residue, no drying time.
What you'll need to run it
Air compressor
AI30 / AI30 Plus: 71–141 CFM.
AI50: 200–400 CFM.
Dry, clean air
A refrigerated dryer or moisture separator keeps pellets from freezing and clogging.
Dry ice pellets · 3 mm
Buy fresh locally, or make your own on demand with an AIP50 pelletizer.
How many jobs until it pays for itself?
Dry ice cleaning is a premium detailing service — here's a typical automotive engine bay estimate.
Estimated payback
10 engine bay jobs
If your shop already has a compatible air compressor, the AI30 can pay for itself after roughly 10 premium engine bay cleanings.
3–4 hours by hand · degreaser, water & drying · lower-ticket service
Under 1 hour blasting · dry, residue-free · premium restoration service
Estimates vary by vehicle, contamination, local dry ice price, compressor setup and technique. Use as a planning guide, not a guaranteed projection.
Elite Auto Restoration, California
"Dry ice blasting has completely transformed our restoration process. We can clean engine bays, suspension parts, and vehicle underbodies much faster than before without worrying about damaging sensitive components. Customers love the results, and our technicians save hours on every project."
— Michael T., Owner
Elite Auto Restoration
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an air compressor?
Yes — it's sold separately. AI30 / AI30 Plus need 71–141 CFM at 87–116 PSI (10 HP+, 150 gal tank); AI50 needs an industrial screw compressor at 200–400 CFM. No compressor yet? See the AI30 + 20HP system.
Is it safe on paint, rubber and wiring?
Yes. Dry ice blasting is non-abrasive and leaves no moisture, so it's safe on paint, plastic, rubber and electrical components. Start at lower pressure on sensitive surfaces and increase as needed.
Where do I get dry ice?
Buy fresh 3 mm pellets from a local CO₂ supplier before each job, or make your own on demand with an AIP50 pelletizer and storage box.
Which model is right for my shop?
AI30 for most engine, wheel and suspension cleaning; AI30 Plus when you need extra hose reach around lifts and larger vehicles; AI50 for heavy rust, coatings and paint prep. Not sure? Use the setup finder above.
Can it remove rust or coatings?
Standard dry ice blasting lifts grease, oil, carbon and grime. For heavy rust, old coatings or aggressive paint prep, choose the abrasive-ready AI50 — the AI30 series is built for cleaning, not surface stripping.
Ready to bring dry ice cleaning to your shop?
Pick your machine, or talk to us about the right setup for your bays and budget.
- ✓ 1-year warranty
- ✓ Free freight shipping
- ✓ US-based after-sales support
