Industrial environments today require cleaning methods that are efficient, safe, and adapted to increasingly complex equipment. Between stubborn contaminants, sensitive surfaces, and demanding production constraints, companies must rely on modern techniques capable of delivering effective cleaning while maintaining OHS compliance and operational continuity.
This article explores the main professional industrial cleaning techniques, their advantages, limitations, and the situations where each method is most appropriate.
Why Choose Specialized Techniques Instead of Standard Cleaning?
Industrial cleaning goes far beyond surface-level maintenance. Residues, dust, oils, polymers, grease, and chemical contaminants can:
- reduce equipment performance;
- affect the quality of the final product;
- cause breakdowns or overheating;
- increase workplace safety risks;
- compromise regulatory compliance.
Each cleaning technique addresses specific needs. The chosen method directly influences:
- cleaning quality;
- execution speed;
- level of abrasion;
- downtime;
- operating costs.
Dry Ice Blasting: Precision and Safety Without Abrasion
Dry ice blasting has become one of the most popular techniques in manufacturing and food-processing environments. It involves projecting dry ice pellets at high speed. The contact between solid CO₂ and the surface causes residues to break apart due to thermal shock.
Advantages
- No abrasion: does not damage delicate surfaces—ideal for molds, sensors, electronics.
- No water or chemicals: perfect for moisture-sensitive installations.
- Reduced downtime: often allows cleaning without disassembly.
- Eco-friendly: CO₂ sublimates, leaving no secondary residue.
Best suited for
- Food processing
- Plastics manufacturing (molds, extruders)
- Complex or delicate machinery
- Electrical or electronic components
Limitations
- Less effective on very thick or heavily encrusted contaminants.
- Requires specialized equipment.
High-Pressure Water Jetting: Power and Versatility
High-pressure water cleaning (hydrojetting) is widely used to remove:
- thick grease;
- adhered residues;
- hardened dry materials;
- chemical deposits.
Advantages
- Extremely effective on heavy buildup.
- Fast method for large or textured surfaces.
- Ideal for robust industrial environments.
Best suited for
- Plant structures
- Tanks, reservoirs, metal conveyors
- Areas contaminated with grease, oils, or chemical residues
- Environments where water use is acceptable
Limitations
- Cannot be used near electronics or sensitive materials.
- Produces wastewater that must be handled properly.
Soda Blasting and Soft Abrasives: Effective on Stubborn Residues
Soda blasting uses high-velocity sodium bicarbonate.
This semi-abrasive method removes tough layers while limiting surface damage.
Advantages
- Highly effective on thick buildup (paint, baked-on oil, polymers).
- Less aggressive than traditional sandblasting.
- Compatible with a wide range of materials.
Best suited for
- Heavy equipment
- Metal components
- Heavily contaminated areas
- Refurbishment or restoration projects
Limitations
- Generates powder residue.
- Not suitable for very fragile surfaces.
Ultrasonic Cleaning: Precision for Complex Parts
Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves in a liquid bath to dislodge invisible or hard-to-reach contaminants.
Advantages
- Ultra-precise and uniform cleaning.
- Reaches cavities, micro-areas, and intricate geometries.
- Ideal for small parts, tools, mechanical components.
Best suited for
- Manufacturing industries
- Machine components
- Specialized tooling
- Parts with complex shapes
Limitations
- Requires an appropriate tank.
- Less effective for large surfaces or bulky equipment.
Specialized Manual Cleaning: Essential for High-Risk Zones
Despite modern techniques, manual cleaning remains crucial for:
- targeted disassembly;
- sensitive or hazardous zones;
- detailed visual inspections;
- mechanical adjustments;
- highly regulated environments.
Advantages
- Maximum precision in critical areas.
- Allows full inspection of equipment.
- indispensable complement to mechanical techniques.
Best suited for
- Food processing facilities
- Pharmaceutical installations
- Lines requiring OHS validation
- Confined or hard-to-access spaces
How to Choose the Right Technique?
The choice depends on three main factors:
Nature of the contaminant
- Grease → high-pressure washing or specialized detergents
- Polymer residues → dry ice blasting or soft abrasives
- Organic matter → dry ice blasting or ultrasonic cleaning
- Chemical residues → method selected based on material compatibility
Equipment sensitivity
- Sensors → dry ice blasting
- Heavy metal surfaces → hydrojet or soft abrasive
- Small parts → ultrasonic cleaning
Production context
- Limited downtime → dry ice blasting
- Refurbishment or restoration → abrasive methods
- Food production → dry ice blasting or manual cleaning
Combining Methods for Optimal Industrial Cleaning
Modern industrial environments require a flexible approach. No single technique is universal. The combination of methods, dry ice blasting, high-pressure washing, soft abrasives, ultrasonic cleaning, and manual intervention, ensures safe, effective cleaning tailored to each situation.
Specialized companies like Solutions Trexo can apply the right method, at the right time, on the right equipment, delivering long-lasting results that meet strict industry requirements.