Can Dry Ice Help Kill Viruses and Bacteria?
You might be wondering how dry ice plays a role in killing bacteria?
Dry ice is a beneficial substance for incredible decorations, theater fog, science experiments, and cleaning heavy-duty equipment. Amongst the current COVID-19 pandemic, you might be wondering how to kill off viruses and bacteria and which tool will work the best. You’d be shocked at just how many uses this form of ice has. Below is a guide for how viruses and bacteria work and how dry ice can help in the form of cleaning.
How You Can Kill Viruses and Bacteria
Viruses and bacteria are complex organisms that are able to morph or reactivate under the right environmental conditions. A few bacteria are good, while others cause nasty diseases, and viruses are considered dead but require a host to spread and multiply. It is generally known that the best way to kill them off is to break down all their molecules. Viruses are proteins surrounded by a fatty acid, and when they’re on your hands, scraping them between your palms with water and soap penetrates their walls, so they die. A few chemicals battle viruses and bacteria on their own. An appropriate formula containing alcohol, like trusty hand sanitizer, kills germs and bacteria right in their tracks.
Will Dry Ice Kill Off Germs?
In short, the answer to this is “no.” Researchers have concluded that heat kills off germs more effectively than the cold does. Although some bacteria will die under chilly enough temperatures, more will go dormant or potentially thrive. Dry ice blasting might kill some germs, but it is not a reliable tool for this purpose at all. Exterminating these pesky microorganisms is best left to soap and other types of chemical agents.
Why Dry Ice Blasting is Beneficial
Although it is not a disinfecting agent, dry ice is a great material to remove rust, grime, or mold from any surface. Dry ice blasting is a prevalent choice for cleaning industrial food processing machines and even older automobiles. As a form of frozen carbon dioxide, it hits surfaces at a huge, pinpointed force to make gunked up metal surfaces look brand new without scratching, much like sandblasting or other types of cleaning might. It is a very clean product that leaves no messes behind, sublimating back into the atmosphere entirely naturally. Remember to wear protective gear when you’re handling dry ice too.
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 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.
