Techniques

Soda Blasting

Soda blasting, also known as baking soda blasting, is a process used in restoration, removal, and cleaning, and is perfect for treating delicate surfaces. Soda blasting integrates the use of the familiar household abrasive baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate), combined with compressed air to create the necessary impact in order to remove unwanted materials. Although soda blasting is similar to other methods (e.g. sandblasting), it is considered “soft media” blasting, meaning it’s a low impact alternative—ideal for delicate surfaces.

Soda blasting is ideal for:

 

What Is Soda Blasting Ideal For?

Baking soda blasting is ideal for automotive restoration, fire restoration, masonry restoration, industrial plant cleaning, food processing plant cleaning, marine and aviation cleaning, rust, paint, graffiti, oil, and grease removal.

Fire Restoration

Soda blasting is ideal for fire restoration projects because it can be applied to a sensitive substrate like wood without harming or warping the surface, while still effectively removing all ash and debris. In addition, soda blasting helps to absorb most of the odour that has infected all structural materials left behind.

Automotive Restoration

Soda blasting is commonly used in the automotive industry because of its ability to blast glass, metal, plastic mouldings, and fibreglass without any damage, while still leaving a nice smooth finish. It’s perfect for blasting away coats of paint even in hard-to-reach and awkward areas, eliminating the need to disassemble vehicles.

The Benefits of Soda Blasting

While soda blasting is similar to other blasting media, it offers its own unique properties and advantages, making it an ideal method of cleaning.

Soda Blasting:

  • Is safe for use around food
  • Absorbs odour and moisture
  • Is sensitive on surfaces (will not warp or damage)
  • Results in less downtime (no need to disassemble, or replace)
  • Is recognized as a safe abrasive and can be used almost anywhere
  • Breaks down immediately on contact

Frequently Asked Questions About Soda Blasting

What's the difference between soda blasting and sandblasting?

While similar techniques, soda blasting is a lower impact alternative to sand blasting. Soda blasting uses sodium bicarbonate as the blasting media, which is considered “soft media” blasting – making it ideal for use on delicate surfaces. Sand blasting uses coarse sand to blast away buildup, and is more abrasive to surfaces.

Can soda blasting remove rust?

Yes, soda blasting can remove rust from metal surfaces in the automotive industry, marine and aviation cleaning, and more.

What kind of soda do you use for blasting?

The blasting media is familiar household abrasive baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate.

Is soda blasting safe?

Yes – soda is recognized as a safe abrasive and can be used almost anywhere, even in food processing environments.

Can soda blasting remove paint?

Yes, soda blasting can safely remove paint without damaging the surface underneath.

Can soda blast media be reused?

No, soda is a one-time-use media.

Locations Served

Our mobile fleet offers Soda Blasting to locations all across Ontario, including Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, London, Burlington, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Niagara, St. Catharines, Windsor, Barrie, Sudbury, Sarnia, and more.

Certifications

Case Studies

Case Study: Fire Restoration on High-Rise Building

Learn how Wickens used DOFF cleaning on soot and fire residue to clean the exterior of a nine-storey high-rise building in our latest case study.

Case Study: Fire Restoration at Hydro Substation

Wickens Dry Ice Blasting helped restore a fire-damaged hydro substation in Ontario with top-down cleaning and careful attention to sensitive components.

Case Study: Lead Paint Removal for Wanda III Steamship Restoration

Learn how we used media blasting to remove lead paint from the historical steamship, Wanda III, helping to prepare for its return to the waters.

Case Study: Attic Mould Removal in Townhouse Complex

Mould can be a serious problem in any home, causing health issues and damaging the structure of the building.

Case Study: Fire Restoration at School

Cleaning after a fire with dry ice blasting ensures that soot and odour are eliminated safely. Learn how this environmentally friendly technique restored a utility room.

Case Study: Grafton Historic Building Restoration

There are many reasons why people choose to restore an old building. Historic buildings are an important way of keeping history alive, and they can also be a great source of pride for their communities.

Case Study: DOFF Cleaning for External Wood Panelling on Estate Property

Wickens recently worked on cleaning, coating, and rejuvenating wood panelling on an elegant manor using DOFF steam cleaning methods.

Case Study: Paint Removal for Warehouse in Downtown Toronto

Wickens Dry Ice Blasting worked on a paint removal project at an old factory/warehouse in downtown Toronto that was being re-purposed into office spaces.

Case Study: Lead Paint Removal in Ontario Brewery

Wickens Dry Ice Blasting assisted in the removal and disposal of lead paint in an Ontario brewery, keeping the establishment and its employees safe.

Case Study: Log Cabin Restoration

Wickens Dry Ice Blasting has extensive experience cleaning log cabins using special blasting techniques that are non-harmful to the surrounding environment.

Case Study: Dry Ice Blasting Used for a Fire Restoration Project

Wickens used dry ice blasting cleaning techniques for the safe handling of food production equipment in a fire restoration project in Toronto, Ontario.

Case Study: Fire Restoration of 10-Storey Office Building

Wickens Dry Ice Blasting worked on a fire restoration project on a 10-storey office building for a client in Ontario. This project required the use of vapour blasting which is an environmentally friendly dustless fire restoration method.

Case Study: DOFF and Dry Ice Blasting Used for Fire Restoration Project

Fires quickly spread from one part of the house to another and require non-destructive cleaning methods that are safe for the environment and effective on a wide variety of surface substrates.

Case Study: Lead Paint Removal for Major Food Processor

Many older industrial and commercial buildings have lead-based paint hazards. These hazards are a major issue, as employees in these buildings are susceptible to exposure to this toxic substance and may be at risk for progressive health problems if the lead paint is not removed safely.

Case Study: Using Dry Ice Blasting to Clean Economizer Piping

Economizers are prone to dirt and deposit buildup, which hinders them from accomplishing the very tasks they’re installed to do. That’s why an S.A.G.D. industry leader located in Alberta called the professionals at Wickens Dry Ice Blasting.

Case Study: Toronto Condominium Fire Restoration

Condo fire damage quickly spreads to nearby units as well as the building exterior, displacing residents from their homes until the building can be safely restored.

Case Study: Historical Restoration and Preservation of the Kissing Bridge

Many tourists from different parts of the world come to visit Waterloo to experience the scenic beauty of the Covered Bridge. The professionals at Wickens were called in to perform dry Ice blasting, ensuring the bridge retains its pleasing interior. Thanks to dry ice blasting, cleaning this historical structure no longer carries the threat of damage it once did.

Case Study: Fire Restoration in a Subway Restaurant

When a fire leaves a business unable to function, it’s crucial to call in the experts to restore the damaged areas and get back to serving customers as quickly as possible. That’s why a restoration company called the professionals at Wickens after a Subway restaurant in Burlington experienced serious fire damage.

Case Study: Via Rail Fire Restoration & Prevention

Via Rail connects Canada from coast to coast—so it’s crucial to keep trains running safely and efficiently. After an incident involving an exhaust vent that caught fire, Via Rail called in the professionals at Wickens Dry Ice Blasting to restore the area and provide preventive cleaning to avoid similar issues in the future.

Case Study: Mould Removal from Hamilton Townhouses

The Municipality of Hamilton, Ontario faced a nightmare situation when mould was found in the attics of 90 residential townhouses. Wickens completed the three-month mould remediation project on time, under budget, and with very little disruption to the tenants.

Case Study: Using Dry Ice Blasting to Clean the Canadian Plaza Canopy in Niagara

On the Canadian side of the Peace Bridge, visitors are greeted by the Canadian Plaza, which consists of a main administration building for processing arrivals. Wickens used dry ice blasting to clean the wooden structure without disrupting the high volumes of visitor traffic.

Case Study: Mould Remediation at a St. Catharines Ice Arena

Managers of an ice arena in St. Catharine’s, Ontario discovered significant mould growth on the ceiling of the building. Wickens Dry Ice Blasting was able to clean the mould residue and mould spores from the ceiling and support structures within two weeks.

Case Study: Removing Lead Paint from a Historic Lighthouse in Niagara

Marking the entrance to the Niagara River is a lighthouse that once guided boats and ships arriving via Lake Ontario. Recently, Fisheries and Oceans Canada decided it was necessary to refurbish the lighthouse and remove the lead paint that had been applied years ago before federal regulations came into effect.

Case Study: Saving a Building Project from Mould

For builders in Northern Ontario, winter came all too quickly while constructing a luxury condo building. With snow and wet conditions, mould developed on the building materials and spread throughout the building. Wickens quickly mobilized a team of trained technicians to begin the mould remediation process.

Case Study: Removing Asbestos from an Office Building

A three-story office building in South Western Ontario had areas of exposed brick on all levels that had been painted with asbestos-containing paint. With extensive experience, specialized processes, and trained technicians, Wickens Dry Ice Blasting was able to safely and quickly remove the asbestos.