We generally get asked to clean items such as engine blocks, gearbox casings, and a wide range of internal and external automotive components. What sorts of items do we clean using soda? Soda is best used when the item is being re-painted, because the process doesn’t leave a shine on metal surfaces. Additionally, because soda is water-soluble, any residue left on essential components such as engine parts can be simply washed away with water – minimising the chance of blocked ports and holes. Contrast this with chemical dipping and other types of media cleaning, which can raise a surface’s temperature significantly.
One of soda’s main benefits in terms of automotive uses is that it does not cause the surface to heat up – making it essential for cleaning large, flat vehicle components (such as bonnets and roofs), and those made of aluminium or carbon fibre both potentially at risk of heat warping. Soda blasting has two main uses that both benefit from its mildly abrasive cleaning properties: automotive restoration and property maintenance. Sodium bicarbonate is not a harsh chemical, and the particles are relatively soft compared to other media blasting methods, making this practice one of the milder forms of abrasive cleaning. The propulsion of the soda particles causes them break up on impact, striking the surface just enough to remove paint or grime, but providing an otherwise non-damaging clean to a variety of surfaces. Soda blasting is a type of abrasive cleaning whereby sodium bicarbonate particles (“soda crystals”) are propelled on to a surface using compressed air. So, let’s take a look at what’s involved. Using the surprisingly mild, but powerful cleaning properties of sodium bicarbonate (bicarbonate of soda) alongside abrasive cleaning techniques can provide a thoroughly clean finish to a vast array of surfaces. Soda blast cleaning is a gentle, yet reliable method of cleaning metals and stonework – making it indispensable to vehicle restorers, building/site managers, and engineering maintenance alike. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know Pairing bicarbonate of soda with blast cleaning provides a thorough, yet gentle clean for a wide range of surfaces. Soda Blasting Soda blast cleaning is a versatile cleaning method with uses for vehicle restoration, premises maintenance, and engineering upkeep.