Carbon dioxide cleaning (CO2 cleaning) comprises a family of methods for parts cleaning and sterilization, using carbon dioxide in its various phases.[1] Due to being non-destructive, non-abrasive, and residue-free, it is often preferred for use on delicate surfaces.[2][3][4]: 275 CO2 cleaning has found application in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical, and other industries.[5][6] Carbon dioxide snow cleaning has been used to remove particles and organic residues from metals, polymers, ceramics, glasses, and other materials, and from surfaces including hard drives and optical surfaces.[4]: 270