What Is Dry Fog, and How Does It Treat Mold?
What Is Dry Fog?
Dry fog is a remediation method that turns liquid cleaning compounds into particles small enough to behave like a gas. The particles measure between 5 and 50 microns across, about the size of a single mold spore. At that size, gravity no longer holds them down. They stay suspended in the air, fill every cubic foot of the space they're released into, and reach surfaces a sprayer or wipe can't physically touch.
That includes the inside of wall cavities, joist bays, HVAC ductwork, attic insulation, crawl space framing, and the air column itself.
The name is literal. Even though it's an aerosolized liquid, the particles are so fine that nothing comes out wet. Surfaces stay dry to the touch the whole time. There's no soaking, no runoff, and no need to cover or remove furniture before treatment. When the fog settles, it evaporates.
The technology was originally developed for hospital-grade environmental disinfection. Pure Maintenance holds the patent on the residential application, and Claro is one of the companies licensed to deliver it across the United States.
The result has been independently tested. A US Army Corps of Engineers performance study found a 95.21% reduction in airborne mold spores in one treated building six months after treatment, and a 99.45% reduction in another. Both results held even after outdoor spore counts rose sharply during the same period. You can read the full study and the rest of the third-party testing on the scientific proof page.
What's actually in the fog
For health-conscious families, the next question is always: what's actually in the fog? You don't want to get into a situation where the treatment is worse than the issue you were trying to treat. We agree, and that's why we publish the breakdown below.
At a high level, the technology we use has:
Claro uses Pure Maintenance's patented dry fog technology to evenly distribute two specialized compounds throughout your home. The ultra-fine particles thoroughly treat both porous and non-porous surfaces, then evaporate and leave all surfaces dry to the touch. The compounds are safe enough that families can sleep in the home the same night.
One important note: the exact formulations are protected trade secrets, so we can't publish everything. But if you want more detail, just reach out or book an inspection and we'll walk you through it.
The two compounds of Dry Fog
InstaPure
InstaPure is a hydrogen peroxide-based solution that treats mold spores and other microbial contaminants on surfaces and in the air. It breaks down into water; the main components are hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. Lab and field studies show the treatment achieves up to 99% spore reduction across treated environments (see the studies).
There's no residual impact after the InstaPure treatment is done, other than a faint vinegar smell that dissipates within hours.
EverPure
EverPure is the second compound, designed to help prevent microbial regrowth. It bonds to surfaces and forms a long-lasting antimicrobial layer, so when new mold spores enter the home and land on a treated surface, they're inhibited from taking hold.
The same compound is used in hospitals across the country to help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Is dry fog mold remediation safe?
The compounds Claro uses are EPA Safer Choice certified, which is the EPA's designation for products that meet strict standards for safer chemistry. The fog is safe enough that families can sleep in the home the same night the treatment is completed. The compounds are non-staining, leave no residue, and break down into harmless components.
For households with sensitivities (CIRS, MCAS, asthma, autoimmune conditions, or families with young children or pets), this is one of the main reasons functional medicine doctors refer patients to Claro. The treatment is designed to clean the environment without introducing new chemical burden.