Gain Control of Cleanroom Cleaning

Cleanroom cleaning is a unique form of sanitation, and various levels of cleanrooms call for somewhat different cleaning processes. So if you are looking for cleanroom cleaning services, your best bet is to hire a provider with field expertise. This said, the information below explains what a cleanroom is and outlines the basic cleaning protocols required to maintain one.

What Is a Cleanroom?

ISO 14644 defines a cleanroom as “a room in which the concentration of airborne particles is controlled, and which is constructed and used in a manner to minimize the introduction, generation, and retention of particles inside the room…. Other relevant parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, are controlled as necessary.”

Cleanroom cleaning companies remove sub-micron-sized airborne contamination generated by people, processes, equipment, and the facility itself. This intense cleaning reduces the chance for particles and microbes to interfere with production by contaminating sterile and non-sterile products.

The degree of control required—known as the cleanliness standard—varies widely and is given an ISO classification based on how much particulate exists per cubic meter. The “cleanest” cleanroom is ISO 1, and the “dirtiest” is ISO 9, which is still cleaner than a regular room.

Cleanrooms with lower cleanliness standards can contain up to 1 million micro-sized particles per cubic meter. Cleanrooms with the highest cleanliness standards must contain 1,000 or fewer micro-sized particles per cubic meter.

The cleanliness standard and ISO rating of cleanrooms vary by industry. For example, most product manufacturing cleanrooms have lower cleanliness standards than laboratory cleanrooms. Therefore, the cleaning schedules and some cleaning procedures of different types of cleanrooms also vary.

PPE for All

Everyone who enters or exits a cleanroom must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), ranging from gloves and gowns to bonnets and booties. The PPE necessary and whether the PPE is sterile or non-sterile depends on the level of cleanliness required. Proper procedures for donning and removing PPE must be strictly followed by all who enter the room, including cleanroom cleaners.

Cleanroom Cleaning Procedures

As already noted, cleanroom processes and procedures vary depending on the level of cleanliness. However, below are the basic protocols recommended for most cleanrooms. Note that, except for the floor cleaning, most of the tasks can be performed during regular work shifts/hours.

• Do not introduce cleaning agents that are not recommended for cleanrooms, especially powders that can quickly become airborne.
• Use deionized water (DI), which has a low mineral content, to scrub walls, floors, benches, and other surfaces.
• Never use scrubs or rags that can leave behind lint.
• Use mops made of a durable material, such as woven polyester, which are not prone to shedding and tearing.
• Clean corridors leading into the cleanroom to reduce tracked-in particulate and microbes.

Perform Daily

• Damp-mop floors using distilled water. The distillation process kills most organic material and removes minerals from the water, leaving only hydrogen and oxygen. Use an autoclave-ready multi-bucket mopping system to provide separate chambers for clean and dirty water. After damp-mopping, vacuum dry.
• Vacuum walls and ceilings.
• Wash windows and cleanroom pass-throughs. Wipe them dry using lint-free wipes.

Perform Weekly

• Damp-mop floors with distilled water and a cleanroom-approved detergent. Vacuum dry using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Wipe walls, ceilings, and all overhead lighting using a cleanroom sponge dampened with distilled water. Vacuum dry using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Perform as Needed

• Wash ceilings with detergent and distilled water whenever necessary.
• Change cleanroom sticky mats as needed. If you are unsure if the mat needs changing, err on the side of caution and replace it.

Cleanroom Cleaning Services Near Me

If you are in the California area and looking for a cleanroom facility services provider, we have more than 48 years of cleanroom cleaning expertise. Discover the Servicon advantage. Contact us today.

Are you interested in finding out about potential job opportunities with Servicon for cleanroom cleaners? Visit servicon.com/careers.