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Views: 168 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-25 Origin: Site
Maintaining a cleanroom may look simple from the outside, but anyone who has spent real time working in one knows that contamination control is a discipline of its own. The tools might be basic—wipers, gloves, solvents—but the way they are used is what ultimately keeps an environment stable. A cleanroom can meet all the right ISO classifications on paper and still struggle with particle drift if basic wiping routines aren’t executed carefully. This is why choosing the right cleanroom wiper, handling it correctly, and applying a consistent technique matter far more than most people initially assume.
Although wipers are technically “consumables,” they play a direct role in whether surfaces remain within permitted particle levels. A wiper that sheds fibers, reacts badly to solvents, or is handled incorrectly can turn a compliant workspace into a risk zone. Because so many industries—electronics, optics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology—depend on strict particulate control, it makes sense to take a closer look at what proper wiping actually involves.
Before any wiping begins, professionals typically fold the wiper into quarters. This isn’t done out of habit; it gives the user several clean panels to rotate through and makes pressure distribution more consistent. Once the fabric is folded, the surface should be wiped in one direction only. The habit of cleaning in circles may feel intuitive, but it tends to push contaminants around and redeposit them. Straight, single-direction strokes—left to right or top to bottom—prevent micro-particles from migrating back into previously cleaned sections.
Something many new operators forget is the importance of overlap. Each stroke should slightly overlap the last one, just enough to avoid creating thin “gaps” that never get touched. When one side of the folded wiper becomes saturated or visibly dirty, the operator flips to a clean section. This rotation continues until all surfaces are cleaned or all clean sides of the wiper have been used. Once all sides have been exposed, the wiper must be discarded immediately rather than saved “just in case.”
People who come from non-cleanroom environments often underestimate how quickly a wiper becomes contaminated. Even microscopic residue left over from a single pass is enough to undermine what comes after. The discipline is repetitive, but that repetition is exactly what keeps the room within spec.
While some teams clean on predetermined timetables, others react only when dirt appears. In a cleanroom, waiting until things “look dirty” is far too late. High-traffic areas, as well as places where hands, tools, or packaging frequently come into contact with surfaces, accumulate particles much faster than low-touch areas. A reasonable routine often looks like this:
Work surfaces are cleaned at the start and end of each shift
Equipment is wiped down immediately after use
Floors are usually cleaned once a day
High-touch interfaces—door switches, shared handles, monitor frames—require multiple cleanings throughout the day
This rhythm can vary depending on the facility, but the principle stays the same: cleaning must stay ahead of contamination, not follow behind it. And crucially, every cleaning session uses a fresh wiper. Reusing one introduces all the contaminants that were captured earlier back into circulation, undoing the effort.
Choosing a cleanroom wiper is not as simple as comparing softness or brand reputation. Four performance factors influence whether a wiper will perform correctly in a controlled environment:
This refers to the amount of particles and fibers the wiper releases during use. A low-quality wiper may leave behind more debris than it picks up, especially on sharp edges or textured surfaces.
Some tools, housings, or fixtures have rougher textures. If the wiper breaks apart under friction, loose fibers will scatter across the area. A strong wiper maintains integrity even under repeated passes.
The wiper must have the ability to absorb solvents and liquid residues efficiently without smearing contaminants around. Spills or chemical residues require particularly high absorbency.
Most cleanrooms rely heavily on isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Not all materials can withstand IPA without softening, dissolving, or shedding micro-fibers. Some facilities also use more aggressive solvents, which stress certain fiber types. A wiper should always be tested or verified with the exact solvent used on-site.
Suppliers often provide technical data on particle counts, solvent resistance, and absorbency rates. Requesting these numbers is one of the most reliable ways to avoid buying products that “seem fine” but fail under real daily use.
Three materials dominate cleanroom wiper production: polyester, microfiber, and blended fiber types. Their performance differences make each more suitable for different applications.
Polyester wipers are valued for low particle generation and strong durability. They are robust enough for repeated wiping without fraying, which is why they’re commonly used from ISO Class 5 to ISO Class 7 environments.
Microfiber wipers have a tighter fiber structure that traps incredibly small particles. They absorb liquids well and maintain strong cleaning performance, making them ideal for ISO Class 3 to Class 5 areas where even small residual particles are unacceptable.
Blended wipers combine fibers—such as cellulose with polyester—to balance absorbency and cost. However, they tend to produce more particles, so they are typically used in general cleaning or lower-classification rooms.
Another important distinction is the edge type. Wipers with laser-sealed or ultrasonic-sealed edges release far fewer fibers compared to simple mechanically cut edges. In electronics or pharmaceutical cleanrooms, sealed edges are often treated as a non-negotiable requirement.
Isopropyl alcohol interacts differently with each fiber type. Some materials harden, some weaken, and others begin shedding micro-fibers when saturated repeatedly. Polyester usually performs well with IPA and most common solvents. Microfiber also handles IPA effectively, though reactions vary across formulations. Blended wipers can be inconsistent because the cellulose portion may swell when exposed to alcohol.
If your workflow relies on a solvent other than IPA, such as acetone, special disinfectants, or harsh cleaning chemicals, compatibility testing becomes even more important. A quick wipe test on a small, non-critical surface is usually enough to catch problematic reactions before they cause wider contamination.
Even the best wiper cannot compensate for poor handling. Contamination often begins long before the wiping starts—sometimes as early as the moment the package is opened.
A few universal handling steps include:
Wearing clean gloves before touching any wiper
Opening the package only when the wiper is needed
Holding the wiper by the edge to avoid transferring skin oils
Never placing unused wipers on exposed surfaces
Discarding a wiper immediately after it becomes fully used
Keeping every wiper type separated and clearly labeled
A properly designed training program reinforces these habits and makes them part of daily behavior rather than special procedures.
Many facilities underestimate how much storage conditions affect wiper cleanliness. An unopened package stored in the wrong place can collect airborne particles before it is even used. Proper storage involves:
Keeping wipers in their original packaging
Storing them off the ground on shelves or racks
Avoiding areas near entry doors or ventilation sources
Never using open bins, which expose wipers to dust and airflow
Checking storage spaces routinely for moisture or accidental contamination
Small environmental shifts—such as moving a shelving unit closer to an air vent—can increase particle exposure without anyone noticing, so periodic reviews are valuable.
Cleanrooms often operate with separate zones, each with different particle tolerances. Cross-contamination happens easily when tools, gloves, or wipers move from one zone to another without proper cleaning. The simplest safeguards include:
Assigning specific wipers to specific zones
Using color codes or labeled containers to differentiate them
Changing gloves when moving between areas
Cleaning tools before repositioning them
Wearing ESD shoes to reduce static, which pulls particles to surfaces
Static electricity can be invisible but incredibly disruptive. This is why industries like electronics manufacturing, automotive electronics, pharmaceutical operations, and laboratories rely on ESD footwear. The shoes reduce static discharge and help keep surfaces cleaner by lowering particle attraction. They come in men’s and women’s sizes, with different styles depending on comfort and function.
ISO 14644-1 defines how many particles are permitted in each cleanroom class. Lower numbers indicate stricter control. For instance, ISO Class 3 environments allow only extremely low particle counts, while ISO Class 7 rooms have more lenient thresholds. Knowing your specific classification makes it easier to choose the right wiper:
ISO Class 3: Sealed-edge microfiber wipers
ISO Class 5: Laser-cut polyester wipers
ISO Class 7: Blended fiber wipers are often acceptable
The classification must come from certified documentation, not an assumption. Equipment, processes, and personnel all influence particle counts, so wiper choice should always be aligned with verified room status.
Compliance isn’t just about meeting standards once—it’s about maintaining them continuously. That requires:
Training staff regularly
Reviewing and adjusting wiping protocols
Ensuring all cleaning materials align with ISO requirements
Updating storage systems when room layouts change
Employing ESD shoes to minimize static-related contamination
Even a well-designed process can fall apart when teams grow or shift responsibilities. Periodic refresh training helps everyone follow consistent steps.
Why are ESD shoes important in a cleanroom?
Static electricity attracts particles. ESD shoes help move static off the body safely, reducing contamination risk in electronics, labs, pharmaceutical areas, and automotive manufacturing.
Can a cleanroom wiper be reused?
No. Once a wiper absorbs particles or solvent, it must be discarded to prevent re-depositing contaminants.
How do I choose a wiper based on ISO class?
Match the wiper’s particle release and edge type to the classification. Higher classes demand sealed edges and lower particle generation.
Where should wipers be stored?
In original packaging, elevated from the floor, away from airflow turbulence, and never in open containers.
Are ESD shoes available for men and women?
Yes. Both men’s and women’s models exist, including specialized fits for long-term comfort.
