How to Use IPA Wipes in a Cleanroom: Step-by-Step Guide

Using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in a cleanroom or laboratory requires careful technique to ensure thorough decontamination without spreading contaminants. Below is a recommended, step-by-step guide for safely and effectively using IPA and presaturated wipes, along with disposal considerations:

1. Prepare and Wear Proper PPE: Follow your facility’s protocols for safety and contamination control. At a minimum, wear cleanroom gloves before handling wipes or cleaning surfaces. If you will be spraying IPA, eye protection is also advisable. Ensure that you are using the appropriate type of wipe for the task (cleanroom-approved, lint-free).
2. Use a Presaturated Wipe (Preferred): Open the pouch or canister of your presaturated cleanroom wipes. Remove one wipe and promptly reseal the package to prevent the remaining wipes from drying out. If presaturated wipes are unavailable, take a clean, dry, lint-free wipe and moisten it with IPA from a dispenser bottle, being careful not to soak it to the point of dripping. A properly moistened wipe will have the ideal saturation level.
3. Wipe in One Direction: Clean the surface using straight, overlapping strokes in one direction. Start from the cleanest area and move toward the dirtiest, typically from the top of a surface downward or from the back of the area toward you. This technique helps push contaminants away and prevents redepositing particles into already cleaned areas. Avoid circular scrubbing motions, as these can redistribute contaminants.
4. Use the Fold Method for Multiple Passes: Fold the wipe into quarters to access multiple clean wiping surfaces. Wipe with one side, then refold to expose a clean section and continue wiping. Do not reuse the same dirty portion of a wipe on a clean area, as this can recontaminate the surface. For larger surfaces, you may need several wipes; do not attempt to stretch one wipe too far once it is visibly soiled or drying out.
5. Allow the Surface to Air Dry: After wiping, let the IPA evaporate completely. The alcohol will evaporate quickly, leaving the surface clean and residue-free. Refrain from wiping the surface dry with a cloth or paper, as this may introduce lint. The evaporation also provides the necessary contact time for disinfection.
6. Dispose of Used Wipes Properly: Place used IPA wipes in an appropriate waste container, as solvent-saturated wipes are flammable. Many facilities have specific closed containers for solvent-contaminated wipes (often metal cans with self-closing lids) to comply with fire codes. Follow your facility’s hazardous waste procedures. In the U.S., solvent wipes may be excluded from hazardous waste if handled by EPA guidelines; however, they must still be stored and disposed of safely. Never throw dripping-wet alcohol wipes into an open trash can or leave them lying around.
7. Dispose of Expired or Unused IPA Safely: If you have a bottle of IPA that has expired or is no longer needed, do not pour it down the drain or throw it in regular trash. IPA should be treated as hazardous chemical waste. Use what you can for routine cleaning or absorb small quantities into wipes and then take the remainder to your facility’s designated hazardous waste collection point. Large amounts of alcohol should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations, such as through a chemical waste vendor. This protects both the environment and plumbing while avoiding fire risks in the drains.

By following these steps, cleanroom operators and laboratory technicians can ensure surfaces are thoroughly cleaned without introducing new contaminants. A consistent wiping technique, combined with the convenience of presaturated wipes, can significantly enhance cleaning effectiveness while maintaining compliance with cleanroom protocols.

• Proper use of IPA wipes in cleanrooms ensures thorough decontamination of surfaces without spreading contaminants, which is essential for maintaining cleanroom hygiene.
• Following correct IPA wipe techniques, such as wiping in one direction with a lint-free wipe, prevents cross-contamination in cleanrooms by pushing contaminants away instead of redistributing them.
• Adhering to cleanroom compliance protocols when using IPA wipes is crucial for regulatory compliance, ensuring that cleaning procedures meet industry standards for contamination control.