Tip #2 – Proper Cleaning Techniques

Is wiping in a circular pattern the best technique when removing contamination from a cleanroom surface?

The answer is no.

“Users must be cautioned that the circular wiping pattern that is most comfortable and convenient is also the most contaminating. Wiping in a circular pattern causes the wiper in its dirtiest state to be brought back over an area that has just been cleaned.”¹

Proper cleanroom protocol as outlined in ISO 14644-5 includes wiping using overlapping strokes, in a parallel direction. Wipe from back to front, cleanest to dirtiest, and driest to wettest.

Tip #2 – Proper Cleaning Techniques: NEVER wipe using a circular pattern in order to prevent recontamination of the surface. Remember, contamination can be invisible to the naked eye.

1 H. Siegerman, Wiping Surfaces Clean, p.22