What cleanroom surfaces should be cleaned with a mop?

Clean room, epoxy floor in laboratory.

Mops are an excellent option for cleaning sizeable hard surface areas such as floors, walls, and ceilings. Each facility has different areas that require specific cleaning methods. Cleaning contamination that is invisible is already challenging, and it becomes even more complicated when the operators are fully gowned. Moreover, manual cleaning processes can be complex to standardize and validate. However, with proper training, logical and practical procedures, and efficient, ergonomically designed equipment, it is possible to meet the high demands of cleanroom cleaning.

Various ISO, IEST, and life science GMP guidelines recommend specific cleaning tools and processes. It is crucial for all cleaning systems, including mop heads, to be free from particles and microorganisms. They should also be easy to clean, sterilize, and resistant to typical cleaning and disinfecting agents.

Each facility should have written standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists developed for various cleaning frequencies based on specific requirements of the cleanroom air class. Specialized operators and in-house teams should perform these.

An SOP for mopping and cleaning is an important document that outlines the procedures for mops and all their accessories. Each cleanroom facility should have written standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists for cleaning frequencies based on air class (e.g., daily, weekly) for each shift. The SOP provides a clear point of reference for maintaining the cleanliness of the cleanroom to prevent errors and mistakes. Thorough operator training is crucial to avoid misinterpretation and cleaning failure.

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