Tips for Cleaning Panels in an ISO 7 Cleanroom

Cleaning the acrylic or aluminium panels in a cleanroom requires a certain procedure. Below, we offer brief instructions on how to ensure your ISO 7 cleanroom panel cleaning procedure is adhered to.

Cleaning Acrylic Panels

Acrylic panels are popular for cleanroom use, but do require regular cleaning and maintenance. There is a routine to follow that ensures you have perfectly clean panels and it is not difficult to follow. The following is a simple guide to cleanroom panel cleaning for acrylic panels.

Before you get down to cleaning the panels, you need to dust them for any surface debris. This should be done using a solution of dishwasher detergent – use a mild variety and add one teaspoon to a pint of water. Spray this onto the surface using a spray bottle, then wipe dry thoroughly with a clean mop or wipe. Now, your panels are ready for the clean.

Basic cleaning is done the same way, with a detergent solution and a clean wipe, so in effect you are performing the above routine once again. Be aware that there can be a static build-up; this can be alleviated by wiping the surface with a damp cloth, which will remove charge and dust. Never use chemical compounds such as window cleaning fluids – always use the mild detergent solution.

If you are removing grease, paint, tar or other more substantial element from your cleanroom panels, you need to use an Aliphatic Hydrocarbon compound such as Naphtha,  or kerosene, but be careful when using either. Scratches should be removed by standard buffing procedure.

Aluminium Panels

Aluminium panels are preferred by many cleanroom users as they are low-maintenance and easier to keep clean. Start by trying your solution – again one teaspoon of mild detergent to a pint of water – on a small area to ensure it is doing the job before tackling the entire panel.

In some cleanrooms steam cleaning may be allowed; always check your company operating procedures for the correct method of cleaning and maintenance. Steam cleaning is an effective way of ensuring you have a perfectly clean panel, especially where it is standard dust and dirt that you are dealing with.

If you need to remove more problematic substances – such as oils and adhesives – it is recommended that you use mineral spirit and a clean cloth. Once you have removed the debris, you will need to rinse with water to ensure it is perfectly clean. Likewise, hard water spots can be removed with a 10% solution of acetic acid in cold water very effectively, and always make sure you use a fresh, clean cloth or wipe whenever you are cleaning.

Never use abrasive products on cleanroom panels – this applies to acrylic and aluminium panels – and always stick to company policy where ISO 7 cleanroom panel cleaning procedures are required. Keeping cleanroom panels is a very important part of the operation of the room, so should be done carefully and regularly in order to keep everything in order.