The Cleaning and Maintenance of Cleanroom Garments

Cleanroom Garments are specialized clothing designed to be worn in environments with controlled levels of contamination, such as cleanrooms. These garments are crucial for maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of the controlled environment and preventing the introduction of particles, dust, and microorganisms. Cleanroom garments are commonly used in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, aerospace, and healthcare.

The cleaning and maintenance of cleanroom garments is crucial for following reasons:

Contamination Control:

Cleanroom garments are designed to minimize the release of particles, fibers, and contaminants from the wearer. Regular cleaning and maintenance helps ensure that the garments continue to provide effective contamination control and prevent the introduction of foreign particles into the cleanroom environment.

Product Quality:

In industries where product quality is critical, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, cleanroom garments play a role in preventing product contamination. Proper maintenance ensures that garments remain effective in preserving the cleanliness standards required for high-quality products.

Compliance with Standards:

Cleanrooms often operate in compliance with industry-specific cleanliness standards and regulations. Regular maintenance of cleanroom garments is essential to meet these standards and ensure that the cleanroom facility operates within specified cleanliness levels.

Employee Safety:

Cleanroom garments may include features to address safety concerns, such as protection against electrostatic discharge. Proper cleaning and maintenance ensures that these safety features remain effective, protecting both employees and the cleanroom environment.

Optimal Performance:

Cleanroom garments are subject to wear and tear over time. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspections, helps identify and address issues such as tears, loose threads, or damaged closures. This ensures that the garments continue to perform optimally.

Cost Efficiency:

Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of reusable cleanroom garments. This can be cost-effective for organizations, as it reduces the frequency of garment replacement and ensures that existing garments remain in good condition.

Preventing Cross-Contamination:

Individuals entering cleanrooms may carry contaminants from outside environments. Properly maintained cleanroom garments help prevent cross-contamination by serving as a barrier between the external environment and the cleanroom.

Washing and Cleaning

Gaible’s Cleanroom Garments !

Proper cleaning procedures help remove contaminants, particles, and other potential sources of contamination from the garments, ensuring they continue to meet cleanliness standards. Below are comprehensive guidelines for washing and cleaning cleanroom garments:

1. Following the Manufacturer’s Instructions for Cleanroom Garments

Always adhere to the Cleanroom Garment Manufacturer’s Instructions and recommendations for washing and cleaning the specific type of cleanroom garments you are using. These instructions provide valuable insights into the materials, cleaning agents, and methods that are safe for the garments.

2. Use Approved Cleaning Agents:

Utilize cleaning agents that are specifically approved for cleanroom garment maintenance. These agents should be free from contaminants and additives that could introduce particles into the cleanroom environment. Non ionic surfactants should be used as the detergent, with a neutral pH value to ensure the performance and service life of the clothes.

3. Separation in Laundry:

Clothes in different clean areas should be cleaned separately and avoid washing them with garments that may introduce lint or other contaminants.

4. Pre-Treat Stains:

Pre-treat any stains or spots on the garments before washing. Use appropriate stain removers or spot-cleaning techniques recommended for cleanroom garments. Avoid abrasive methods that may damage the fabric.

5. Temperature Control:

Wash cleanroom garments at temperatures recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid extremely high temperatures that could damage the fabric or compromise the garment’s effectiveness. Use cool or lukewarm water when suitable.

6. Gentle Washing Cycle:

Opt for a gentle washing cycle to minimize wear and tear on the fabric. Avoid harsh agitation that may release fibers or particles. Front-loading washing machines are often preferred for their gentle washing action.

7. Use Soft Water:

If possible, use soft water for washing cleanroom garments. Hard water may contain minerals that can accumulate on the fabric and affect its cleanliness. Sand core filtration water and pure water are generally used in the cleaning process. Deionized water with a resistivity of at least 10 megaohms/cm is used in the rinsing process. The cleaning water in the dust-free purification workshop must be ultrapure water instead of ordinary industrial water. The final rinse must be done with filtered purified water. The cleaning temperature shall be controlled to 35°C±5°C during cleaning.

8. Avoid Fabric Softeners:

Fabric softeners can leave residues on cleanroom garments, reducing their effectiveness. Avoid using fabric softeners unless explicitly recommended by the garment manufacturer.

9. Inspect Before Drying:

Before placing cleanroom garments in the dryer, inspect them for any remaining stains or damage. Ensure that all pockets are empty to prevent the accumulation of lint or particles during drying.

10. Low Heat Drying:

Dry cleanroom garments using a low-heat setting in the dryer. High heat can damage the fabric and compromise the integrity of the garment. Air-drying is an alternative method, particularly for garments with specific material requirements. The drying temperature should not exceed 60℃

11. Storage After Cleaning:

Once clean, store the garments in a designated clean area or garment storage facility. Avoid placing them on surfaces that may introduce contaminants, and ensure they remain protected until use.

12. Regular Inspections:

Conduct regular inspections of cleanroom garments after washing to ensure that they are free from damage, stains, or any signs of wear. Promptly address any issues identified during inspections.

13. Replace When Necessary:

Cleanroom garments have a finite lifespan. Replace them according to the recommended schedule or when significant wear, tear, or damage is observed.

14. Laundering Frequency:

Establish a regular laundering frequency based on the level of contamination in the cleanroom environment, the nature of the work conducted, and the specific requirements of your industry. It is recommended to control the number of cleaning(sterilization) times to 80-100 cycles.

15. Document Procedures:

Document the washing and cleaning procedures for cleanroom garments in a standard operating procedure (SOP). This ensures consistency in the cleaning process and serves as a reference for personnel involved in garment maintenance.

Sterilization

Besides cleaning and washing, some industries like the pharmaceutical industry has an additional process-disinfection and sterilization.

High-temperature sterilization, such as autoclaving, is a common method used for the sterilization of cleanroom garments. This process is effective in eliminating microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, to maintain the cleanliness and sterility required in controlled environments like cleanrooms.

The sterilization methods for cleanroom products include: 121 ° C high-temperature sterilization, ozone sterilization, GAMMA radiation sterilization, ETO disinfection and sterilization.

The high temperature sterilization divides into moist-heat sterilization and dry-heat sterilization. There is a difference in the mechanism of sterilization. The moist-heat method kills microorganisms by coagulating their proteins, while the dry-heat method oxidize, denature, carbonize and poison the protein through dehydration and drying to kill microorganisms. The similarity is that both methods are physical sterilization methods that use high temperature means to kill microorganisms. Generally, after the first two times of high-temperature sterilization, the suits will shrink slightly.

Here’s how the process of 121°C high-temperature sterilization for cleanroom garments typically works:

1. Prepare Cleanroom Garments:

Ensure that cleanroom garments to be sterilized are free from visible contaminants and have undergone thorough cleaning. Check for any damages or signs of wear that might affect the sterilization process.

Accessories can be sterilized with the suits, while the goggles should be sterilized separately, or placed on the top layer of suits.

Suits for different grades of cleanroom should be sterilized separately.

2. Loading the Autoclave:

Arrange the packaged cleanroom garments inside the autoclave chamber, ensuring that steam can circulate freely around each item. Avoid overloading the autoclave to allow for effective steam penetration. The upper limit of the capacity of the autoclave chamber generally does not exceed 90% of the maximum capacity.

3. Setting Parameters:

Set the autoclave parameters, including temperature, pressure, and sterilization time. For a 121°C high-temperature sterilization, the temperature is set to reach and maintain a maximum at 121°C during the specified sterilization period.

4. Purge Air:

Remove air from the autoclave chamber by purging it with steam. The presence of air can interfere with the sterilization process, so it’s crucial to ensure that the chamber is filled with saturated steam.

5. Sterilization Time:

The duration of the sterilization cycle depends on factors such as the type of materials, the load size, and the specific requirements of the cleanroom facility. The time is typically sufficient to allow for complete sterilization. For Gaible garments, keep the sterilization time 30 minutes each time.

6. Cooling Phase:

After the sterilization cycle is complete, there is a cooling phase. During this phase, the autoclave gradually releases pressure and allows the temperature to decrease before opening the chamber.

Post-Sterilization Inspection:

Once the autoclave cycle is finished and the garments are cool, inspect them for any signs of damage or irregularities. Ensure that the packaging remains intact, and the garments are ready for use in the cleanroom.

Considerations for 121°C High-Temperature Sterilization:

Material Compatibility:

Ensure that the cleanroom garments are made from materials that can withstand the high temperatures and pressure associated with autoclaving. Common materials used in cleanroom garments, such as polyester and synthetic fabrics, are often suitable for autoclaving.

Cleanroom Garments Manufacturer’s Recommendations:

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for sterilizing cleanroom garments. These recommendations may include specific temperature and time parameters, as well as any limitations or considerations for the materials used.

Validation :

The validity after sterilization is 24-72 hours, and it needs to be re-sterilized before it expires.

Frequency of Sterilization:

The frequency of autoclaving cleanroom garments depends on factors such as the level of contamination in the cleanroom environment and the specific requirements of the industry. Establish a regular sterilization schedule based on these considerations.

Maintenance of cleanroom garments after Cleaning

Proper maintenance helps ensure that the garments continue to provide effective contamination control and comply with cleanliness standards. Here are general guidelines for the maintenance of cleanroom garments:

1. Follow Cleanroom Protocols:

Adhere to the specific cleanroom protocols and procedures established by your organization or industry. Follow the recommended steps for donning, doffing, and maintaining cleanroom attire.

2. Use Designated Changing Areas:

Don and doff cleanroom garments in designated changing areas or air showers to minimize the risk of contamination. Follow the established procedures for entering and exiting cleanroom spaces.

3. Inspect Garments Before Use:

Before wearing cleanroom garments, inspect them for any visible damage, such as tears, holes, loose threads, or damaged closures. Report any issues to the appropriate personnel, and replace the garment if necessary.

4. Wear Recommended Undergarments:

Wear the undergarments recommended by your organization. These undergarments are designed to minimize particle shedding and maintain cleanliness.

5. Handle with Care:

Treat cleanroom garments gently to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Avoid contact with sharp objects, abrasive surfaces, and excessive stretching that could damage the fabric.

6. Store Properly:

When not in use, store cleanroom garments in a designated clean area or garment storage facility. Avoid placing garments on surfaces that may introduce contaminants.

7. Regular Inspections:

Conduct regular inspections of cleanroom garments for signs of wear, damage, or contamination. Replace any damaged or compromised garments promptly.

8. Training and Awareness:

Ensure that personnel working in cleanrooms are trained on proper cleanroom garment maintenance. Promote awareness of the importance of maintaining cleanliness and minimizing the risk of contamination.

9. Replace as Needed:

Garments have a limited lifespan, and over time, wear and tear may compromise their effectiveness. Replace cleanroom garments as recommended by your organization or when signs of significant wear are observed.

Join us on our YouTube channel to explore our product range !

In summary, the cleaning and maintenance of cleanroom garments are integral components of a comprehensive strategy to uphold cleanliness standards, preserve the integrity of processes, and ensure the safety of employees. Organizations operating in cleanroom environments should establish robust protocols for the regular cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of cleanroom garments to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

​