Contamination control is a constant challenge in cleanrooms.

With a well-thought-out and diligently enacted cleaning and disinfecting regime, both viable and non-viable contamination can efficiently be controlled to the required standard.

However, reliable control can only be attained with the right product, used by trained staff, with qualified oversight and regular monitoring.

Below, we will go through the core considerations when putting in place a successful cleaning and disinfection regime. This includes factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate cleaning products, selecting disinfectants, the method and frequency of your cleaning schedule, and choosing your supplier.

Considerations when choosing a cleaning product 

  • Consider its chemical composition to ensure compatibility with cleanroom surfaces and equipment.
  • Verify that it doesn’t compromise the efficacy of your chosen disinfectants.
  • Opt for products available in a range of formats to simplify validation across different applications.

Considerations when choosing a disinfectant 

  • Select disinfectants that have proven biocidal effectiveness against your target microbes.
  • Select disinfectants with compatible chemical compositions for your cleanroom surfaces and equipment or residues.
  • Consider factors including temperature, pH, mode of action, kill spectrum, and contact time.
  • Assess concentration/dilution if applicable and prioritise operator health and safety.
  • Look for products available in different formats to streamline validation.

Guidance for cleaning and disinfection methods

Your cleaning and disinfection methods might vary depending on the products you use. However, there are some key guidelines which will always apply.

Firstly, the application of cleaning and biocidal agents must be precise and measured to ensure complete and uniform coverage.

Secondly, training and adherence to clear standard operating procedures are essential.

Lastly, cleaning must be completed before disinfection begins.

Adopt these general cleaning methods:

  • Begin in critical areas, the cleanest area of the highest grade, and work down towards the unclassified environment.
  • Start at the furthest location from the exit.
  • Clean from the highest point to the lowest, addressing ceilings, walls and floors.

Guidance for cleaning and disinfection frequency

The frequency of cleaning and disinfection will vary significantly between different facilities and Contamination Control Strategies (CCS). However, in all cases, they must be carefully determined, validated and continually assessed.

These general principles about cleaning frequency apply:

  • The busier the cleanroom and the higher the grade, the more frequently the cleanroom will be cleaned and disinfected.
  • The most critical area in the cleanroom will be serviced most regularly, followed by the area’s most at risk of facilitating the transfer of contamination to the critical area. The greater the risk of contaminating the critical area and the greater the frequency of that risk, the more frequently the area will be cleaned and disinfected.
  • Horizontal surfaces will be attended to more regularly than vertical surfaces.
  • Effective monitoring will identify deviations and initiate corrective action.

Choosing your supplier

Selecting the right supplier for cleanroom consumables is a critical decision that extends beyond price alone. Inferior products can introduce contamination risks, compromise operational performance, impact product quality, and lead to costly downtime or compliance issues. Investing in a reliable supplier helps protect process integrity, maintain regulatory standards, and support long-term operational efficiency.

To make an informed choice, consider several factors when evaluating potential suppliers:

  • Reliable supply and product availability to minimise interruptions in your cleanroom operations.
  • Adherence to manufacturing standards and robust quality control measures.
  • Commitment to customer service and technical expertise to help meet your specific cleanroom requirements.
  • Regulatory compliance and certifications relevant to cleanroom environments and your industry standards.
  • Product consistency and traceability to ensure dependable performance across batches.
  • Customisation capabilities to accommodate specialised cleanroom processes or specifications.
  • Cost-effectiveness and total value rather than focusing solely on initial purchase price.
  • Reputation and proven track record through client references, case studies, or industry experience.
  • Clear communication and responsiveness for efficient issue resolution and ongoing partnership management.
  • Inventory management and contingency planning to reduce the risk of shortages or supply disruptions.

 

For more information on AGMA products, see our healthcare brochure. If you have any questions, please contact us at sales@agma.co.uk.