People are one of the biggest contributors to cleanroom contamination. That’s why cleanroom PPE is usually used to protect the cleanroom from the wearer, rather than the other way around.


It’s essential to reduce the risk of transporting contaminants into the cleanroom, so that you don’t nullify all the good done by your cleanroom cleaning process. A key step is to ensure that everyone who enters your cleanroom gowns and de-gowns safely and effectively. 


Here are 6 tips to ensure you’re doing it right every time: 

  • Pre-preparation

The last thing you want to do when you’ve followed every cleanroom guideline is to have to leave and return unexpectedly or unnecessarily. To avoid this, you should sip some water, go to the toilet and blow your nose before you begin. 

  • Before you enter the cleanroom change area

Remove unnecessary street clothes and any personal items including jewellery and your mobile phone, putting them in provided storage. Cover all hair, including facial hair, and remove any makeup. Walk over the sticky mat, ensuring it makes contact with the entire sole of your cleanroom appropriate footwear. 

  • Throughout 

Move slowly and deliberately so you generate fewer particles. Remember to wash your hands or use alcohol hand gel regularly. This includes before you enter, before you start gowning, between steps, and after removing PPE. Dry your hands with a low-linting towel or hand dryer, and use a suitable lotion. 

  • Gowning

Pick out the correct clothing, which will differ slightly from cleanroom to cleanroom. Ensure all garments are free from tears or rips, disposing of and replacing where needed. Clean your hands with alcohol gel immediately before entering the changing area with your cleanroom garments still packed. Dressing for work in a cleanroom must be done in such a way that contamination is minimised. Always dress from “top to toe” as this ensures falling contamination will land on street clothes and not the cleanroom suit. 

  • Checking

Ensure garments are adjusted snugly around the ankles, wrists, neck and feet. Check in a full length mirror to make sure there are no gaps between garments, and no hair visible. 

  • De-gowning 

De-gowning is done from toe to top. You should finish with your hood and/or face mask. Once garments have been removed, store anything reusable in the correct containers, and dispose appropriately of single-use or recyclable garments. Remove your gloves, discard them and then clean your hands with alcohol gel. 

Key takeaway: preparation is paramount 

The more organised cleanroom areas are, the easier it is to follow guidelines and reduce contamination. Provide appropriate storage, a sticky mat, and clearly labelled containers. 

From hand sanitiser gels to a full range of products for cleanroom cleaning and disinfection, AGMA is here to help you keep your cleanroom in the best possible condition.

Interested in learning more? Download the healthcare brochure.