Whether you’re working in pharmaceuticals, biotech, semiconductor manufacturing or aerospace, following a strict donning protocol helps maintain cleanliness standards and regulatory compliance. It ensures garments function as intended: to protect both the product and the cleanroom environment from contamination.
Below, we outline a simple, yet effective, donning procedure for cleanroom garments, followed by some top tips for best practice. While procedures may vary slightly based on gowning room design, cleanroom classification, and gown type (sterile/non-sterile, single-use or reusable), the following is a general guideline for donning cleanroom garments in an ISO Class 7 or 8 environment:
1. Pre-entry preparation
- Remove all personal items such as watches, jewellery, and makeup. These can shed particles and increase contamination risk.
- Inspect hands and face for cuts or other conditions that might compromise barrier protection. Use barrier plasters where needed.
- Perform a pre-entry hand wash using non-shedding, cleanroom-compatible hand soap and dry with a low-lint towel or air dryer.
2. Enter the gowning Area
- Step into the primary gowning room (unclean side).
- Don bouffant cap or hood ensuring all hair (including facial hair) is completely covered.
- Put on a face mask covering nose and mouth, avoiding direct contact with the interior surface.
- Don cleanroom gloves or inner gloves, if double-gloving is required. Ensure gloves are tucked under the sleeve later.
3. Garment donning
- Put on the coverall or gown carefully:
- Step into legs one at a time without touching the floor.
- Pull the suit up to the torso, insert arms, and zip or fasten securely.
- Ensure the hood overlaps the suit neckline if using separate components.
- Put on cleanroom boots or shoe covers, making sure they go over the coverall legs and are secured with snaps, ties or elastic bands.
- Don outer gloves (if double-gloving), ensuring they fit over the suit cuffs to maintain a continuous barrier.
4. Final checks
- Inspect your appearance in a mirror, if available, to ensure:
- No skin or hair is exposed.
- Garment is zipped or fastened correctly.
- Gloves and boots are correctly secured.
- Proceed to the cleanroom only after full donning is complete, moving carefully to minimise air disturbance.
Top tips for cleanroom donning
Follow a consistent order
Always don garments in the same sequence, from top to bottom or vice versa. This helps prevent steps from being missed and reduces the risk of contamination.
Use designated zones and benches
Many cleanrooms have a bench separating clean and dirty sides. Use it correctly — sit and swing legs over without touching contaminated surfaces.
Avoid touching the outside
Only handle garments by the inside surfaces. The exterior should remain sterile or particle-free until inside the cleanroom.
Replace garments when needed
Single-use items must be disposed of appropriately after use. Reusable garments should be changed according to laundering cycles or if visibly soiled.
Stay informed and trained
Gowning procedures may evolve based on new protocols, so regular training and audits are essential. Encourage peer checking and feedback.
Maintain the cleanroom mindset
Donning is not just a task — it’s the gateway to protecting the cleanroom. Stay focused, minimise talking or movement during the process, and treat each step with care.
Effective cleanroom garment donning isn’t just about compliance — it’s about safeguarding the integrity of your critical processes. Consistency, attention to detail, and proper training go a long way in maintaining a contamination-free environment.
Whether you’re new to cleanroom protocols or need a refresher for your team, reviewing and reinforcing gowning best practices helps ensure everyone enters the cleanroom ready to meet the highest standards.
Need support choosing the right garments or setting up a gowning protocol? Contact us for tailored guidance and a full range of cleanroom clothing options — from cleanroom coveralls to accessories.
