Microfibre mops clean up in one step

Cleaning of controlled environments is critical for the functioning of a cleanroom. For this reason, it should be a job for specialists in much the same way that the operation of controlled environments is carried out by professionals. But experience shows that in many cases the cleaning operation does not get the same consideration as other operational aspects and, as a result, is often one of the least cost-efficient parts of an operation.

Several written standards and recommended cleaning practices elaborate in detail on cleaning requirements, and include monitoring procedures. But there are often deficiencies in cleaning practices. Crucially, the materials and products used in cleaning should not add to the contamination of the cleanrooms, but ensure the removal of particles and microbiological contaminants, as well as preventing the growth of bacteria after cleaning. But it is clear that many conventional cleaning materials and pieces of equipment are not suitable for purpose. In addition, cleaning costs – which often consist mainly of labour costs, because of the several steps involved in the cleaning process – can be a substantial part of the operating costs of a cleanroom. Finding, validating and introducing a suitable and efficient cleaning system for a cleanroom can also consume a lot of resource within the operating management. In many cases, the easiest cleaning solution is the use of disposable mops and wipes; and in an effort to improve the cleaning quality, cost-efficiency and ergonomics of mops, textiles service provider Micronclean Holland and cleaning material supplier Vileda Professional combined their expertise in the development of a suitable, re-usable cleaning system for cleanroom customers. The result – the MicronSwep system – was recently launched on the European market. The inventors want the system to be based on a one-step principle – dust mopping, cleaning and drying in one go – and to achieve this, a 100% polyester microfibre mop was developed. The mop can be decontaminated and sterilised using both radiation and autoclave methods over a large number of cycles. Special microfibres on the mop's surface ensure that particles are not only removed from the surfaces, but are also "captured" in the mop. At the same time, the friction of the mop is kept to the minimum for ergonomic reasons, while still ensuring good cleaning of the surface.

No need for buckets Before entering the cleanroom, the operator impregnates the required number of mops with the cleaning liquid necessary to clean a particular surface area (usually on the basis of up to 25m² per mop). This means that there is no need to take buckets with cleaning liquids or water into the cleanroom, or to rinse and wring mops during cleaning. The mops are then put on the frame ready to start cleaning the surface. Once finished with, the mop is simply put in a bag to be taken to the decontamination area afterwards, meaning that there is no risk of unwanted material cross-contamination. The lightweight structure and low-friction characteristics of the mops means they can be used on walls and ceilings, as well as floors. Tests carried out have confirmed that the ergonomic aspect of the system is one of the key advantages for operators. Using a one-step system reduces the amount of labour involved, as well as the volume of cleaning liquids required, and thus adds to the cost efficiency of the cleaning operation. Professional decontamination of the mops ensures that the cleaning operator receives mops ready for use, time after time, be it for aseptic or sterile applications. Validation tests carried out by customers and by an independent laboratory have confirmed both the cleaning efficiency of the mops and the decontamination efficiency of the washing process in terms of particles, expressed as colony forming units (CFU).

Traceability assured Individual marking of the mops with either barcode or microchip technology ensures traceability throughout the equipment's lifetime. And in this respect, the logistics are no different to those already in place for cleaning garments. Training of cleaning staff is essential in the efficient use of any cleaning system, no matter how "easy to use" it appears. A training programme has been developed to complete this system, making sure that all the benefits will be realised by the operators. Improved mop designs can mean more cost-efficient, high quality and ergonomic cleaning: certainly worth the effort when considering the long-term benefits.