Cleanroom wipers, also known as lint-free wipes, are specialized cleaning cloths designed for use in controlled environments where contamination control is critical. These environments include semiconductor manufacturing, biotechnology labs, pharmaceutical production, aerospace facilities, and more.
Cleanroom wipes are engineered to minimize particle generation, static buildup, and chemical reactivity, making them essential tools for cleanroom maintenance and equipment cleaning.
Common Cleanroom Wiper Materials and Their Applications
Cleanroom wipers are available in several materials, each suited for specific levels of cleanliness and applications. Below are the most widely used types:
1. Polyester Wipers
Material: 100% knitted polyester
Cleanroom Class: ISO Class 4–6
Applications:
-
Semiconductor and microelectronics
-
Medical device manufacturing
-
LCD/OLED screen assembly
Features: -
Extremely low lint
-
Excellent chemical resistance
-
Smooth, non-abrasive surface
2. Polyester-Cellulose Blended Wipers
Material: Blend of polyester and wood pulp (cellulose)
Cleanroom Class: ISO Class 6–8
Applications:
-
General cleanroom maintenance
-
Pharmaceutical production
-
Cleanroom spill control
Features: -
Good absorbency
-
Cost-effective
-
Not suitable for particle-critical tasks
3. Microfiber Wipers (Superfine Fiber)
Material: Ultra-fine split fibers (polyester/nylon blend)
Cleanroom Class: ISO Class 4–5
Applications:
-
Optical lenses and camera modules
-
Precision instruments
-
Final cleaning of surfaces
Features: -
Exceptional particle entrapment
-
Very soft and non-scratching
-
High absorbency with IPA and solvents
4. Foam or Polyurethane Wipers
Material: Open-cell polyurethane foam
Cleanroom Class: ISO Class 5–7
Applications:
-
Chemical spill cleanup
-
Wiping irregular surfaces
-
Sensitive component assembly
Features: -
High liquid retention
-
Soft and compressible
-
May not be compatible with all solvents
5. Pre-Saturated Cleanroom Wipes
Material: Usually polyester or blend, pre-soaked with IPA (e.g. 70% IPA / 30% DI water)
Cleanroom Class: ISO Class 5–8
Applications:
-
Rapid disinfection of surfaces
-
Controlled solvent application
-
Portable cleaning needs
Features: -
Saves time and labor
-
Consistent solvent saturation
-
Reduces solvent waste
Key Advantages and Features of Cleanroom Wipers
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Low Linting | Designed to release minimal particles during use |
| Non-Abrasive | Safe on delicate surfaces like lenses and wafers |
| Chemical Compatibility | Resistant to common solvents like IPA, acetone, and DI water |
| High Absorbency | Quickly absorbs liquids, oils, and residues |
| Laser-Sealed or Ultrasonic Edges | Prevents fiber shedding from cut edges |
| Anti-Static Options Available | Suitable for ESD-sensitive environments |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cleanroom wiper depends on your cleanroom classification, cleaning task, and material compatibility. Whether you need low-lint microfiber wipes for delicate instruments or cost-effective cellulose blends for routine cleaning, cleanroom wipes play a vital role in maintaining contamination control.