Technical Tip

How to Routinely Remove Residue

Learn application techniques for routinely removing residue from floors, walls, windows, doors, and equipment.
January 1, 2021

Key Takeaways:

  • Routine rinsing is essential to prevent residue buildup in cleanrooms and should be integrated into cleaning programs using a risk-based approach that considers surface condition, safety and visual cleanliness.
  • Use the “pull and lift” technique with lint-free wipes or mops, applying cleaning and rinsing solutions from cleanest to dirtiest areas with 20% overlapping strokes for consistent coverage.
  • Rinsing frequency should be based on ISO classification, with solution changes recommended every 55 m² for ISO 5/6 and every 92 m² for ISO 7/8 environments.
  • A one-step cleaner/disinfectant should be used routinely, with sporicides applied based on environmental monitoring data and rinse agents used as needed to remove residues.
  • Visual inspection post-rinse is critical, ensuring surfaces are clean, dry and safe—free from slipperiness or stickiness that could compromise personnel safety or product integrity. 

Learn application techniques for routinely removing residue from your critical areas.

Suggested Content

Technical Tip

How to Remove Residue Buildup

Residue has many sources and stubborn residue buildup due to poor cleaning and rinsing practices or chemical incompatibility raises special challenges.
Article

Residue Removal in Cleanrooms: A Regulatory Overview

With various sources of residue generation within your cleanroom, an effective cleaning and disinfection program is crucial to prevent microbial and other cross-contamination.
Technical Tip

Sources of Residue

There are many potential sources of residue in aseptic areas, from people to processing equipment. In most situations, residue on floors and walls pose limited risk, hence visually clean is generally the recognized target for a residue management program.
1 of 3

You're leaving this site.

You are being redirected off of the STERIS Life Sciences website. If you wish to continue, click "Leave STERIS Life Sciences". Otherwise, click "Take Me Back".