Protoclean: Experts in Protocol Level Cleaning

Cleaning starts at the ceiling and continues cleaning down the walls to floor level and from the area farthest from the exit door, working out towards the least clean area, the entry/exit.

The number and frequency of supercleans will vary depending on the requirements of the project. Below is an example of a recommended superclean cleaning program and schedule. Protoclean’s expertise in the level of cleanliness required and the training and skill levels of its personnel are the key to success for cleaning at the different phases of protocol.

man cleaning the floor
A. Top-down Initial Clean Zones up to 100’ High:

Lifts and other means are used to clean the walls and support beams and any other installations within “safety guidelines” from the steel roof down to the floor level. A combination of vacuuming and wiping, with a 90% DI water and 10% IPA solution or a “Green” cleanroom detergent NovaCleanAFX or ProtoGreen Cleanroom Detergent. The acceptance criteria are: all accessible surfaces are visibly clean and dry-wipe test clean.

B. Air Handler Unit (AHU) Cleaning:

Lock-Out Tag-Out Procedures and clean entry bubbles are in place while cleaning the Make-Up Air Handler Units (MAU) and the Return Air Handlers Units (RAU) prior to start-up.

C. Intermediate Clean (after AHU cleaning and after start-up of MAUs)

Before beginning the intermediate cleaning procedure, the recirculation fan systems may operate for 24 hours continuously in order to flush the system with clean air.

  • 1 Clean support beams and any other installations within “safety guidelines” from the steel roof down to the floor level, ceiling modules and walls, door jambs, and windows.
  • 2 Using a portable HEPA vacuum system, systematically vacuum or dust with microfiber cloths/mops all surfaces in the cleanroom, starting at the top and working to the bottom.
  • 3 Using cleanroom wipes, wipe down the surfaces using a cleaning solution of filtered water and NovaCleanAFX, or PROTOGREEN, a “green” surfactant cleaning solution, or PROTOHOL 6 OR PROTOHOL 10 (IPA/DI WATER).
D. Raised Floor Final Clean
  • 1 Raised Access Flooring (RAF) – Using a HEPA/ULPA vacuum and/or microfiber cloths/mops, thoroughly clean up dust, dirt, and construction debris caused by floor installation, including vacuuming the suppressed slab area. Wipe clean using cleanroom wipes and NovaClean AFX or PROTOGREEN, a “green” surfactant cleaning solution, or PROTOHOL 6 OR PROTOHOL 10 (IPA/DI WATER).
  • 2 Using a portable HEPA vacuum system, systematically vacuum or dust with microfiber cloths/mops all surfaces in the cleanroom, starting at the top and working to the bottom.
  • 3 Using cleanroom wipes, wipe down the surfaces using a cleaning solution of filtered water and NovaCleanAFX, or PROTOGREEN, a “green” surfactant cleaning solution, or PROTOHOL 6 OR PROTOHOL 10 (IPA/DI WATER).
E. Filter Grid Clean (if required) - Prior to the installation of filters

At the completion of the ceiling grid installation, a grid clean is performed using microfiber wipes and a semiconductor-grade IPA; floors are cleaned after the ceiling grid is cleaned. Filters are installed, and after the installation of filters, the FINAL CLEAN shall commence.

  • 1 Clean the grids, T-bar ceiling structure, or filter channels with IPA and filtered water.
F. Protocol Level 4 Final Clean High Bay And Cleanroom Zones

(After HEPA/ULPA filters are installed.) Ceilings, lights, walls, and floors. Plastic or covering is removed from the floors and raised floors, and a detail clean under the raised floors is performed where installed and is added as a line item.

  • 1 Before beginning the final cleaning procedure, permit the filter systems to operate for 24 hours on continuous duty in order to flush the system with clean air.
  • 2 Prepare a solution of NovaCleanAFX or PROTOGREEN, a “green” surfactant cleaning solution, or PROTOHOL 6 OR PROTOHOL 10 (IPA/DI WATER).
  • 3 With cleanroom wipes, clean outside all lights, the edge of ceiling HEPA filter grids, and other ceiling appurtenances (avoid sprinkler heads).
  • 4 Using sponges on handles, clean all wall surfaces with an organized wash-down system. Wipe each section of the wall in three (3) passes in one direction. Rinse sponges in a cleaning solution.
  • 5 Discard cleaning solution, mops, and sponges.
  • 6 Vacuum under raised floors if present.
  • 7 Prepare a floor cleaning solution using deionized water and NovaClean AFX or PROTOGREEN, a “green” surfactant cleaning solution, or PROTOHOL 6 OR PROTOHOL 10 (IPA/DI WATER).
  • 8 Using a PROTOMOP mop, wet mop the floor in overlapping sections that do not exceed 2.5 square meters between rinses of the mop. Change the solution when visibly dirty.
  • 9 Secure the area so that no traffic occurs in the area for the drying period.

Cleaning starts at the ceiling and works down to floor level and from the area farthest from the exit door, working out towards the least clean area, the entry/exit.