Category Overview

Cleanroom Solutions for Cleaning, Disinfection, and Residue Control

Controlled chemistries for regulated and contamination-sensitive environments, including solvent wipe-downs, rinsing, microbial control, and validated cleaning workflows.

Cleanroom solutions are purpose-controlled liquids used to remove contamination (particles, films, oils, residues) and/or reduce microbial burden on cleanroom surfaces, tools, and equipment. Correct selection depends on the chemistry, concentration, purity and residue profile, sterility requirements, packaging and dispensing method, and the materials being cleaned.

Best suited for: ISO 4–8 environments in pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing, sterile compounding, medical device assembly, semiconductor and microelectronics, aerospace, optics, and laboratory settings. Rule of thumb: Yield- or residue-sensitive processes prioritize high-purity, low-residue solutions and controlled application. Aseptic or regulated microbial-control areas prioritize validated disinfectant programs and sterile formats where required.

Validated Chemistries Residue Control (NVR/Ions) Ready-to-Use & Concentrates Sterile Options

Common cleanroom solution applications:

• Routine surface cleaning and wipe-downs (benches, carts, pass-throughs, equipment exteriors)
• Solvent cleaning for light oils, handling residue, and film removal
• Rinsing or final wipe steps to reduce ionic contamination and residual films
• Disinfection and microbial control as part of defined SOP programs
• Controlled solvent delivery to reduce operator variability across shifts

Note on DI water: DI water is commonly used for rinsing and residue control; it is not a disinfectant and does not replace validated microbial-control chemistries where required.

Selection Guide

How to choose the right cleanroom solution

Select solutions based on (1) contamination type, (2) substrate compatibility, (3) residue tolerance, (4) microbial-control requirements, (5) packaging and transfer controls, and (6) documentation expectations. For fundamentals, see our cleanroom basics and selection guidance.

Why solution selection affects cleanroom performance

Cleanroom solutions influence both what is removed from a surface and what may be left behind. The wrong chemistry can leave films after evaporation (non-volatile residue), cause streaking, degrade plastics or elastomers, interfere with bonding/coating processes, or create compliance gaps if concentrations, contact times, and lot records are not controlled.

• Using non-cleanroom-grade solvents in controlled areas
• Ignoring residue tolerance for sensitive assemblies and inspections
• Mixing incompatible chemistries without defined rinse steps
• Over- or under-diluting concentrates outside validated ranges
• Using expired solutions or unclear labeling in regulated environments

Chemistry types explained (what each is used for)

Different solutions are designed for different outcomes: cleaning, rinsing/residue control, or microbial reduction. Select chemistry based on soil type (oils, films, particles, or bioburden), the substrate, and the next process step.

Sterile vs cleanroom-packaged solutions (what to specify)

In aseptic and regulated workflows, the key question is not only “which chemistry,” but “what level of control is required for transfer and documentation.”

Residue control (NVR, ions, and streaking)

In semiconductor, optics, and precision assembly, the limiting factor is often “what remains after evaporation.” Purity, container compatibility, and application method influence non-volatile residue (NVR), ionic contamination, and visible streaking.

Packaging & dispensing formats (repeatability and contamination control)

The same chemistry can behave very differently depending on how it is packaged and applied. Packaging and dispensing methods affect contamination risk, application volume control, and repeatability across operators and shifts.

Disinfectants and sporicides (program structure and sterility)

Disinfection is most effective when used as part of a documented program. Programs typically define contact times, application methods, rotation strategies, and documentation requirements for audits and investigations.

Residue note: some disinfectants and sporicides may leave residues; follow your SOP for any required follow-on steps and documentation.

Important: “Cleanroom packaged” is not the same as “sterile.” If sterility is required, select products explicitly labeled sterile with supporting documentation aligned to your quality system.

Quick match: align the solution to the task

Task	Recommended direction	Why it fits
Routine wipe-downs	70% IPA or ethanol (per SOP)	Effective cleaning with predictable evaporation behavior
Residue-sensitive rinse / final wipe	DI water and/or high-purity, low-residue solvents	Helps minimize films and ionic contamination when applied and dried correctly
Disinfection & microbial control	Validated disinfectant and/or sporicide (sterile if required)	Supports defined programs and compliance expectations
Consistency across shifts	Ready-to-use solutions and pre-saturated formats	Reduces dilution and application variability across operators

Best-practice solution handling (SOP fundamentals)

Need help selecting?

Talk to a cleanroom specialist

Email Sales@SOSsupply.com or call (214) 340-8574 for assistance selecting the right cleanroom solution for your process.

SOSCleanroom Disclaimer

This selection guidance is provided for general informational purposes to support cleanroom purchasing decisions and SOP discussions. Solution performance depends on environmental classification, surface composition, soil type, chemistry concentration, packaging integrity, storage conditions, and application technique. Customers are responsible for verifying suitability, compatibility, and compliance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements (including validation where applicable). Do not mix chemistries unless defined by an approved SOP. Specifications and formulations may change without notice; always refer to current manufacturer documentation and your approved change-control process.