Controlling IPA Wipe-Down Variability in Cleanroom Operations
The Technical Vault
By SOSCleanroom
ISO 14644-5 Operations
USP <797> / <800> Surface Cleaning Concepts
Operator Technique Control
Residue & Rework Reduction
Texwipe TX167 Non-Sterile 70% IPA — what this solution is intended to control
Texwipe TX167 is a pre-mixed 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) / 30% purified water solution
supplied in a controlled container for routine cleanroom wipe-down and surface cleaning.
It is commonly used to remove light organic residues, fingerprints, and particulate films
while supporting rapid evaporation and minimal moisture retention on compatible surfaces.
In controlled environments, the effectiveness of IPA is driven primarily by
how the chemistry is applied, not simply by alcohol concentration.
Over-wetting, inconsistent wipe patterns, reuse of solvent-loaded applicators,
and uncontrolled operator technique are the dominant contributors to streaking,
haze, and residue re-deposit. For this reason, TX167 should be managed as a
defined process input within a documented cleaning method rather than treated
as a general-purpose solvent.
ISO- and USP-aligned context for IPA wipe-downs
ISO 14644-5 identifies cleaning as a critical operational control that must be
standardized, trained, and documented to maintain cleanroom performance.
USP <797> and <800> similarly emphasize that surface cleanliness
and contamination control depend on technique, frequency, and procedural discipline,
not chemistry alone.
Within this framework, IPA solutions such as TX167 are most effective when
paired with compatible cleanroom wipers, localized swabs, and cleanroom-qualified
gloves that collectively support repeatable operator behavior and reduce
re-contamination risk during routine cleaning activities.
Technical data summary (reference — consult current TDS for controlled programs)
| Chemical composition |
70% IPA / 30% purified water |
| Filtration |
0.2 µm filtered (solution) |
| Sterility |
Non-sterile |
| Container size |
16 oz |
| Traceability |
Lot coded with expiration date |
| Intended environment |
Non-sterile cleanroom operations (select sterile IPA where required) |
Best-practice IPA wipe-down method
Best practice for IPA wipe-down begins with controlling how the solvent is introduced to the surface.
IPA should typically be dispensed onto the wiper or swab rather than sprayed directly onto the surface
to prevent uncontrolled pooling and migration into seams, interfaces, or equipment features.
Operators should target a thin, damp film—sufficient to mobilize surface contamination without dripping
or flooding the area being cleaned.
Wiping should be performed using straight, overlapping strokes in a single direction.
Circular scrubbing and backtracking increase the likelihood of redistributing dissolved residues.
Wipers should be folded in a consistent pattern and rotated to a clean contact face after each pass.
Once a wiper or swab becomes visibly loaded, tacky, or begins to leave streaks, it should be discarded
immediately and replaced with a fresh applicator.
Where residue sensitivity is high, a two-step approach is often used: an initial damp wipe to mobilize
contamination followed by a second wipe to remove dissolved soils before they dry into a film.
These steps should be defined in the site SOP, trained consistently, and audited periodically
to prevent method drift between operators or shifts.
Typical cleanroom cleaning failures & how to avoid them (ISO & USP perspective)
- Over-wetting surfaces: Causes solvent pooling and residue re-deposit. Prevention includes damp-film control and dispensing IPA to the applicator rather than the surface (ISO 14644-5; USP <797>).
- Reusing solvent-loaded wipes: Smears contamination instead of removing it. Prevention includes defined face-rotation and change-out rules (ISO 14644-5).
- Using non-cleanroom gloves: Introduces particles and ionic residue during wipe-down. Prevention includes cleanroom-qualified gloves (ISO 14644-5 personnel controls).
- Flooding seams and interfaces: Traps solvent and dries contamination into features. Prevention includes localized application with swabs (ISO 14644-5 equipment cleanability).
- Using non-sterile IPA in sterile workflows: Creates regulatory non-conformance. Prevention includes matching chemistry sterility to the process (USP <797> / <800>).
Suggested companion products and technical rationale
SOSCleanroom suggests the following companion products based on their published specifications,
cleanroom compatibility, and ability to support consistent wipe-down technique when used with IPA.
These recommendations are intended to reduce operator-driven variability and common contamination failures.
- Texwipe TX1009 AlphaWipe®: Continuous-filament 100% polyester construction supports low linting, predictable IPA absorbency, and consistent folding for clean-face rotation.
- Texwipe TX761 Alpha® Long-Handle Swab: Polyester knit head with thermal bond construction enables localized cleaning of seams and interfaces without adhesive contamination or glove intrusion.
- Ansell 93-311 Nitrilite® Cleanroom Nitrile Gloves: Cleanroom-qualified nitrile gloves help prevent particle and ionic transfer from the operator during wipe-down activities.
Disclaimer
This Technical Vault content is provided for general operational guidance and procurement planning only.
It does not replace facility SOPs, validation protocols, quality risk assessments, or manufacturer documentation.
Always follow applicable ISO standards, USP chapters, SDS instructions, and site-specific procedures.
Questions? Email Sales@SOSsupply.com or call (214) 340-8574.
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