Sanihol 8601 is a non-sterile 70% denatured ethanol solution supplied in one-gallon bottles (four per case) for routine cleanroom wipe-down and surface cleaning. It is commonly selected as an alternative to IPA when a program needs different solvency behavior for certain residues, inks, films, or process soils, or when ethanol is preferred by a site’s validated method or materials compatibility profile.

The most important operational principle is that alcohol performance is dominated by method control, not the label concentration alone. Over-wetting, backtracking, inconsistent fold/rotation discipline, and reuse of solvent-loaded applicators are the primary drivers of streaking, haze, and re-deposit—regardless of whether the alcohol is ethanol or IPA. Sanihol 8601 performs best when treated as a controlled input to a defined, trained, and documented wipe-down method.

ISO 14644-5 emphasizes that cleaning agents and methods must be appropriate for the cleanroom process risks, materials, and equipment geometry. Solvent choice is therefore a controlled variable: different alcohols can behave differently on certain residues and surfaces, and switching chemistry should be managed as a change in method for validated or defect-sensitive operations.

USP <797> and <800> reinforce the broader principle that cleaning and disinfection outcomes depend on disciplined technique, defined frequency, and documentation. While Sanihol 8601 is non-sterile and intended for non-sterile cleanroom operations, the same method-discipline expectations apply where repeatability matters.

Best practice for 70% denatured ethanol begins with treating solvent selection as a controlled variable. If your site is switching from IPA to ethanol for a specific residue or surface, define the method change in the SOP and confirm materials compatibility for sensitive polymers, coatings, inks, and adhesives. For gallon packaging, the refill step is a primary contamination and traceability risk; refill should be treated as a controlled operation using approved containers, compliant labeling, and minimal open-container exposure time.

Application should typically be performed by dispensing solvent onto the wiper or swab rather than spraying directly onto the surface. This supports a damp-film condition and reduces pooling, which is a common root cause of streaking and residue re-deposit. Wiping should be executed using straight, overlapping strokes in one direction, with consistent fold and clean-face rotation discipline. Applicators should be changed as soon as they become loaded, tacky, or begin leaving visible artifacts.

For residue-sensitive work, a two-step method is often used: a first damp pass to mobilize the soil followed by a second clean pass to remove dissolved material before it dries. These controls should be trained and audited to prevent method drift between operators and shifts.

• Switching solvents without change control: Creates inconsistent outcomes and potential compatibility issues. Prevention includes method documentation and controlled change management (ISO 14644-5; validated program practices).
• Uncontrolled refilling of secondary dispensers: Introduces contamination and breaks traceability. Prevention includes approved containers, labeling, and lot/expiration capture where required (ISO 14644-5).
• Over-wetting surfaces: Causes pooling and residue re-deposit. Prevention includes damp-film control and dispensing to the applicator (ISO 14644-5; USP <797>).
• Backtracking over cleaned areas: Re-deposits dissolved contamination. Prevention includes one-direction wiping and defined stroke patterns (ISO 14644-5).
• Reusing solvent-loaded wipes: Smears contamination instead of removing it. Prevention includes face-rotation rules and early change-out triggers (ISO 14644-5).
• Using non-cleanroom gloves: Introduces particles/residues during wipe-down. Prevention includes cleanroom-qualified gloves and glove-change discipline (ISO 14644-5 personnel controls).
• Using non-sterile alcohol in sterile workflows: Creates regulatory non-conformance. Prevention includes selecting sterile chemistry where required (USP <797> / <800>).

SOSCleanroom suggests the following companion products based on cleanroom compatibility, published performance characteristics, and their ability to support consistent solvent wipe-down technique. The intent is to reduce operator-driven variability and prevent common failures such as streaking, re-deposit, and localized contamination migration.

• Texwipe TX1009 AlphaWipe® (polyester cleanroom wiper): Continuous-filament polyester construction supports low lint contribution and predictable absorbency, enabling damp-film technique and consistent fold/rotation practices. A 9" x 9" format supports standardized wipe patterns in SOPs.
• Texwipe TX761 Alpha® Long-Handle Swab (polyester knit): Used for localized cleaning in seams, grooves, and interfaces where wipe access is limited. Thermal bond construction (no adhesive) reduces contamination variables in solvent-heavy work and the long handle reduces glove intrusion near critical surfaces.
• Ansell 93-311 Nitrilite® Cleanroom Nitrile Gloves (ISO 5): Gloves are often the dominant contamination vector during wipe-down operations. Cleanroom-qualified gloves reduce operator-introduced particles and residues and help preserve the contamination-control intent of cleanroom wipers and swabs.
• Why gallon format supports control: Large-volume packaging is commonly used to support controlled replenishment into approved point-of-use dispensers, standardizing wetness targets and reducing uncontrolled spraying. Treat refill as a controlled operation with labeling and traceability rules.

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. Sanihol 8601 is non-sterile; if sterility is required, select chemistry packaged and documented for sterile workflows and follow facility transfer procedures. Denatured ethanol formulations may contain additives; consult manufacturer documentation for suitability in residue-sensitive or validated programs.