How to Choose the Right Wipes for Your Controlled Environment
Maintaining the pristine standards of a cleanroom environment requires tools as precise and reliable as your processes. One of the most essential — yet often overlooked — components of contamination control is the cleanroom wiper.
At YOUSUTO®, we understand the critical importance of using the right wiping solution. With over 10 years of experience in cleanroom products and packaging, we offer a wide range of ISO-compliant wipes designed to meet the stringent demands of industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, semiconductors, electronics, research, and medical device manufacturing.
If you work in electronics manufacturing, semiconductor production, or precision equipment maintenance, you already know how crucial cleanroom wipes are.
The right wipe can make all the difference in keeping your work environment dust-free and your equipment in top shape. But with so many options out there, how do you choose between microfiber cleanroom wipes and non-woven wipes?
Let’s break it down in simple terms, so you can make the best choice for your needs.
1. Types of Cleanroom Wipes
With laser-sealed edges and strict purification processes, it is ideal for use in cleanroom environments, optical glass cleaning, and precision electronics.
Choosing the Right Wiper
Here’s what you need to consider:
✅ Material Type
Polyester (Knitted) – Ideal for optics, electronics, and polishing stainless steel in ISO 3–4 environments. Extremely soft, durable, and solvent-compatible.
Microdenier (Microfiber) – Offers excellent absorbency and nano-level cleaning in ISO 3–8 environments. Best for delicate or precision-critical surfaces.
Polyester/Cellulose (Nonwoven) – Cost-effective with high absorbency. Great for general cleaning and spill control in ISO 5–7 settings.
Polypropylene – Perfect for solvent-heavy or acidic environments like microelectronics and food processing.
Nylon – Strong and absorbent. Suitable for sterilization and ISO 4–8 use.
Cotton – Durable and heat-resistant. Ideal for ISO 6–8 environments, especially for high-temp cleaning.
Foam (PU) – Excellent for applying solvents or cleaning padded surfaces in ISO 6–8 settings.
✅ Edge Treatment
Edge sealing is essential to reduce lint and particle release. Choose from:
Laser Sealed – Heat-fused for minimal residue.
Ultrasonic Sealed – Softer and thinner than laser sealing; preferred in low-carbon applications.
Pressure Heat Sealed – Cleanest, smoothest finish.
Knife-Cut – Economical, but less clean — best for ISO 6–8 areas.
✅ ISO Class Compatibility
Your cleanroom’s classification determines the wiper materials and treatments you can safely use. For example:
| Application | ISO Class | Recommended Material | Edge Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor | ISO 4 | Knitted Polyester | Sealed |
| Sterile Fill Zones | ISO 5 | Knitted Synthetic | Sealed |
| Pharmaceutical Prep | ISO 6 | Polyester/Cellulose | Knife-Cut |
| Medical Manufacturing | ISO 7 | Cotton/Foam/Blends | Knife-Cut |
2. Why Microfiber Cleanroom Wipes Are Superior
A. Super Absorbent
Microfiber wipes hold 7x more liquid than standard cotton wipes, making them perfect for cleaning up spills and capturing tiny particles.
B. Low Particle Shedding
Designed with a double-layer weave, these wipes don’t shed fibers, making them ideal for sensitive environments like LCD screens, optical lenses, and semiconductor chips.
C. Unmatched Cleaning Power
Microfibers have a special wedge-shaped structure that lifts and traps dust, grease, and fingerprints much better than regular cloth.
D. Perfect for Cleanrooms & Labs
Thanks to their chemical resistance and ultra-low particle generation, microfiber wipes are widely used in cleanrooms, laboratories, and medical fields where hygiene and precision are key.
3. Microfiber vs. Non-Woven Wipes: How to Tell the Difference
Using advanced microfiber structure and 70/30 IPA mixture, it can effectively remove 99.9% of particles (up to 0.1 microns) and is suitable for clean rooms and sterile environments.
Both microfiber and non-woven wipes are common in industrial cleaning, but they’re vastly different in performance. Here’s how you can spot the difference:
A. Light Test
Hold the wipe against a bright light source.
Non-Woven Wipe: You’ll notice uneven light passing through, indicating an inconsistent fiber structure.
Microfiber Wipe: Light passes evenly, showing a uniform, tightly woven structure.
B. Touch Test
Non-Woven Wipe: Feels stiff and can easily fray. When stretched, it may lose its shape.
Microfiber Wipe: Soft and flexible with high elasticity. It maintains its structure even after multiple uses.
C. Burn Test
Tear off a small piece and burn it carefully.
Non-Woven Wipe: Made from polypropylene, it burns with black smoke and leaves behind hard, melted residue.
Microfiber Wipe: Made from polyester or nylon, it burns with little smoke and leaves powdery ash.
D. Adhesion Test
Place the wipe on a fabric surface and shake it gently.
Non-Woven Wipe: Falls off easily due to low fiber density.
Microfiber Wipe: Sticks slightly because of its fine, dense fibers.
The right cleanroom wipes can make a huge difference in cleaning efficiency, surface protection, and long-term maintenance costs.
4. Which Cleanroom Wipe Should You Choose?
| Industry | Best Wipe Type | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor Manufacturing | Microfiber Wipes (Laser-Sealed) | Ultra-low particle shedding, prevents contamination |
| LCD Screens & Optical Lenses | Microfiber Wipes (Ultrasonic-Sealed) | High absorbency, scratch-free cleaning |
| Precision Instruments & Medical Equipment | Microfiber Wipes | No chemical residue, lint-free |
| General Electronics Cleaning | Non-Woven Wipes | Budget-friendly, suitable for light cleaning |
| Labs & Cleanrooms | Microfiber Wipes | High cleanliness level, meets industry standards |
5. What to Look for When Buying Cleanroom Wipes
If you want high-performance wipes, don’t just grab the first pack you see! Pay attention to these key factors:
Edge Sealing: Go for ultrasonic or laser-sealed wipes to prevent fiber shedding.
Absorbency: If you’re dealing with spills or delicate components, microfiber wipes are the way to go.
Anti-Static Properties: Some wipes are designed to prevent static buildup, which is crucial for handling sensitive electronics.
Packaging: High-quality cleanroom wipes come in double- or triple-layered clean packaging to maintain purity.
6. Final Thoughts
The YST1250L double-layer grid polyester wiper, with a weight of 250g/m² and a thickness of 1.1mm, offers excellent absorbency, durability, and strong particle-trapping capabilities.
Choosing the right cleanroom wipe depends on your industry and cleaning needs. If you’re in semiconductors, LCD manufacturing, or medical equipment maintenance, microfiber cleanroom wipes are your best bet for superior cleaning and contamination control. If you just need a budget-friendly wipe for general electronics cleaning, non-woven wipes will do the job.
No matter which type you choose, quality is key! Always buy from trusted brands or certified manufacturers to ensure your wipes meet industry standards and won’t leave behind unwanted particles.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand cleanroom wipes better! Now, go pick the perfect one for your needs. 🚀