The main function of cleanroom clothing is to prevent contamination by providing particulate control. Some garments can also protect workers from hazardous substances. In many industries such as biotechnology, semiconductors and pharmaceutical, clean rooms must meet strict cleanliness class standard. Clean room apparel used in these environments is available for different applications like sterile, process-only, bioclean and protective. For instance, personnel working in medical or pharmaceutical cleanrooms can use protective clean room clothing.

Cleanroom apparel manufacturers produce these garments in either a disposable or a reusable version. Reusable garments are available in polyester, herringbone and other materials. A point to keep in mind before searching for a cleanroom clothing provider is that the determination of the correct garment to use in a given environment is dependent on the cleanroom type and applicable industry standards and specifications. Whether looking for reusable or disposable cleanroom clothing, there are some options you should review that include:

1. Choose between disposable and reusable cleanroom apparel depending on the application.

2. Find cleanroom clothing manufacturers that offer a good inventory of products for diverse industries.

3. Search for cleanroom services that provide laundering, or renting of reusable clean room clothing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy the right type of clean room apparel

Disposable garments are appropriate for certain application like biohazardous, pharmaceutical and some food processing operations. Disposable may be necessary for some applications but costly while the life of a reusable garment can be roughly five years if laundered properly. You need to know the specifications that are applicable for an intended use to make a wise choice that in the end will also be cost-effective. Find a provider that carries both types of these products and provides cleanroom clothing information so you can make the right selection of items.

I recommend: Valutek is a source for disposable cleanroom apparel and accessories. You can also get great information on products and ISO Class specifications of cleanrooms. Innotech Products is a supplier with a good selection of disposable and reusable garments and provides information for the proper selection of garment for various applications. Check out the cleanroom clothing list of products for each category.

Select products from a cleanroom clothing provider that carries apparel for your specific industry

Different types of clean room garments are worn in different cleanroom environments. Some manufacturers make apparel for sterile clean room environments (used for medical devices) while others may produce items that are suitable for industrial labs and pharmaceutical use. Choose a distributor that can meet your specific industry need.

I recommend: PAC is a good source for disposable and launderable cleanroom apparel where you can pick products based on different fabrics suitable for diverse cleanroom environments. Industrial Packaging and High-Tech Conversions offer garments for many industries and cleanroom environments.

Get cleanroom services for reusable cleanroom apparel

There are many cleanroom services available for reusable garments that include laundering, and renting. Some companies also offer assessment, testing and quality assurance services as well. If you need to have your cleanroom garments cleaned or find that renting garments is a better option than buying them, you should consider contracting a full-service company.

I recommend: At Aramark Cleanroom Services, you can rent reusable garments that include coveralls and frocks. Laundering and quality assurance testing and many other services are also available; good cleanroom clothing information is also provided. Uniclean offers garment services for non-sterile and sterile, bio safety facilities and rental and laundering programs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Disposable cleanroom apparel is available in materials that include polypropylene. When selecting these garments, they should allow for good movements of arms and legs to prevent rips or tears that can expose the skin and cause particle contamination.