[labnetwork] Cleanroom Wipes

[Justin C Wirth]

Hi Michael,

I will say that I have also noticed an increase in particles coming off of the Technicloth Tx1109 55% cellulose/45% polyester wipes (supposed to be lower particle than the Tx609 but I haven't directly compared them) in the last few years, although until you mentioned it I kind of just thought I was crazy. We don’t keep a huge inventory of them so this wasn't from “old” stock for us, I had assumed either I was just noticing it more or that it was a quality switch near COVID. But it's to the point that often my phone screen has more particles after I wipe it than before. I use one wipe wetted with 10% IPA/90% water first, and then follow that with a dry wipe, and that seems to do an okay-ish job (though still not as good as one would hope for).

We also have the Tx2069 wipes (100% polyester, sealed edge) and those do an extremely good job of being low particle. They're more expensive but I use those whenever I really care about something being clean. And if I'm doing e.g. wet chemistry and want to set down a sample I really care about to blow it dry, I might have a Tx2069 on top of 2-3 of the Tx1109s to catch the excess liquid.

Appreciate you bringing this up! Would be curious if this is something others notice as well, or if there is a complicating factor leading to this behavior.

Thanks,
Justin

Justin C. Wirth, PhD
Senior Research Engineer – EBL Processes & Nanofab Process Consultation
Birck Nanotechnology Center | Room 2287A
765.494.8203 | jcwirth at purdue.edu<mailto:jcwirth at purdue.edu>



From: labnetwork <labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu> On Behalf Of Martin, Michael
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2025 2:03 PM
To: Labnetwork (labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu) <labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu>
Subject: [labnetwork] Cleanroom Wipes



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Hi everyone,

   Our stock of cleanroom wipes is finally coming to an end.  At some point we bought many cases of these and so we have not had to buy them for years.  We are using TechniCloth nonwoven wipers, 9"x9" 55% cellulose and 45% polyester part number TX609.  We have noticed in the last year or so that these seem to be leaving noticeable particulates which is particulary evident as we wipe off laptops and cell phones coming into the lab.

   So, what recommendations would you have for these?  Do you use different grades/types for litho, the cleanroom proper and the gowning room? Where do you purchase these?

    I see no expiration date on our wipes but do they expire?  Have you noticed old new stock that performs worse than brand new?



Thanks so much​,

   Michael Martin

   U. Of Louisville
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