Cleanroom performance starts with the people who enter it. Therefore, the first step to a reliable cleanroom, are proper gowning techniques.
Even the most advanced facility can only stay clean if operators follow consistent, disciplined gowning procedures. Every garment and every movement in the gowning area plays a role in keeping cleanrooms free of particles and microorganisms, so controlled, validated gowning is essential in the daily routine. These are some key habits that make the difference.
Changing footwear, removing personal items, and preparing before entering the gowning area reduces the introduction of external contaminants. This includes storing jewellery, watches and mobile phones, checking for visible soiling, and ensuring that undergarments and socks are compatible with the required cleanroom classification.
Thoroughly cleaning, rinsing, drying and sanitising hands and forearms is a non‑negotiable step. Structured handwashing protocols, combined with the right skin‑friendly disinfectants, help reduce microbial load while supporting operator comfort during repeated cycles throughout the shift.
Putting on PPE such as hoods, masks, coveralls, overshoes and gloves in the correct order and in the correct way, is critical to avoid recontamination of previously cleaned areas. Each step should be supported by clear visual instructions and, where possible, by a unidirectional workflow that separates “dirty” and “clean” zones.
Before entering the cleanroom, operators should disinfect their gloved hands and perform a check of their gown, closures, goggles and footwear. This includes confirming correct fit, closure of zippers and snaps, intact elastic, and the absence of visible damage, loose threads or particles.
Using a consistent technique and being consistent in the products used supports reproducibility and compliance with Annex 1 and internal SOPs. Standardised, qualified garments and consumables help ensure that every operator, on every shift, achieves the same level of protection and contamination control.
We see how the right masks, gloves and garments support operators every day in maintaining high standards, all depending on the different needs and requirements of their specific cleanroom environment and the steps in their processes. Qualitative, validated gear makes proper gowning easier, more reliable, and more comfortable, reducing human‑sourced contamination risk and supporting documentation.
If you want to strengthen your team's cleanroom behaviour, CWS Cleanrooms offers hands-on training days that bring these principles to life, and help your teams build confidence, ever step of the way into the cleanroom.
Our Xperts can help you select the right validated cleanroom consumables, such as masks, gloves, garments and goggles, to support compliant gowning and controlled entry into your cleanroom. Let's talk!