Many large aerospace companies provide immense volumes covering specific cleaning requirements. Production groups physically located within the company, captive shops, and independent job shops are often expected to use only those cleaning agents and processes specifically listed.

One simple, productive step to streamlining is to eliminate specification of cleaning agents that are consumer or household products. They are generally not supported by their producers for manufacturing activities. They may contain lotions and fragrances that contribute to thin-film contamination. The soil-loading properties may be so extensive that soil is re-deposited onto the part; and the formulation is subject to change without notice.

This cleanroom tip was taken from “A New Flight Plan for Aerospace Cleaning,” which appeared in the February 2013 issue of Controlled Environments.