Cleanroom consumables and products are major expenditures for cleanroom managers. Figuring out how to optimise those costs without compromising on cleanliness standards is always an ongoing challenge. However, there are ways to find cost-efficiencies, and a reputable supplier can be a big support in getting the most out of your cleanroom budget.
With the spend on cleanroom operation costs rising steadily each year, cleanroom managers are under pressure to optimise their spend on cleanroom maintenance and cleaning. Cleaning supplies can take a big chunk out of any cleanroom budget, but with a little planning and forethought, managers can maximise the return on their investment for cleaning operations. Let’s look at some specific steps they can take to help their cleanroom budget go a little further.
Look at costs holistically
When comparing cleanroom products, it is always advisable to look beyond the immediate price. A lower-cost detergent or gloves may seem like a good deal, but they may also increase the risk of contamination or reduce the effectiveness of the other cleanroom products being used in the space.
Even similar products can vary greatly in their concentration of active ingredients, quality and shelf-life. The primary goal of any purchase should be to get the exact product needed by the cleanroom; costs should be secondary. It is always advisable to look at any cost-saving opportunities through a long-term lens to make sure they don’t compromise the production process or yields of the work being done in the cleanroom.
Make sure products are not over-specced
It’s surprisingly common for buyers to simply buy the maximum-strength cleaning solution or most-highly specced gowns and gloves, even if their cleanroom classification doesn’t demand it. It may be more convenient to just order top-of-the-line products, but it is usually more cost-effective to carry out in-depth product reviews first and aim for the minimum product specs needed for specific items in your cleanroom. If your cleanroom has a busy schedule or high-volume output, the cost savings can be considerable.
Regularly researching and reviewing new products is also good practice, as advances in product development means there might be new packaging formats or solutions available that are better suited to your use at a lower cost. A good supplier will regularly share news of new products with you and explain how they might be a better (or cheaper) choice for your cleanroom than the ones you currently use.
Educate cleanroom workers on the best practices
Educating cleanroom users on how to use goods, equipment and apparel can reduce wear and tear and cut down greatly on wastage. Best practices also include training on how to reduce double-handling, which not only means that less cleaning products are needed, but also saves time in sterilising and re-sterilising tools and products.
The most common causes of damaged apparel are snags, improper use and poor de-gowning habits. Proper use and maintenance of cleanroom apparel, along with good gowning and de-gowning practices, can dramatically reduce wear and tear and prolong their lifespan.
Make sure cleaning schedules are closely followed. Surfaces cleaned more often are easier to keep clean and need less cleaning products and time to maintain. This also reduces the need for deeper and more expensive cleans. Training workers on the best way to clean and maintain their work area, and how often, can not only reduce the amount of cleaning supplies needed but will also ensure their space is always up to cleanliness standards.
Consider reusables where practical
There are now many options for reusable microfibre cloths and wipes available in the market, with more appearing every day. These are designed to be sterilised and reused, which can be a more eco and cost friendly solution than disposables.
While switching to reusable goods can be a great way to cut down costs, it’s a decision that requires careful consideration. Some cleanrooms may find the cost of procuring, managing and laundering reusables troublesome, especially compared to the convenience offered by disposables. Cleanroom managers must also make sure any reusable products will continue to perform as specified over the period of re-laundering.
For most cleanrooms, it is best practice to employ single-use disposable wipes and mops. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and ensures that any dust is physically removed from the cleanroom environment at the end of a session. To evaluate if reusable products are right for you, it is good practice to project the performance and quality over time to estimate their lifecycle and the related costs involved. Many cleanrooms opt for a mixed approach, using disposables for specific areas or tasks and reusables for others.
Bulk-buy from a single supplier
Consolidating cleanroom purchases through a single supplier is another way to optimise costs. Building a long-term relationship with a supplier streamlines the buying process, increases buying power, reduces the time and effort needed to review individual products, and gives the buyer insights into new products and solutions they might not have considered.
If a cleanroom needs high volumes of a specific product that also has a long shelf-life, it may make economic sense to frontload the costs and buy in bulk. A lot depends on the relationship between the cleanroom organisation and the supplier, but a strong relationship built on trust can be a huge help in making cleanroom operations run smoothly and efficiently while staying on-budget.
Get in touch with Thermo Fisher Scientific to discuss how our range of cleanroom products can optimise your cleanroom operations and help ensure your cleanroom environment always stays safe, protected and pristine.