Approved cleaners (quick table)

Surface / partSafe choicesNotes
304/316L stainless chamberIPA (70–99%), EtOH, mild neutral detergentWipe dry; avoid chlorides on 304.
Painted/coated aluminumIPA ≤70%, mild detergentAvoid strong ketones/aromatics.
Acrylic (PMMA) windowIPA ≤70%, acrylic-safe cleaner, water + mild detergentNo ammonia, no acetone/MEK, no abrasive pads.
Polycarbonate (PC) windowPC-safe cleaner, IPA ≤50%Hard-coat helps; still avoid strong solvents.
Laminated glassIPA/EtOH, glass cleaner (ammonia-free preferred)Use microfiber; no powders.
Glove ports / O-rings (Viton/EPDM)IPA/EtOH, OEM-approved silicone-free lubeWipe residue; don’t flood grooves.

Rule: when in doubt, test on a hidden corner first.


Red list (don’t use inside the box)

  • Acetone, MEK, toluene, xylene on acrylic/PC/painted Al — crazing, haze, peeling.
  • Ammonia on acrylic — stress cracking.
  • Abrasives (powder cleansers, green pads) — scratches that trap residue.
  • Silicone sprays near bonding/painting processes — contamination headaches for months.

15-minute cleaning routine (per shift)

  1. Cover solvents → lids on bottles and waste cans.
  2. Dry wipe → microfiber pass over work zone; collect debris.
  3. Targeted clean → dampen wipe (don’t soak); IPA/EtOH on steel, window-safe cleaner on windows.
  4. Ports & seals → inspect door O-rings and glove beads; remove lint; tiny film of OEM lube if spec’d.
  5. Sensor intake → keep 10–15 cm zone free of wipes/beakers.
  6. Log → note cleaner used and any damage (scratch, chip, swollen seal).

Monthly deep clean (60–90 minutes)

  • Windows: use plastic-safe cleaner (acrylic/PC) or glass cleaner (glass). Finish with anti-static wipe to cut dust attraction.
  • Shelves & rails: remove, clean both sides; check for paint chips.
  • Gloves & rings: uninstall if needed; wash outer surface with mild detergent → rinse → dry fully.
  • Antechamber doors: clean seats and O-ring grooves; replace nicked O-rings.
  • Post-clean purge: brief circulation with lids closed; confirm dew point/O₂ return to baseline.

Stains, haze, and scratches (what actually works)

  • Fingerprints/haze on acrylic/PC: plastic-safe polish; light pressure; microfiber only.
  • Fine scratches on acrylic: plastic scratch-remover kit (multi-stage polish).
  • Deep scratches or solvent whitening: stop—replace the panel; polishing can distort optics and weaken the sheet.
  • Steel tea-stains (304): passivation wipe or approved stainless cleaner; rinse and dry.

Cross-contamination control

  • Dedicate color-coded wipes per area (window vs bench vs ports).
  • Keep silicone-containing products out unless your process requires them.
  • Store cleaners in small squeeze bottles with check valves; no spray fog in the box.
  • If dew point rises after cleaning, you used too much liquid—reduce volume.