# 10 Critical Tips for Proper Use of Sticky Mats in Clean Rooms
Maintaining a clean and controlled environment in clean rooms is paramount to the efficiency and safety of operations. One effective solution to control contamination is the use of sticky mats. Here, we’ll explore ten critical tips for the proper use of sticky mats to prevent dirt and contaminants from entering clean rooms.
## 1. Place the Mat in Front of the Clean Room Door
The first crucial step is the strategic placement of the sticky mat. Positioning the mat right outside the clean room door ensures that dirt and dust are captured before workers even step inside. This initial barrier is the first line of defense against contaminants.
## 2. Ensure the Mat is Wide Enough
For maximum effectiveness, the sticky mat should be wide enough to accommodate all traffic entering the clean room. This means ensuring that people, carts, and equipment have enough surface area to come into contact with the mat.
## 3. Have a Long Enough Mat
Length is just as important as width. The mat should be long enough for a person to step on it with both feet, ideally for two to three steps. This ensures that each foot makes sufficient contact to remove contaminants.
## 4. Reposition the Mat if Necessary
If the available mat is too small, it may be necessary to reposition it vertically. This ensures that both feet will step on the mat as individuals enter the clean room, maximizing its dirt-capturing potential.
## 5. Clean the Floor Before Installation
Before laying down the sticky mat, clean the floor with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and water. This prepares the surface, enhancing the adhesive effectiveness of the mat and ensuring it remains in place.
## 6. Install on Hard Flooring Only
Sticky mats are designed to be used on hard flooring surfaces. Installing them on carpet or other soft surfaces can compromise their effectiveness and stability.
## 7. Remove the Top Sheet Carefully
When it’s time to replace the top sheet of the sticky mat, do so carefully. Pull it up slowly to avoid dispersing trapped dirt and dust back into the air, which defeats the purpose of using the mat.
## 8. Best Places for Sticky Mats
Beyond the clean room entrance, consider other critical locations for sticky mats. Install them in staging areas, gowning areas, and hallways leading to the clean room. These additional placements further reduce the risk of contamination.
## 9. Use Enviromat® for Quality Mats
Opt for high-quality mats like Enviromat®, which are available in various colors and sizes. These mats are designed to meet the needs of different work environments, providing reliable performance.
## 10. Enjoy Less Cleanup and More Productivity
By effectively using sticky mats, you significantly reduce the need for extensive cleanup operations. This translates to less downtime and more productive work in a cleaner and safer environment.
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Implementing these ten tips ensures that sticky mats are used effectively to maintain cleanliness in clean rooms and other critical workspaces. By capturing contaminants before they enter controlled environments, sticky mats play an essential role in enhancing productivity and safety.
