Is Your Data Center Properly Cleaned?

Data center cleanliness is not about presenting the space in an attractive light — it’s an operational necessity. Even trace amounts of dust and contaminants can compromise airflow, leading to premature equipment failure. Growing demand for data centers has led to facilities consuming 4.4% of the United States’ electricity. With this number expected to double or triple by 2028, data centers must perform at their best.

Data center facilities need thorough, regulation-compliant cleanings to protect their operations. Simply scheduling routine cleanings is not enough. Operations must invest in measurable and thorough data center deep cleaning. If your data center only sees occasional deep cleans, it is likely not clean enough to meet industry standards.

The Risks of Commonly Missed Contaminants

Simple wipedowns only clear visible debris from data centers. Small particulates are hidden from the untrained eye, causing buildup and minuscule debris that impacts uptime and inhibits productivity. Without understanding what to look for, you expose your facility to serious concerns.

1. Downtime and System Failures

Data center reliability hinges on strict environmental controls. Airborne particulates — dust, zinc whiskers and fibers — can bypass filtration systems and settle on components. These contaminants will obstruct cooling pathways and create heat pockets that degrade performance. Over time, increased thermal load accelerates failure rates.

2. Shortened Equipment Life

Data centers should be equipped with advanced cooling technology for maximum heat control. However, dust accumulation can impair heat dissipation despite these tools. Particulate buildup on fans, heat sinks and power distribution units (PDUs) reduces thermal efficiency. As efficiency drops, your equipment takes on more wear. This strain wears out components faster, reducing hardware life span and increasing replacement expenses.

3. Fire Hazards

Poor cleaning exposes your facility to safety hazards. Debris brings the risk of electrical issues. When equipment is blocked, the buildup can spark, creating fire hazards and risking facility safety. Static-laden debris may trigger electrostatic discharge events, potentially damaging equipment irreversibly. Electrical fires can spread quickly. Equipment loss means heavy financial expenses for your facility and invaluable data loss for your clients.

Meeting Data Center Cleaning Standards

Data centers draw in significant amounts of power to maintain server operation. Fans and cooling systems protect facilities from overheating, but contaminants can clog this equipment. Static debris may turn into sparks and fires. Even microscopic pollutants as small as 0.3 microns can obstruct airflow. These particles limit cooling efficiency and corrode sensitive equipment.

Data centers must follow data cleaning standards to protect their operation. Understanding these factors can help you meet industry standards:

• Compliance requirements: Data centers must meet strict environmental standards. Regulations include ISO 14644-1 and ASHRAE TC9.9, which set particulate limits for IT environments. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) often require specific environmental conditions for their products. Facilities that fall short may void their warranties, leaving your facility responsible for expensive repairs.
• Contaminant validation: Data center cleaning should have measurable results. Industry best practices involve pre- and post-cleaning particulate measurements to confirm compliance. Assessments use laser particle counters to prove airborne contaminant reduction.
• Routine adherence: One deep cleaning is not enough. Data centers must keep a routine cleaning schedule to remain compliant. Facilities may need quarterly, semiannual or annual cleanings based on their equipment. Ongoing cleanings combat the constant threat of contaminants.

What Data Center Cleaning Services Can Offer

Hiring a professional data center cleaning service ensures your facility remains compliant with industry standards while protecting your IT infrastructure. A proper cleaning program must be methodical, validated and tailored to your facility’s unique environments. Choose a reputable service for meticulous, measurable results.

1. Specialized Cleaning

Data center cleaning is not the same as a standard wipedown. Professionals follow the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines, focusing on contamination control. They remove dust from floors and equipment. Professionals use deep cleaning to target subfloors, computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units and overhead cable trays. Professional cleaning should include:

• Floor panel removal that cleans the subfloors without disrupting cabling.
• Vacuuming with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration to remove particulates.
• Anti-static wiping on hardware exteriors, PDUs and server cabinets to reduce electrostatic discharge.

2. Advanced Equipment

Professional cleaning teams use advanced equipment to prevent damage and maximize cleaning effectiveness. HEPA-filtered vacuums and anti-static cleaning solutions are standard for professional cleaning. Professionals combine these tools with careful moisture control as they clean. Minimizing particulates and moisture is essential, as they can affect your equipment. Choose a reputable cleaning service to protect your facility while ensuring a thorough cleaning.

3. Security Compliance

Data centers house critical information, which must be protected by strict security protocols. Technicians should always follow access control procedures when working in a facility. Risk assessments and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) may be necessary to maintain data security at all times. Professionals will plan cleanings to avoid disruptions, keeping facilities productive without delaying scheduled cleanings.

Data Center Cleaning Best Practices

It can be challenging to know if your data center is cleaned properly. The best way to protect your facility is to set up an ongoing cleaning strategy that prioritizes professional support and detailed documentation. Partner with an expert cleaning service to control contaminants and protect your data center from liability and poor efficiency.

Schedule Regular Cleanings

Set up a cleaning schedule with a data center cleaning provider. Data centers contain complex equipment that is constantly battling contaminant exposure. Professional service will recommend a cleaning schedule based on your setup and environment, and you need to find a schedule that ensures compliance while minimizing buildup. Whether you need data center floor cleaning quarterly or an annual deep cleaning for hard-to-reach spaces, professionals can help.

Implement Environmental Controls

Even with regular cleanings, operations should invest in environmental controls for their data centers. Contaminants are everywhere — invest in equipment to limit their access, like:

• Humidity control: Too much humidity creates condensation, risking electronics. Too little humidity increases static electricity, leading to fire hazards.
• Air filtration systems: HEPA filters capture airborne particles, keeping them from accumulating on equipment.
• Proper cable management: Proper cable organization makes cleaning easier and simplifies troubleshooting during cable issues.
• Positive pressurization: This equipment prevents unfiltered air from entering your facility and contaminating equipment.

Monitor and Document Cleanings

Cleanings must also be thoroughly documented. Professionals can assist with monitoring by taking particulate level measurements before and after cleaning to ensure data centers meet regulations. Facilities should log all cleanings and particulate counts to track compliance over time. Make sure to document when, where and who performed cleanings. With detailed monitoring and documentation, data centers can protect their equipment warranties and demonstrate complaints.

Ensure a Proper Cleaning With DataSpan’s Data Center Cleaning Services

A clean data center keeps your facility compliant while supporting equipment life spans and uptime. DataSpan’s professional data center cleaning services are designed to meet industry standards. With 50 years of experience, you can trust our team to deliver industry-standard cleanings with precision and security. Our experienced professionals can tailor their services to your facility, ensuring an effective deep clean. Contact DataSpan to schedule your next data center cleaning service!