1. Understand the Complementary Roles of Each Wipe

• IPA Wipes: Primarily used to dissolve oil-based contaminants (fingerprints, flux residues, adhesive residues) and disinfect surfaces. Their high-purity isopropyl alcohol (70–99% concentration) evaporates quickly but may leave faint streaks if not followed by a final clean. Ideal for “pre-cleaning” to break down tough soils.
• Pre-Wet Cleanroom Wipes: Formulated with residue-free solutions (e.g., deionized water, mild surfactants, or specialized cleaners) and ultra-low-linting materials (polyester/microfiber). Designed for “final cleaning” to remove remaining IPA streaks, trap loosened particles, and protect delicate surfaces (e.g., anti-reflective coatings, PCB traces) from chemical wear.

2. Step-by-Step Coordinated Use Workflow

Step 1: Prepare the Surface and Wipes

• Assess Contamination: Identify the contaminant type (e.g., flux on a PCB, fingerprints on a lens) to confirm IPA is compatible with the surface (check manufacturer guidelines—avoid IPA on soft plastics or uncoated rubber).
• Gather Supplies: Have a pack of IPA wipes (match concentration to the task: 70% for oil removal, 99% for residue-free disinfection) and pre-wet cleanroom wipes (choose a solution compatible with the surface—e.g., deionized water-based for optics, static-dissipative for electronics).
• Prepare the Workspace: Work in a well-ventilated area (to disperse IPA vapors) and lay down a lint-free mat to catch any falling particles.

Step 2: Pre-Clean with IPA Wipes

• Fold the IPA Wipe: Fold into a 4-layer pad to concentrate solvent and avoid finger contact with the cleaning surface. This prevents transferring oils from your hands back to the item.
• Target Contaminants: Wipe the surface in single, straight strokes (horizontal for flat surfaces, radial for curved lenses) to dissolve residues. For tough spots (e.g., dried flux on solder joints), hold the IPA wipe against the area for 5–10 seconds to let the alcohol break down the soil—do not scrub (this can scratch surfaces).
• Avoid Over-Saturating: Ensure the IPA wipe is damp, not dripping. Excess alcohol can seep into crevices (e.g., PCB component housings) and damage internal parts.

Step 3: Final Clean with Pre-Wet Cleanroom Wipes

• Use a Fresh Pre-Wet Wipe: Immediately follow the IPA wipe with a pre-wet cleanroom wipe—do not wait for the IPA to fully evaporate (this prevents streaks from forming as alcohol dries).
• Mirror the IPA Wipe Pattern: Wipe in the same direction as the IPA step to catch loosened particles and residual alcohol. For optical lenses or PCBs, use light pressure to avoid damaging delicate components.
• Inspect for Streaks/Particles: After wiping, hold the item under angled light to check for remaining streaks or fibers. If needed, repeat the pre-wet wipe step with a fresh wipe—do not reuse wipes (they trap contaminants).

Step 4: Dry and Inspect

• Air-Dry (If Needed): For water-sensitive items (e.g., electronic sensors), follow the pre-wet wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth to blot excess moisture. Allow the item to air-dry completely (15–30 minutes) before powering it on or storing it.
• Final Inspection: Use a magnifying glass (10–20x) to check for missed residues or particles—critical for high-precision items like semiconductor wafers or microscope objectives.

3. Task-Specific Pairing Tips

• Electronics (PCBs, Connectors): Use 99% IPA wipes to dissolve flux and oils, then static-dissipative pre-wet wipes to remove residues and neutralize static. This prevents ESD damage to components.
• Optical Instruments (Lenses, Mirrors): Pair 70% IPA wipes (gentler on coatings) with deionized water-based pre-wet wipes to avoid streaks that distort light.
• Lab Equipment (Balances, Spectrometers): Use 70% IPA wipes for disinfection, then pre-wet wipes with mild surfactant to remove IPA residues—this protects sensitive calibration markers from fading.

4. Key Safety and Compliance Notes

• Dispose of Wipes Properly: Place used IPA wipes in fire-resistant bins (IPA is flammable) and pre-wet wipes in standard cleanroom waste bins. Do not mix the two—this can cause cross-contamination.
• Check Certifications: Ensure both wipes meet industry standards (e.g., ISO 14644-1 for cleanrooms, ANSI/ESD S20.20 for electronics) to avoid introducing contaminants.
• Avoid Reusing Wipes: Single-use wipes prevent cross-contamination—reusing them can spread residues to other surfaces.