Posted on Wednesday 25th March, 2020

Each day we learn more about the coronavirus COVID-19 and how best to protect our families, our co-workers, our community, and ourselves. We welcome all of your questions about our products and pledge to provide you with helpful information and guidance.

While our low-lint 7600 IPA Cleaning Wipes are intended for use in electronics manufacturing and are not normally used on ESD-safe mats, in these critical times where safety is a priority, some companies are opting for a two-stage cleaning system; first to clean, then disinfect. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to cleaning as the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.¹

6001 Mat & Table Top Cleaner is very effective for cleaning and removing grime, residues, and grease. This step can be followed up with IPA Cleaning Wipes, which are made of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% deionized water. Together these products enhance the cleanliness and safety of your ESD mats. Keep in mind though that prolonged and repeated use of alcohol as a disinfectant can lead to discoloration, swelling, hardening, and cracking of rubber and certain plastics.²

When it comes to washing hands, a three-stage cleaning system for extra protection and comfort in Electrostatic Protected Areas (EPA) is helpful. The CDC recommends handwashing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds to be the first line of defense.³ This is especially important for very dirty or greasy hands. Again, some companies go one step further by using approved hand sanitizers (with a minimum of 60% alcohol) after thorough handwashing. For those working in EPAs, one may need to add a third step as sanitizers can dry out the skin. Moisture on skin is vital to wrist strap performance for personal grounding in electronics manufacturing. Our Hi Tech Hand Lotion's static dissipative formula moisturizes the skin for better bonding between the skin and wrist straps. It also relieves and prevents dryness, flaking, and irritation from constant use of gloves and chemicals.

Stay safe and please reach out if you have any questions about our products. Call us at 800-782-8420 or email info@aclstaticide.com.

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed April 9, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html.

2 “Use of Disinfectants: Alcohol and Bleach.” Infection Prevention and Control of Epidemic- and Pandemic-Prone Acute Respiratory Infections in Health Care. U.S. National Library of Medicine, January 1, 1970. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK214356/.

3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed April 9, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html.

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