wipedown

Wipedown, also written wipe-down or wipe down, refers to the act of thoroughly cleaning a surface by wiping it with a cloth, wipe, or disposable material to remove dust, moisture, residues, or contaminants. The term is used across industries to describe routine cleaning as well as part of an established cleanliness program.

In practice, a wipedown is performed to reduce microbial load, remove residues before further processing, or prepare surfaces for inspection or assembly. In healthcare and food-service settings, wipe-down procedures often involve approved disinfectants or cleaners and follow specific regulations or manufacturer instructions. In manufacturing and laboratories, wipe-downs help maintain sterile or controlled environments and may be documented as part of quality assurance. In electronics and cleanroom contexts, wipe-downs use lint-free materials and controlled solvents to minimize particulates and avoid damage.

Typical methods involve selecting an appropriate wipe material (such as microfiber or lint-free cloth), choosing a compatible cleaning agent, and using a systematic technique (for example, one-directional strokes to avoid redistributing contaminants). Protective equipment, proper waste handling for used wipes, and adherence to local safety guidelines are commonly recommended. In some settings, wipe-downs are accompanied by surface sampling or net cleanliness verification to confirm adequate removal of contaminants.

Terminology varies by region and discipline; wipe-down is commonly written as two words or with a hyphen, while some uses adopt the closed form wipedown. Related concepts include wipe sampling and surface disinfection, which extend the idea of cleaning to verification and sanitization.