Data Centre Cleaning: All You Need To know

Data centres or server room stores are centralized systems for managing databases and critical business information. In every industry, data centres ensure data safety and consistent uptime. Hence, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in data rooms is vital. 

A regular cleaning schedule and deep cleaning of floors, equipment, and sanitizing touch points lead to a healthier environment. It eliminates the chance of system failure and/or any potential source of heat, humidity, and fire hazards.

There are many questions regarding data centres cleaning, including best practices, dangers, how frequently a facility should be cleaned, and more! We will cover each topic!

What is Data Centre Deep Cleaning?

Data centre deep cleaning is a systematic process to clean subfloors, tape library, surfaces, equipment, and devices across a server room thoroughly. Deep cleaning in server centre aims to create a workable ambiance and high standard of hygiene by:

Removing accumulated dust and preventing dirt build-up

• Tidying up cable trays, managing the routers and devices
• Implementing balanced airflow by regularly cleaning the HVAC system
• Eliminating all sources of dampness that pose a risk to equipment
• Regular inspection of sub-floors to eliminate hazards and leakages

Why is it Important to Clean Data Centres?

Eliminate The Risk of System Failure

By partnering with data centre cleaning experts, you can ensure the consistent performance of the equipment. From storage to routers and switches to other hardware, regular cleaning makes everything stable and seamlessly productive.

Prevent Downtime

A regular cleaning schedule at data centres minimizes downtime by preventing device failure. Thus, It also upkeeps devices and ensures airflow and low moisture, as clogged ventilators lead to overheating and damps make sparks and, thus, create fire hazards.

Ensure an Effective HVAC system

Built-up dust congests the ventilation and restricts airflow. A data centre clean drive ensures an effective HVAC system and supports a productive work environment.

Meet High Standards of Hygiene

Transmission of diseases through contaminants has become a prime concern in workplaces. Considering concerns, server room cleaning practices are curated to comply with the highest public health and safety standards.

Electrostatic Discharge Control (ESD risks)

Electrical components of a data centre generate static charges due to various external factors, including improper handling. This can damage equipment and create other hazards for system administrators. Maintaining a cleaning schedule can keep devices healthy and mitigate all ESD risks.

How Often Should a Data Centre Be Cleaned?

When cleaning a data centre, no solution fits all sizes. Keeping several standards of credible authorities and requirement of facilities with various foot traffic requirements, here is a rule of thumb as follows:

• Maintain a daily cleaning schedule in high foot traffic areas.
• Cover all areas thoroughly once in a month.
• Moderate to light traffic areas must be cleaned once or twice a week.
• Hire data centre cleaning experts to conduct deep cleaning quarterly.

What Are The Risks Of a Dirty Data Centre?

A data Centre accommodates various critical resources, including electrical equipment, hardware, cables, etc. The server centres aim to stabilize the overall system. It contributes to the seamless flow of data transactions and overall workflow in daily operations. Lack of proper maintenance in a data centre poses risks to equipment due to the following:

Fire hazards:

Clogged dust restricts the airflow, and uncontrolled moisture leads to sparks and fire hazards.

Unplanned Downtime

Dirt and dust lead to wear and tear of cables and equipment damage and cause system failure and downtime.

Spread of Germs

Contamination on common touch points like switches, mice, and door knobs spreads germs and diseases.

Spread of Allergen

Lack of cleanliness and hygiene can lead to the growth of mold and allergens in a server room and pollute the indoor air.

Tripping Hazards

Unmanaged cables, dirty floors, and uneven and slippery flooring create tripping hazards.

Why Do Server Rooms Need to Be Routinely Cleaned?      

Dust, grime, and dirt pose risks to a data centre 's devices and equipment. Routine server room cleaning safeguards the cooling system from damage and prevents overheating. A lack of regular cleaning schedules in data centres leads to high energy costs and equipment damage.

What Are The Best Practices For Data Centre Cleaning?

Here are the best practices to consider for server room cleaning:

Begin with Subfloors

Start by cleaning the subfloors. Remove the floor panels one by one and proceed carefully. Use lint-free wipes, microfiber cloths, or ESD wipes dipped in an antistatic solution.

Vacuum and Clean the Wires and Cables

By keeping pace with the process, shift your focus to the equipment and its wires. Tied up cabling and vacuumed the area meticulously before placing the subfloor back in its position.

Clean Floors and Surfaces

Utilize an antistatic mop, rug, and solution to remove dust and debris from the floors and surfaces of various countertops and equipment. Carry nonconductive equipment to prevent transmission of contaminants from common touch points. These include switches, AC remotes, flat surfaces, shelves, cabinets, racks, and other accessible and critical areas. 

Control the Cooling System

Implement an HVAC system to control the airflow and maintain indoor air quality. Don’t forget to clean the fan and vents with an antistatic mop dipped in an ESD-protected solution.

• Follow The Cleaning Protocols
• Here are some standard protocols that you should be aware of:
• Schedule the cleaning time when you can turn off the device without hampering the work.
• Avoid using any moisture that may lead to sparks.
• Before placing equipment back in their place, clean the area thoroughly.
• Avoid using liquid directly on equipment.
• Before starting cleaning, inspect the room and equipment for signs of damage.