A main concern for any data center is dust. Dust can be carried in through the air and human traffic entering into the space. Dust can be harsh on data centers and computing infrastructure. So, how do data centers deal with dust to ensure their business runs smoothly and continuously? Let’s take a closer look.
Dusty Data Centers are Not an Option
Having proper cleaning and maintenance steps in place to address unwanted yet inevitable dust in a data center helps alleviate the chances for serious concerns to develop. Problems like:
- Overheating
- Clogged fans
- Connectivity issues
- Disruptions to services and shutdowns
Dust is a recurring culprit, but while it can’t entirely be avoided, preventing dust accumulation and build-up can have a significant impact on keeping a data center healthy and running smoothly.
How to Reduce Dust in a Large Data Center
There are effective ways for a data center to deal with dust. Scheduling routine cleaning and dusting of the data center will help reduce the amount of dust in the space overall. Keeping a standard time to always clean will be highly beneficial and profitable in the long run.
As a business specifically designed to provide critical infrastructure for other businesses and organizations, it’s vital to design an optimal cleaning plan and work with the right supplies and cleaning solutions.
- Gentle wiping Removing dust with correct cleaning rags and wipes
- Vacuuming Using particular vacuums with HEPA filters in a way to avoid spreading dust around
- Locations Addressing all the spaces where dust can linger including under raised floors, ducts, and ceiling assemblies
- Anti-static and neutral Cleaning Solutions Clean this space with proper solutions and avoid using water and traditional cleaning products to avoid damaging components
Key Steps for Maintaining a Dust-Free Data Center
Maintaining a dust-free data center environment will involve a variety of cleaning and dusting tasks.
- Clean server and equipment racks
- Clean and dust subfloors, making note to be delicate around cables and electrical equipment
- Vacuum flooring
- Ventilation
- Replace older flooring and cable baskets to avoid zinc whiskers
- Install double door entrances to avoid dust transference between data centers and outside work locations
- Routine cleaning
How Data Centers are Cleaned
As the joke goes, very carefully. Data centers aren’t cleaned in the same way offices and many other workplaces are cleaned. Cleaning and dust removal in these particular environments involves specific training and procedures that should be executed to deliver a complete and detailed cleaning specially designed just for these spaces.
Data centers should be cleaned weekly to monthly. At the same time, it’s a delicate space, and preventing dust from entering the area can be more beneficial than frequent cleanings. Setting up the space and maintaining the equipment to provide proper ventilation, humidity, and implements can equally go hand in hand with routine cleaning, but it can also be paramount to continuous cleaning processes.
Get a Data Center Cleaning Quote
When You’re Ready for a Consistently-Clean Data Center
The easiest way to keep your data center clean and dust-free on a regular basis is to hire a professional team to clean. Let us do the cleaning work for you – either on a regular schedule or for your one-time cleans. Learn more about our beneficial janitorial cleaning services and data center cleaning that we can help you with.
Our professional cleaning staff is bonded, insured, and maintains OSHA compliance. We are happy to clean most any work environment. Please contact us online or call us at (844) 256-6843 for answers to your cleaning questions and to schedule your personalized janitorial cleaning estimate today!
