Dust is a natural part of our environment and it’s everywhere. But when it comes to your server room, excessive amounts of dust can cause all sorts of problems. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 11 steps you can take to reduce the amount of dust in your server room.
We’ll also talk about the dangers of dust, the types of airborne contaminants, the best cleaning methods to keep your data center dust-free, how to avoid contamination of server rooms and why regular cleaning is important.
So let’s get started …
Step 1: Understand the dangers of dust
One of the potential dangers of dust is that it can cause equipment failures. When dust particles build up on electronic components, they can block airflow and lead to overheating. This can damage sensitive equipment and lead to data loss. In extreme cases, dust fires can occur.
Another danger of dust is that it can contaminate data. Dust particles can settle on hard drives and other storage devices, corrupting the data stored on them. Dust can also get into optical drives and cause read/write errors.
Unclean environments can attract rodents. Rodents can damage equipment and contaminate data with their urine and droppings.
Finally, dust can make it difficult to keep servers and other equipment cool, which can lead to decreased performance and reliability.
Step 2: Know the types of airborne contaminants
There are three main types of airborne contaminants:
- Particulates: These are solid particles that are suspended in the air. They can be made up of dust, pollen, fibers or smoke.
- Gases and vapors: These are gases that have been dissolved in a liquid or solid. They can come from cleaning products, paints, adhesives or office equipment.
- Biological contaminants: These are living organisms that can cause illness. They include bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew.
- There can also be other contaminants present in the air, such as lead, asbestos and mercury.
Step 3: Why should data centers be cleaned regularly?
Data centers should be cleaned regularly to prevent equipment failures, data loss and contamination of data. Regular cleaning also helps to extend the life of equipment.
Step 4: Use the right cleaning methods
The best way to reduce dust in your server room is to use a combination of vacuuming, dusting and damp mopping.
- Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter to remove dust from floors, walls and ceilings. HEPA filters are engineered to trap tiny particles, so they’re ideal for server rooms. Be sure to vacuum around equipment and in hard-to-reach areas.
- Dusting: Use a microfiber cloth or electrostatic duster to dust surfaces and equipment. Be sure to dust in hard-to-reach areas.
- Damp Mopping: Use a damp mop to remove dust from floors. Be sure to wring out the mop head thoroughly before mopping.
Step 5: How often should data centers be cleaned?
Data centers should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent equipment failures, data loss and contamination of data. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the size of the data center and the amount of traffic it receives.
Step 6: Avoid Contamination of Data Centers
One way to avoid contamination of data centers is to keep server rooms clean and free of dust. Another way to avoid contamination is to use air filters². Air filters can remove particulates, gases and vapors from the air.
The benefits of avoiding contamination of data centers include:
- Reduced risk of equipment failures.
- Improved performance.
- Increased reliability.
- Increased lifespan of equipment.
Step 7: The benefits of hiring a professional cleaning service
Hiring a professional cleaning service has many benefits. Professional cleaners are trained to clean data centers and they have the knowledge and experience to do the job right. They also have access to commercial-grade cleaning equipment that is not available to the general public.
Step 8: Ways to keep server rooms dust-free
There are a few ways to keep server rooms dust-free.
- Use air filters.
- Keep the room clean and free of clutter.
- Do not store food or drinks in the server room.
- Do not allow smoking in the server room.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust from floors, walls and ceilings.
- Use a microfiber cloth or electrostatic duster to dust surfaces and equipment.
- Use a damp mop to remove dust from floors.
- Keep the doors and windows closed.
- Install an air purifier.
- Hire a professional cleaning service to clean the data center on a regular basis.
Step 9: How to prepare for a server room cleaning
Before you start cleaning, there are a few things you need to do.
- Identify the areas that need to be cleaned.
- Gather the supplies you will need.
- Remove any items from the server room that can be cleaned elsewhere.
- Turn off all equipment in the server room.
- Cover sensitive equipment with plastic sheeting.
Step 10: How to clean a server room
Once you have gathered your supplies, you are ready to start cleaning.
- Begin by dusting all surfaces and equipment.
- Vacuum all floors, walls and ceilings.
- Damp mop all floors.
- Air out the server room by opening doors and windows.
- Turn on all equipment and allow it to run for a few minutes.
- Remove the plastic sheeting from sensitive equipment.
- Perform a final inspection of the server room.
Step 11: Regulate human activity in the server room
One of the best ways to keep dust out of a server room is to regulate human activity.
- Make sure only authorized personnel are allowed in the server room.
- Do not allow food or drinks in the server room.
- Do not allow smoking in the server room.
- Keep doors and windows closed.
What equipment is vulnerable to airborne contaminants?
Airborne contaminants can damage or destroy sensitive electronic equipment. Some of the most vulnerable equipment includes:
- Servers.
- Storage devices.
- Networking equipment.
- Telecommunications equipment.
- Computer systems.
How to prevent issues with server room cable electric cords
Proper cable and electric cord management is important in any server room or data center, but it is especially important in preventing issues with dust and dirt. Some tips for proper cable management include:
- Use zip ties or Velcro straps to keep cords organized and tidy.
- Do not allow cords to run across doorways or high-traffic areas.
- Do not allow cords to become tangled.
- Do not allow cords to drape over edges.
- Inspect cords regularly for damage and replace them as needed.
- Use cord covers to protect cords from dust and dirt. How do you clean data center equipment?
If these cord management steps aren’t taken, it’s likely that dirt and dust will accumulate on the cords, which can lead to equipment failures.
How can you keep server room temperature and humidity under control?
The best way to keep server room temperature and humidity under control is to use a climate-control system. Climate-control systems are designed to maintain a specific temperature and humidity level in an enclosed space. They can be used to cool or heat a server room as needed. If server room temperature and humidity aren’t kept under control, it can lead to equipment failures.
How often should a deep clean of data centers be scheduled?
A deep clean of data centers should be scheduled on a regular basis, depending on the size of the data center and the amount of traffic it receives. It’s important to have a professional cleaning service perform a deep clean because they have the knowledge and experience to properly clean all areas of the data center, including hard-to-reach places. A deep clean can help prevent equipment failures, data loss and contamination of data.
How to choose a professional cleaning service
When choosing a professional cleaning service, there are a few things to consider.
- The company should be experienced in cleaning data centers.
- The company should have the knowledge and experience to do the job right.
- The company should have access to commercial-grade cleaning equipment.
- The company should be able to provide references.
A professional cleaning service can help keep your data center clean and free of dust, which will reduce the risk of equipment failures, data loss and contamination of data. Hiring a professional cleaning service is an important decision and you should take the time to choose a company that is experienced and has the knowledge and experience to do the job right.
Contact Foreman Pro Cleaning today
By following these steps, you can reduce dust in your server room and keep your data center clean. Regular cleaning is important to prevent equipment failures, data loss and contamination of data. Hiring a professional cleaning service like Foreman Pro Cleaning can help to extend the life of your equipment and keep your data center clean.
Foreman Pro Cleaning is dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service. We have a team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who are ready to help you with all your data center cleaning needs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Or find out about our services in Reston, VA- one of the nation’s largest data center hubs here: https://www.foremanpro.com/locations/reston-va-data-center-cleaning/
References:
- Solving Air Contaminant PRoblems in Data Centers – Kevin Heslin – https://journal.uptimeinstitute.com/solving-air-contaminant-problems-data-centers/