The problem with 'just having the janitors do it'
Standard janitorial equipment sheds fibers, generates static, and recirculates the very particulate it collects. Every push of an upright vacuum without HEPA H13 filtration measurably raises the particulate count at rack intakes. Every wipe of a rack with a wet cotton rag risks liquid ingress on live equipment. Server rooms need a different toolset and a different mindset.
Server room vs. commercial cleaning
| Attribute | Commercial cleaning | Server room cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum filtration | MERV 8–10 bag | HEPA H13 (99.97% @ 0.3μm) |
| Chemistry | General-purpose | Neutral, low-VOC, ESD-safe |
| Wipes | Cotton / paper | Lint-free microfiber, IPA compatible |
| Grounding | None | Continuous ANSI/ESD S20.20 |
| Documentation | Sign-in sheet | Particulate log + photo packet |
| Training | OSHA general | ESD, cleanroom, arc-flash awareness |
What we clean inside the server room
- ✓Rack exteriors — top, sides, front bezels, rear doors
- ✓Rack interior surfaces and cable management arms (never live equipment)
- ✓PDU faces, whips, and floor boxes
- ✓KVM / crash-cart surfaces
- ✓Walls, glass partitions, and door hardware
- ✓Overhead lighting and fire-suppression nozzles (visual inspection)
- ✓Floors — top-surface daily, plenum on the sub-floor cadence
No cleaning of switch/router faceplates, no vacuum nozzles inside chassis, no aerosols in the room. Anything inside a chassis is your OEM's job — we protect the environment around it.
Scheduling options
- ✓24/7 change-window response — nights, weekends, holidays
- ✓Recurring quarterly white-space visits with executive summary
- ✓One-time post-construction commissioning
- ✓Emergency response after flood, fire, or dust event
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you clean while our servers are running?
Yes. Our entire toolkit — HEPA vacuums, ESD-safe chemistry, lint-free wipes, grounded staff — is designed for live operation. We do not power down, disconnect, or physically touch running equipment.
Do you need badge access ahead of time?
We prefer 72 hours to complete background checks and badging, but same-day escorted access is possible for emergencies.
How is server room cleaning priced?
Most engagements are quoted per raised-floor square foot with a rack-count adder. We do not disclose our internal hourly rate — see our Quote Calculator for a per-sq-ft range.
What insurance do you carry?
$2M general liability, $5M umbrella, workers' comp on all staff, and errors & omissions specifically endorsed for data center services.