Sticky mats trap dirt, dust, and other particulates from the soles of shoes, wheels of carts, and other objects entering the data center.

what tacky mats can do

Reducing the number of particulates introduced into the environment helps maintain compliance with ISO 14644 cleanliness standards. *This is particularly important for maintaining the "At-Rest" and "Operational" cleanliness levels of a data center.

Contamination Control Sticky Mats at Data Centers

Contamination Control Sticky Mats at Data Centers

By Ashraf Almuhtaseb | Data Center Technical Cleaning Expert | idata.center

Using contamination control sticky mats in a data center provides a simple and effective method for reducing particulate contamination, protecting sensitive equipment, and maintaining cleanliness standards. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the benefits:

1- Prevents Contaminants from Entering the Data Center

*Sticky mats trap dirt, dust, and other particulates from the soles of shoes, wheels of carts, and other objects entering the data center.
*By placing them at entry points, they serve as the first line of defense against contamination.
2- Maintains Air Quality and Cleanliness Standards

* Reducing the number of particulates introduced into the environment helps maintain compliance with ISO 14644 cleanliness standards.
*This is particularly important for maintaining the "At-Rest" and "Operational" cleanliness levels of a data center.
3- Protects Sensitive Equipment

Dust and particulates can:

*Settle on server fans and cooling systems, leading to overheating.

*Damage delicate electronic components through abrasion or by acting as a carrier for moisture and corrosive elements.

*Sticky mats minimize the risk of these contaminants reaching sensitive equipment.

4- Reduces Maintenance Costs

Cleaner environments mean:

*Less frequent cleaning of floors, equipment, and HVAC systems.

*Reduced wear and tear on cooling and filtration systems.

*This results in lower maintenance costs and longer equipment lifespans.

5- Enhances ESD Control

*Many sticky mats are anti-static or ESD-safe, helping to reduce electrostatic discharge risks while also controlling contamination.

*This is particularly important in environments where ESD can cause critical damage to hardware.

6- Easy to Use and Replace

*Sticky mats are a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution.

*Each layer can be peeled off and discarded once it becomes saturated with debris, ensuring consistent performance.

7- Improves Compliance with Standards and Protocols

*Using sticky mats demonstrates adherence to best practices for contamination control, which is often required during audits or certifications for data centers.

Where to Place Sticky Mats in a Data Center

Entry Points: At all doors leading into the data center to capture contaminants from shoes and wheels.
Transition Areas: Between spaces with different cleanliness levels, such as outside a raised floor area.
High-Traffic Zones: Near areas where personnel or equipment frequently enter or exit.

Best Practices for Using Sticky Mats

A- Replace Frequently: Change layers when visibly dirty to maintain effectiveness.

These mats typically consist of 30 layers, each numbered from 1 to 30, for example. This makes it easy to track the replacement of each mat layer at each entry point and include this information in the daily maintenance report for data centers.

B- Use Proper Sizes: Ensure the mat covers enough area to capture contaminants effectively.

C- Combine with Other Measures: Use alongside anti-static flooring, HEPA filtration, and regular cleaning for comprehensive contamination control

About the Author

Ashraf Almuhtaseb is a Data Center Technical Cleaning Expert with over 9 years of specialized experience since 2017. He is the only independent professional in the MENA region — and one of very few globally — publishing dedicated, in-depth technical knowledge on data center cleaning standards, contamination control, and ISO 14644 compliance. Visit idata.center for more articles, guides, and resources.

About the Author

Contamination Control Sticky Mats at Data Centers

Key takeaways

Best Practices for Using Sticky Mats

About the Author

Frequently asked questions