Choosing the right surface decontamination method for cleanroom and healthcare environments

When hygiene is business critical, choosing the right decontamination method matters. Whether you work in pharmaceutical production, healthcare, or cleanroom operations, the right solution helps reduce contamination risks, ensure compliance, and protect both people and products.

At IPU, we help clients evaluate and implement tailored contamination control strategies across a wide range of technologies. One frequent question we explore is whether UV-C light or Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide is the better choice. Based on development, testing, and industry dialogue, here is what we have learned.

UV-C uses short wavelength ultraviolet light to disrupt microbial DNA and quickly deactivate viruses and bacteria. It works best on flat, line of sight surfaces and is ideal for fast treatments in high turnover settings.

VHP disperses hydrogen peroxide vapor into the entire space. It reaches behind and around obstacles, making it more thorough for hard to reach areas. The tradeoff is longer cycle times and stricter safety requirements. VHP requires sealed environments and operator access must be carefully managed after each cycle.

Clinical data shows that UV-C is a strong fit for flat, non porous surfaces, while VHP excels in enclosed, low access areas. The right choice depends on your layout, contamination risk, and process goals.

A full UV-C cycle can be completed in minutes. This makes it a practical choice for daily cleanroom operations or rapid disinfection of patient rooms.

VHP typically takes hours due to the time needed for vapor dispersal, exposure, and safe aeration. However, it offers comprehensive surface coverage in enclosed environments.

Still, speed and reach do not have to be tradeoffs. UV-C has been proven effective in reducing high touch contamination in clinical settings, offering repeatable performance with lower complexity.

Both technologies are capable of supporting GMP or ISO cleanroom compliance if implemented correctly.

UV-C requires safety measures around exposure and activation, while VHP must be tightly controlled to protect personnel. Whichever you choose, validation, documentation, and process monitoring are key.

Our surface decontamination approach at IPU

There is no universal best answer. That is why we work closely with quality teams, facility managers, and cleanroom engineers to match the right method to the right use case.

We combine system simulations, pilot testing, and real world analysis to guide the decision.
In some setups, combining UV-C and VHP gives the best result, as it allows you to match different areas with different needs.

This article was written by Daniel Minzari, Materials and Surface Technology Specialist at IPU.
If you have questions or want to know more about effective surface decontamination, feel free to reach out to him at dami@ipu.dk