Data centers are an important part of several booming industries. Since the birth of the Internet, more and more businesses have moved online. Sizable data centers can connect hundreds of servers, allowing businesses (from e-commerce to cybersecurity) to handle the needs of multiple customers at once. Depending on the company's needs, they can choose part of an existing center or design their own privatized center.
Regardless of the size of a data center, it must be maintained. Neglecting maintenance will put the entire operation at risk. Neglecting to refurbish the facility could result in inefficient products and greater harm to employees. We've crafted this guide for cleaning your data center so you can build an effective cleaning routine and avoid costly online investments.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Data Center
Why is data center cleaning so important in the first place? If you need some reasons to budget for cleaning your company facilities, read on.
Data Center Management
Prevents Hazardous Contaminants from Damaged Hardware
A data center can only guarantee its performance and be maintained. Dust and contaminants are a risk to these commercial facilities and their equipment.
Particles can interfere with electronic equipment and cause the inconvenience of valuable downtime. The best way to prevent this from happening is to have a professional clean your system on a regular basis.
Expose potential problems in equipment
In addition to removing dust centers, frequent cleaning can also catch problems with your device before it occurs. If you or your assigned cleaning professional notice unusual levels of contaminants or unusual chemical odors in your server room, the problem at hand may be more than just an empty space.
An unusually fast buildup of dust may mean that the room is not getting proper airflow. It could also indicate that some of your devices have more dust inside than they look.
Company and Customer Preferences
Our management can manifest itself in various forms - dirty data systems are one of them. Show your employees, customers and supervisors that you care by investing in proper cleaning procedures. A clean aesthetic represents care for anyone in your facility.
Ways to maintain a clean data center
Learn that some neat practices are better than others when it comes to the data center. Here are a few things to keep in mind when tending a server room or establishing guidelines for cleaning your data center with your employees.
Data Center Cleaning Guidelines
Use the correct cleaning supplies
Using the correct consumables is essential for adequate cleaning. Server rooms and computer rooms are not the same as any home or office room and should be considered as such. Acceptable cleaning equipment includes:
1. Low-plush, lint-free mop
2. Vacuuming cloth
3. Non-ammoniated cleaners
4. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters
5. Electrostatic discharge dissipative chemicals
6. Confirm that building materials are adequately secured
Construction materials can cause potential contamination if installed improperly. Concrete, stucco, blocks, and other building components that provide the data center structure should be properly secured.
Over time, the aging and degradation of structural components can create particulate matter if not properly sealed. Apply a proper sealant to the walls and ceiling before equipping the room with IT equipment.
Implement server room restrictions
Establish limits for your server room to prevent employee errors. Items such as snacks and beverages are prohibited to reduce the occurrence of harmful spills or unsightly rodent visits. If it makes sense for your business, have IT pros and any frequent visitors to the server room wear protective bags over their shoes to prevent them from bringing in external contaminants.
Monitor who and what enters the data center
Require employees and visitors to log their data room entry and exit times. Keeping a log of visitors and briefly describing their purpose may help inform how often cleaning should be done.
If you have any questions about your facility equipment needs, it will be important to receive inventory of the space separately. A complete IT hardware catalog will support the basis of your annual data center budget.
Things to avoid when cleaning equipment
IT equipment within a data facility can easily sanitize products and processes. Avoid the following actions:
Consumables used by field workers or third-party services should not contain heavy chemicals that can damage or degrade IT hardware. Employees cleaning equipment should avoid using too much solution as this can lead to technical failures. Never spray a solution directly into the server. Doing so could damage its interior and cause unfortunate downtime. Any chemicals used to wipe down computers, servers and server racks should be certified.
A vacuum cleaner without a HEPA filtration system should not be used when heading towards a server room. They don't provide a full cleaning service. Do not use any mops or brooms except in the server room. This can bring contaminants into the data center from elsewhere and make the space dirtier than before.
How often should you clean your data center
The atmosphere of your data center will benefit greatly from routine cleaning. A regular process will keep your center ready if potential clients or company executives are interested in visiting. Regular cleaning will also reduce the accumulation of dust and debris. This is the key to avoiding downtime events.
The frequency of cleaning of the building should be consistent with the flow of your facility. Facilities with high traffic may undergo regular daily or weekly cleaning, while buildings with low foot traffic may require monthly or quarterly tidying.
In summary
Data centers cost a lot of time and money, but they are well worth the investment. If you're going all out to create an efficient facility, then you should take care of it. Although maintenance itself is an additional investment, it affects the lifespan of the data center. Optimize your budget by paying for a proper regular cleaning routine.
