What medical masks can be washed and how to do it correctly
'15.10.2021'
Source: Miss Clean
The coronavirus pandemic has generated an unprecedented demand for remedies and antiseptics. Due to the rise in prices and shortages, many are wondering if a medical mask can be washed. No, if we are talking about a disposable pharmacy mask, and yes, if it means a bandage made of cloth and gauze (bandage), writes Miss Clean.
Why can not wash the pharmacy masks?
The modern medical mask is made from non-woven synthetic materials. As a rule, it consists of 3 layers. Spunbond is placed inside and outside, and the third layer is a filter that collects harmful particles, bacteria and viruses. The filter layer cannot be cleaned. And the spunbond itself does not tolerate wet and heat treatment. After washing, a disposable medical mask simply ceases to perform its functions. Having used it for its intended purpose, it must be carefully removed by the rubber bands and thrown into the trash bin.
How to wash reusable protectors
Another thing is a mask made of gauze, bandage or fabric. It can and even needs to be washed, as well as ironed on both sides. How to do it correctly?
The washing machine can wash fabric protection. Masks made of fabric perfectly tolerate machine wash. Recommendations for leaving and choosing a mode should be sought on the label. Products that have been sewn independently are washed depending on the type of material: polyester at 30–40 degrees, cotton at 60.
Hands in a basin wash gauze bandages. Gauze and bandage, unlike tissue, are easily deformed when wet. Therefore, it is better to wash the mask with your hands in a warm soapy solution. After washing, the products are not twisted, but only pressed a little to remove excess moisture. An exception is the protective equipment in which the filter is sewn. For example, cotton wool. Such a mask in fact becomes one-time: you need to either remove the filter layer or throw away the entire product.
Laundry Detergents
You can use a standard detergent to wash your medical masks. For cold water, prefer shampoos and gels, while most powders only work in hot water.
Boiling
It is known that most bacteria and viruses can be killed by boiling for 3 minutes. Coronaviruses die at a temperature of +56 degrees, which is even less than the boiling point of water. Therefore, it is not necessary to boil the masks. For disinfection of the product, ordinary washing and ironing with an iron on both sides is sufficient.
Drying
It is preferable to dry sun protection products. The sun's rays are a source of ultraviolet radiation, which has disinfecting properties. If this is not possible, the product is dried on a battery.
How often do I need to wash (change) the mask?
The duration of wearing varies from 2 to 6 hours. It all depends on the conditions in which the protective equipment is used. In hospitals and closed rooms, with direct contact with an infected person, it can be worn for a maximum of 2 hours. Change the mask immediately if it becomes wet.
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Is it possible, instead of washing, to treat the product with an antiseptic or iron it
Only as an emergency measure. Nevertheless, washing has great efficiency: it promotes the mechanical removal of viruses, particles of saliva, and other biological secretions. Antiseptic and iron treatment kills the coronavirus, but in addition to it, there are other, more tenacious types of bacteria and viruses.
Improper use of a medical mask increases the risk of contracting a viral disease. After several hours of wearing, it turns into a breeding ground for germs and viruses. In order for the remedy to work effectively, you need to change it in time.
