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January 29, 2021 – 10:58 am Watch
2 mask cleaning methods
What was initially only applied in Bavaria now affects the whole of Germany: FFP2 masks or medical masks are mandatory on buses, trains and outlets. Unfortunately, especially the better protection FFP2 masks are quite expensive. A group of scientists from the Münster University of Applied Sciences has published an information brochure on the reuse of FFP2 masks. Here are two methods by which you can independently sanitize your FFP2 skins and reuse them for private use. We also show in the video what you should keep in mind.
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FFP2 masks are often not put under much stress in private use
When FFP2 masks are used privately, for example when purchasing, scientists assume that the pathogen load is low. However, in times of the corona pandemic, there are many things to consider when wearing and reusing masks: After each use of the FFP2 masks, the pathogens from your own nose, throat, and skin flora have settled. . Not everyone can be rendered harmless.
In their brochure “Possibilities and limits of independent reuse of FFP2 masks for private use”, the scientists show two alternatives for reducing potential corona pathogens: the “seven days room air drying” method and the “dry heat of 80 degrees “.
Important information on the use and storage of masks:
- FFP2 masks must not be used on consecutive days!
- Do not hang or place FFP2 masks on the heater to dry. Temperatures around 30-40 degrees are ideal for many bacteria and fungi to multiply in wet masks.
Disinfection method: dry for 7 days in the open air
Coronaviruses remain infectious at room temperature even for a long period of time in mask materials. The scientists point out that the number of pathogens in the FFP2 masks does not decrease until after seven days and that therefore the mask should only be used again from the seventh day.
The preparation:
For the correct storage of the mask during this time you only need seven nails or hooks or a clothesline with seven clips.
You need a free-standing object that you can attach all seven nails to, and a room like a hallway, living room, or office. The kitchen and bathroom are not suitable for this due to high humidity.
Each tick or bracket represents a day of the week, so you can keep track of which mask can be used first and when.
Important Notes for FFP2 Masks
Dry face masks at room temperature
The FFP2 mask should be removed carefully after use, not touching the front and hanging on the nail. You now have a mask for each day that must dry for seven days after use.
Important: Münster scientists advise not to repeat this “drying cycle” more than five times. The masks go to the trash after being worn for the fifth time. Even if the masks have been damaged and worn too much, they must be discarded beforehand.
Disinfection procedure: 80 degree dry heat for 60 minutes.
With this procedure, corona viruses can be inactivated, other pathogens are significantly reduced.
The preparation:
FFP2 masks can be disinfected in the oven, even multiple masks from other users at the same time. To do this, the masks of different users must be color-coded on the straps so that they do not mix.
Before disinfecting in the oven, the masks should be air dried for a day. The masks should be hung in a place where no one will come into contact with the mask.
The masks should then be placed on a clean oven rack lined with parchment paper and an oven thermometer. The oven should be set to 80 degrees upper and lower temperature. The temperature of 80 degrees should not be lowered or exceeded.
Don’t open the oven in the middle!
When the oven has preheated to 80 degrees, slide the mask onto the middle rail of the oven. The FFP2 mask should now remain in the closed oven for 60 minutes. Then turn off the oven and allow the mask to cool on the rack outside of the oven.
Important: This procedure should not be repeated more than five times and then the mask should be disposed of with the household waste.
Furthermore, this method is not suitable for dimensionally stable FFP2 masks, the cup model, and for masks that have a breathing valve.
An important note: the scientists do not say that with this information you can use FFP2 masks over and over again and protect against corona infection with their disinfection methods. They want to demonstrate that, under certain circumstances, an FFP2 mask can be reused. “The procedures outlined here help reduce the risk of infection from an FFP2 mask reused for private use,” the brochure says.
FFP2 masks also have no place in the saucepan, washing machine, microwave or dishwasher!
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