Masks are a good way to prevent diseases. Now the most needed way to prevent the epidemic is masks. According to different protection levels, masks have different protective effects on bacteria. When you can't buy a mask, can the original mask be used after cleaning and disinfection? What is the right way to disinfect? Take a look with us!
Can masks be disinfected
There are many kinds of masks, indicating that disposable products can not be used for disinfection, and medical masks can not be used for cleaning. However, for example, cotton gauze masks can be used again after disinfection, and have certain protective function against spray, which can be used in public places. If the mask is worn for a long time, there will be bacteria on it, and the closed moist space will cause acne and dyspnea. Grasp the ear rope off, do not touch the outside, so as not to be contaminated with bacteria.
How to disinfect the mask
1、 Alcohol disinfection
Disinfection with alcohol is a common method. 75% alcohol is needed. It can not be used to disinfect disposable medical masks, but can only be used for thicker masks to remove bacteria on the surface. If you put it in a spray can, you can only spray a few outside. Too many bacteria will form on it.
2、 Hot water scouring
Put the used mask in hot water about 60-70 ℃ for half an hour to eliminate some viruses. However, if the mask can not be boiled with enough water, its inner structure will be damaged and the non-woven fabric will be decomposed.
3、 Sun exposure and disinfection
The washed mask is exposed to the sun, which can disinfect the fabric to a certain extent. It needs to be clean and pollution-free, otherwise it will be polluted.
4、 Ultraviolet lamp disinfection
The use of ultraviolet light of the sun can be used for disinfection, in addition, it can also be used for disinfection with ultraviolet lamp. The ozone formed by ultraviolet light can kill the bacteria of the mask.
In the case of lack of masks, some of them can be used again through the effect. These four methods will not damage the mask material, but also can sterilize, which is a better cleaning method.
matters needing attention
Duration of application
From the point of view of human physiological structure, because the blood circulation of nasal mucosa is very strong, and the passage in the nasal cavity is very tortuous, the nasal hair constructs a "barrier" of filtration. When the air is inhaled into the nostril, the airflow forms a vortex in the tortuous passage, which heats the airflow in the nasal cavity. Some tests show that when the cold air of minus 7 ℃ is inhaled into the lungs through the nasal cavity, the air flow has been heated to 28.8 ℃, which is very close to the temperature of the human body. If you wear a mask for a long time, it will make the nasal mucosa become weak and lose the original physiological function of the nasal cavity, so you can't wear a mask for a long time. Masks can only be worn in special environments, such as in places where there are many people and the air does not flow. Of course, it is necessary to wear a mask when walking in the wild, in order to resist the wind, sand and cold, or in the environment with air pollution, but the time should not be too long. In addition, during the flu season, when you go to public places where there may be a large number of pathogens, you should also wear masks. Wearing masks is only one of the ways to prevent respiratory infectious diseases. The most important thing is to adhere to good living habits.
Cleaning and maintenance
The outer layer of the mask often accumulates a lot of dust, bacteria and other dirt in the outside air, while the inner layer blocks the exhaled bacteria and saliva. Therefore, the two sides can not be used alternately, otherwise the dirt on the outer layer will be inhaled into the human body when it is directly close to the face, and become the source of infection. When the mask is not worn, it should be folded and put into a clean envelope, and the side close to the nose and mouth should be folded inward. Do not put it into the pocket or hang it around the neck.
If the mask is moistened by exhaled heat or saliva, its function of blocking bacteria will be greatly reduced. Therefore, usually more than a few masks to replace the use, should be washed once a day. Wash with boiling water for 5 minutes.
The masks should be cleaned and disinfected every day. Both gauze masks and air filter masks can be disinfected by heating. The specific measures are as follows:
1. Cleaning. First, gently rub the gauze mask with warm water and soap. The bowl shaped mask can be gently brushed with a soft brush dipped in detergent, and then cleaned with clean water. Please note that do not rub hard, because if the warp and weft gap of the gauze is too large, it will lose the role of anti droplet.
2. Disinfection. Soak the cleaned mask in 2% Peracetic Acid Solution for 30 minutes, or boil it in boiling water for 20 minutes, or steam it in a steamer for 15 minutes, and then dry it. This method is suitable for gauze masks and bowl shaped masks.
3. Inspection. Before using it again, you should carefully check whether the masks and masks are still intact. For gauze masks and masks, you can take the light transmission inspection method, that is, take care of them in front of the lamp to see if there are significant light spots, and whether the light transmittance of the middle part is consistent with that of the marginal part. If there is any doubt, you need to replace them with new ones. In any case, masks and masks are usually renewed after 3 to 7 times of cleaning, and masks with particularly good quality can be cleaned 10 times. The activated carbon adsorption mask should be replaced regularly. If the activated carbon interlayer cannot be replaced, it should be replaced after 7 to 14 days. This kind of mask can not be reused after cleaning[ 5]
Handle it properly
Daily use of masks should be handled properly. Masks used by patients or in the process of care should be placed in a lined container in the patient's room.
May 25, 2021
