How to sanitize protective masks with denatured alcohol: advice from a pharmacist
Living for an indefinite time with the fear of contagion from Covid-19 can be very painful and psychologically demanding, but one thing cannot be avoided: we should all, in one way or another, learn in the near future to live with others wearing protective masks and also learn to live observing safe social distances. In this regard, a pharmacist gives valuable advice on how to sanitize our protective masks.
via Quotidiano La Provincia di Cremona
Quotidiano La Provincia di Cremona/YouTube
As noted by Dr. Elena Pontarollo of the Brusuglio Pharmacy in Cormano in the province of Milan, all masks, even if properly sanitized, must be replaced at the end of the correct functioning of the filter; that said, here is the procedure recommended to sanitize the protective masks of any type. Here is all you need:
A deep container with a lid, or alternatively a pot with a lid
Red denatured alcohol
the mask, of course
The procedure:
Quotidiano La Provincia di Cremona/YouTube
Pour a little alcohol into the container, a glassful will suffice. Be careful that the mask does not touch the liquid as it may lose its filtering power.
Place the mask with the elastic ties on the lid; the mask must be carefully flattened
Close the lid very well
The mask should be left in this position for 2 to 4 hours
Be careful not to leave the mask in that position for more than 4 hours: there is a risk that the vaporized alcohol will "wet" or stain the surface of the mask, damaging the effectiveness.
Quotidiano La Provincia di Cremona/YouTube
The duration from 2 to 4 hours is necessary for the alcohol to totally evaporate so that its fumes sterilize the mask. A very practical and easy tip that we can all implement at home with very simple equipment.
Quotidiano La Provincia di Cremona/YouTube
Try it with your mask too!
