Is it possible to clean an FFP2 mask? Or do you have to throw it away after one use? Here comes all the info on the Corona mask!
I was just able to get hold of one of the last FFP2 protective masks in the supermarket. Within minutes they were sold out everywhere. Actually, I wanted to buy a pack of 10, now I'm happy to hold one of the last in my hands.
But how far do you get with a single mask? Can I use them now only 1x and hope to be able to buy new somewhere soon? Do I have to throw them away after 1x wear?
So many questions.
I've done some research for you. The good news is that you can clean and reuse an FFP2 mask. And I'll tell you how!
Table of contents
Why we must now wear FFP2 masks
Now that the highly contagious mutation of the Corona virus B.1.1.7 has emerged, FFP2 masks are already mandatory in some countries. We will have to come to terms with this willy-nilly.
Many other countries want to follow suit and are discussing making the better-protective FFP2 mouthpiece mandatory.
This variant of the Crona protective mask is designed to retain more aerosols and thus viruses than the thin fabric masks that have been in use up to now.
But first, let's take a quick look at what distinguishes an FFP2 mask and what differentiates it in detail from conventional mouth-nose protection. After that, we'll clarify how you can clean your FFP2 mask.
Good to know: Even if you wear an FFP mask, you must keep your distance and disinfect your hands regularly!
How to disinfect your hands properly!
What is FFP2 mask
It's easy to get lost in the shuffle. So what is an FFP2, an FFP3, a surgical mask and what is an everyday mask?
Respirators, also called particle-filtering half masks or fine dust masks, protect the wearer from aerosols, fine dust and smoke in the air they breathe. Provided they fit tightly against the face.
By the way, the abbreviation FFP stands for "Filtering Face Piece". How high this filtering performance is depends on the class to which the mask is assigned.
Respirators are divided into these three classes
- FFP1
- FFP2
- FFP3
According to experts, to protect against coronaviruses, at least a mask of category FFP2 is necessary.
Make sure that your mask complies with the EN 149 standard, which regulates the quality of the protective mask. Only masks with a CE marking may be sold in our stores. On each package and the mask itself you will find the CE marking and a four-digit numerical code.
Markings such as KN95 or N95 without CE marking are not sufficient.
Attention: There are also FFP masks with valve. You should not use these. They only filter the inhaled air, but offer no protection to your environment - all your aerosols are exhaled through the mask.
Tip: If you can no longer buy masks in the supermarket, you can Order FFP2 masks at Amazon*. Important: Pay attention to the KN95 and EN149 markings!
Cloth mask vs respirator
Until now, we could stop in the supermarket, public transport and enclosed spaces with simple muzzle-nose coverings. That's over now for the time being. The DIY masks offer little protection compared to an FFP2 mask.
Ideally, such fabric masks consist of three layers and tightly woven fabrics. But they can not compete with FFP2 mask. However, their great advantage is that you could simply put them in the washing machine or boil in the pot.
But how is it now with the reuse of the FFP2 mask? Is that possible or do you have to throw it away after 1x wear?
Instructions + pattern for a DIY fabric mask!
What you need to know if you want to reuse FFP2 masks
On the packaging of my mask is clearly written: for single use. However, because I paid just under 3 euros for it, I still wonder: Can I put it on a second time?
If you read a little further, you will see that the reference to use continues. Exactly it says here: "For single use only, replace at end of shift".
This means you don't have to throw them away after you've been shopping with them 1x at the supermarket. The masks are designed for shift work. So at least 8 hours.
If you use it multiple times, then experts suggest using it 5 times before you should clean the FFP2 mask.
So many experts see no problem if you want to reuse an FFP2 mask. Provided you pay attention to a few basic tips.
It is important that you do not pass on worn masks - sounds logical, but often they are passed on to the partner, which you should really do without. Because every wearer leaves pathogens from the nose, throat and also the skin in the mask.
How to clean a DIY fabric mask properly!
How to clean an FFP2 mask
So if you wear the mask only for a short time, like when you go shopping, you don't always have to throw it away. You can reuse the FFP2 mask - up to 5 times before it should be cleaned.
But first let's look at what you no way should do.
What you not if you want to clean an FFP2 mask.
- Wash the mask in the washing machine
- Boil them in a pot
- Wash the mask with water
- Use a dishwasher
- Wipe them with disinfectant
- Clean the FFP2 mask in the microwave oven
- Use a UV lamp, because it acts only superficially
If you want to reuse an FFP2 mask, you must not wash it under any circumstances. The filtering capacity of the pulp is destroyed by this.
Under no circumstances should you clean an FFP2 mask in a microwave! You risk a fire hazard because most models contain metal parts, which can cause sparks.
To clean a FFP2 mask is not even difficult, has the study conducted by the University of Applied Sciences and the University of Münster.
The study even advises multiple use of the masks because their availability is limited.
These are the most important preventive examinations for women!
Clean the FFP2 mask by drying it
If you use the mask only briefly for shopping, then you can simply hang it up at home and let it dry.
Hang them on a hook and let them dry at room temperature. The study demonstrated that almost all infectious corona viruses had disappeared from the mask after seven days of drying.
Experts therefore advise not to always wear the same mask, but to have at least 7 pieces that you mark and dry on a clothesline for 7 days between your uses.
The study advises that you do not hang the masks to the normal laundry. The room should be dry unsuitable bathroom, living room and kitchen, because the humidity here is usually too high.
Cleaning the FFP2 mask in the oven
You don't have time to wait a week for the mask? Then you can speed up the process. In fact, the study also showed that you can reuse the FFP2 mask if you disinfect it in the oven beforehand.
You can repeat this process 5 times without damaging the mask.
- Heat the oven to 80° top-bottom heat. Attention: do not use convection!
- Place the mask on a baking paper and then directly on the rack. Without baking tray.
- Leave the mask in the oven for 60 minutes at 80 degrees.
Caution: Temperatures that are too high destroy the mask. If the temperature is too low, too many viruses will survive. Therefore, check the temperature very carefully.
Don't forget to disinfect your phone regularly!
Our conclusion
If you want to clean an FFP2 mask, there are only two possibilities: 1. hang it up at room temperature for 7 days and 2. disinfect the mask in the oven for 60 minutes. Washing machine, UV lamp, microwave, steam and other methods are not suitable!
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