Every week we answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question that we should consider for a future article, send us please an e-mail to goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject: "Weekly coronavirus questions."
Will reusing a reusable mask for 30 minutes at 165 degrees Fahrenheit kill the virus that causes COVID-19 and other pathogens? How else can I clean it?
The good news: yes, cooking your fabric or synthetic mask would likely kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Several studies have shown that if exposed to 158 degrees Fahrenheit for two and a half minutes to an hour, the virus dies.
The bad news: it can burn your mask too.
Remember, says Professor Raina MacIntyre, director of the Biosafety Research Program at the University of New South Wales' Kirby Institute, "A stove is designed to burn things!
The jury is still unsure of the importance of mask washing to prevent COVID-19 infection. However, MacIntyre looked at some data from its 2015 study of cloth masks and found evidence that masks were machine washed instead. By hand, they help prevent infections from other seasonal healthcare viruses. His theory is that the longer wash cycle and warmer water temperatures in a machine are more effective at killing viruses than washing by hand.
Instead of specific data on SARS-CoV-2, many experts have said that what we know from such studies makes it seem safe to wash masks regularly. And of course, bleaching doesn't hurt, except maybe to shorten their lifespan.
The experts advise you to take care of your masks (of course, based on current knowledge):
Daytime: For those of us who now work from home, you will likely find yourself putting your mask on and off during the day. You don't need a new mask every time you run, but it's probably best to toss it in a clean plastic or paper bag to keep it free of debris when you're not wearing it. . (We will give you the option to close the bag or not. Some experts believe this will prevent contaminants from entering, but others are concerned about microbial growth.)
After a full day away from home: The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say masks should be washed after a day of use. Based on his analysis of the data, MacIntyre agrees, "Surgical masks and cloth masks are contaminated with viruses, so washing is very important," he says. "If you don't wash it properly, it may not protect it as the contamination increases over time." After a day of use, their study showed virus contamination, but not SARS-CoV-2, which had yet to be detected. Viruses can remain viable for days, however, and a recent study found that SARS-CoV-2 can live on cotton for up to seven days. "The point is, if you put on an unwashed mask, you may be wearing a virus-contaminated mask," he says.
In addition, WHO recommends being careful when removing the mask: "The user should be careful not to touch the outside of the mask. If the outside of the mask is touched during the removal process, the user should wash their hands immediately after removal of the mask, the user should be careful not to touch his face until he can wash his hands. "
MacIntyre suggests doing the lightening in a washing machine, if you have one, set to a temperature of 140 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit (the hot setting on most machines).
A note: check the washing instructions before buying. If you prefer machine wash, don't buy the style that requires hand wash.
A mesh wash bag for delicate items can help protect the masks from machine tears.
MacIntyre also recommends tossing the masks in the dryer, as this step can reduce the pore size of the fabric, thereby improving performance. And if your mask has a bag for a filter, throw the filter away after you've used it once, she says.
Washing machine alternatives : If your home doesn't have a washing machine (or if you're avoiding a shared laundry environment during the pandemic), the WHO recommends hand soaking masks in cold water containing 0.05% chlorine for 30 minutes. then rinse with water and detergent. Air dry in a clean place, not on a dirty kitchen counter. (How to make 0.05% chlorinated water . )
Sunlight could help, MacIntyre adds. This study showed that UVB light can kill SARS-CoV-2.
And when you wash in a sink, Christopher Friese , Nursing Professor and Director of the Center for the Improvement of Patient and Population Health at the University of Michigan, reminds you to wash your hands before and after.
If you want to get creative, a steamboat is another option, says MacIntyre. Wash the mask in the sink to remove any particles, then place it in the steamer's compartment, which broccoli normally goes into. Heat the water and spray the mask on for five minutes. But be careful in the microwave: the masks may contain metallic components that can be dangerous if heated in the microwave.
If this all sounds too intimidating, take the heart of Harvard Medical School internist Abraar Karan , who finds there is no data to confirm whether the masks were washed daily or every few days. - or nothing - reduces the transmission. of COVID-19.
To be clear, he's for washing masks. The potential benefits outweigh any harm ... not to mention the stink factor.
"When I come home from work, I wear a mask. And I probably wash it every two or three days; I have some in the middle, "he says. "You might want to wash it because of the moisture, odor, or dirt, but it's not like, 'Oh, I'm cleaning the COVID.' ""
Removing a Mask: As with your favorite jeans or t-shirt, you can continue to wear a mask as long as it maintains its structural integrity. Follow Friese's morning routine: "Before I put it on, I inspect it to make sure it's not torn, torn, or punctured, and make sure it's clean. Throw it away or clean it. "He also checks to see if he's still adjusting regularly: put it on, take a deep breath, and exhale, he says." When you're feeling more relaxed, it's probably time to take a step back. "
Regarding single-use products, generally follow the manufacturer's instructions, which typically recommend a day of use. If you only wear a disposable mask briefly during your runs, keep it in a bag and do not wear it for more than eight hours in total as it is for single use only. You can even spray it lightly with a disinfectant spray before putting it in the bag, MacIntyre says.
One final note: wearing a mask will reduce but not eliminate the risk of spreading COVID-19.
"We have to snuggle up," says Friese. "We are in very dangerous times."
That is why Karan advises avoiding the 3 Cs: crowds, closed spaces and close and prolonged contact. This will help keep the people you live with safe and spend time without a mask, he says.
When you go out, don't pop the mask if you're concerned it might not be clean, says Karan. The most important thing you can do with a mask is to wear it, he says.
Sheila Mulrooney Eldred is a freelance health reporter based in Minneapolis. He has written on COVID-19 for Medscape , Mpls St. Paul Magazine , Science News for Students, and the Washington Post . Learn more at sheilaeldred.pressfolios.com . On Twitter: @milepostmedia
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