Two easy ways to kill corona virus on muzzle and reuse it

With the reopening of markets and the easing of sanitary isolation measures in many countries of the world, the use of masks will become a matter of routine among people, so what are the methods of sterilization for reuse more than once? Here we offer two methods: drying and washing.

The countries of the world have imposed sanitary measures to cope with the epidemic of the emerging coronavirus "SARS Cove 2" that causes the "Covid 19" disease, and with control in many places, these countries have reduced their procedures.

However, the use of masks will become permanently required during the coming months, at least as expected, hence the importance of re-use to reduce the physical burden that it poses on people, to provide them to a larger number of people, and to avoid a shortage.

Here we will talk about two types of gags that are currently the most used, namely the traditional face masks that are sold in stores and supermarkets (malls), and the fabric mask, whether ready or made at home.

We will not talk about respirators or surgical masks, "N95" (N95), which are important for health care workers, and care must be taken not to use them by people who do not work in the health sector, until sufficient quantities of them are available for health workers.

Conventional face muzzle

These gags are generally thin, and therefore do not tolerate washing, as washing will damage them. It is also a mistake to rub or soak it in alcohol, as it is believed that this reduces its ability to isolate.

It is also a mistake to put the traditional face muzzle in the oven, as it may ignite and cause a fire. Finally it is wrong to wash them by hand with cold water, as this is not sufficient to sterilize them.

For these gags, the best way to reuse them is by drying, and it is simply leaving the muzzle to dry which kills the viruses.

For coronaviruses that belong to the family of the emerging corona virus, research data indicate that leaving the muzzle for 72 hours is sufficient to kill the viruses, while other sources recommend leaving the muzzle for a week.

This difference is caused by the fact that the time in which the virus can survive is not scientifically stable, and is affected by several factors such as moisture and heat. Viruses live longer at lower temperatures. For example, one study found that viruses die faster at 40 ° C compared to 20 ° C, while they live longer at 4 ° C.

Accordingly, we recommend the following:

1- Treat the muzzle as a biological hazard, wash your hands with soap every time you remove the muzzle or even touch it, and make sure to wash your hands properly for at least 20 seconds.

2- The muzzle that is to be sterilized must not have dirt, and then it must be disposed of.

3- Also the muzzle should not contain any rupture.

4- Place the muzzle in a paper bag and close it, then leave it for a week. A paper bag should be used, not a plastic bag, because the latter does not allow moisture to come out and thus impedes the drying of the muzzle.

5- After placing the muzzle in the paper bag, place it in an isolated place and away from children.

6- With the passage of a week, after the mask is removed from the bag, it must be used by its original owner, and not by anyone else.

It should be noted that the reuse of the traditional muzzle has limits, because it does not tolerate washing, and it is difficult to dispense with it for a week (which is already a long time), as this requires that the person has several masks to use.

Canvas muzzle

Canvas masks can be purchased at the store, or made at home. Here are the steps for reuse:

1- Treat the fabric muzzle also as a biological hazard. Wash your hands with soap every time you remove the mask or even touch it, and make sure to wash your hands properly for at least 20 seconds.

2- It is preferable to wear gloves, especially if the cloth mask has dirty eyes.

3- The cloth muzzle should not have any rupture, and in the event of a rupture it must be sewn or disposed of.

4- In general, experts believe that it is better to clean the cloth masks in the washing machine at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius, because this heat is enough to kill viruses, while using a laundry detergent, and an antiseptic can be added if one of your family members is ill or suffers from a weak device Immunity.

5- Also, the cloth muzzle can be placed in the oven for 30 minutes at 80 ° C to kill the virus "provided it is not dirty", or boil it in a pot full of water, according to what was published by the German newspaper "Welt".

6- The cloth muzzle should be dried at the highest temperature in the automatic dryer.

7- If you do not have a dryer, place the masks on a drying rack in direct sunlight. When the masks dry, store them in a bowl or covered bag.

We note here that these reuse tips are general, and may vary according to your health, family situation, or the environment in which you live. Therefore always consult a doctor.

While reducing isolation procedures, we advise you to reduce the risk of infection:

1- Reducing going to places especially crowded, and not going unless necessary.

2- When going to the store it is recommended that one person from the family go, and that not everyone go.

3- Wearing the muzzle and making sure it covers the nose.

4- Good hand washing after returning home, and using soap for at least 20 seconds.

5- Maintaining social separation with people, and keeping a distance of 1.5 meters to two meters with those around them.

6- Not to touch the face or move the muzzle.

7- Parents should make sure that children do not touch their faces, because wearing a muzzle may encourage them to do so. It is recommended that children under two years of age not wear the muzzle to avoid suffocation.