How can you sterilize a face mask at home? Many people ask themselves this question during the Corona pandemic. We’ll explain which methods work.
In Germany, there is currently no comprehensive obligation to wear mouth and nose protection (often simply called mouth protection) in public. However, it makes sense how Christian Drosten in his Corona podcast explained at NDR: If you sneeze or cough, a mouthguard holds back a large part of your spit droplets. This will reduce the risk of infecting others if you are infected with corona. Experts suspect that infected people already two to three days before the first symptoms can infect others. In this context, a mouthguard makes sense, even if you have no complaints. If you go shopping or use public transportation, you should wear a face mask – even if it is not an obligation.
Important: According to Drosten, a simple mouthguard doesn’t protect you safely from catching others! Just do that medical FFFP2 or FFFP3 masks, which should not be discussed here.
Sterilize mouthguard: why is this important?
The good thing is: a simple one self-made mouthguard or, according to Drosten, a scarf offers effective protection for your counterpart. However, bacteria and viruses can easily accumulate on the fabric. Therefore, you should follow a few basic rules, like that Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Consumer advice center explain:
- Do not touch the outside or inside of your face mask with your hands. The outside of your mask shouldn’t come into contact with your face either.
- The mouthguard should fit as tightly as possible and cover the mouth and nose.
- Remove your mouthguard at the latest when it gets wet. Let it air dry in a dry place.
In addition, it makes sense to sterilize the mouthguard regularly to kill any viruses that may be present. There is no precise information on how often this is necessary. Therefore: Better more often than too rarely.
Sterilize mouthguard: It’s better not to
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / KlausHausmann)
An obvious way to sterilize mouthguard: Disinfectant. However, the Robert Koch Institute warns that (at least with medical masks) disinfectants impair the functionality.
Likewise Not it is recommended to wear the face mask in the microwave to sterilize. Again SWR reports, there is no scientific evidence that microwave sterilization works.
Sterilize mouthguard: how it works
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / stevepb)
To be able to sterilize your mouthguard, it must be made of a fabric that can withstand temperatures above 60 degrees. This applies, for example, to cotton.
These methods suggest sterilizing experts:
- In his Corona podcast, Drosten reports that you are yours Sterilize mouthguard in the oven at 70 degrees can. This also recommends that Federal Ministry of Health during the current exceptional situation for medical personnel. You should heat the mouthguard for at least 70 degrees. However, the method is not 100% controversial: The German Society for Sterile Goods Supply indicates that it is unclear when the entire face mask has reached 70 degrees. It is therefore safer if you leave your mouthguard in the oven a little longer. In addition, the experts note that not every oven enables an exact temperature setting and that viruses that are still active can possibly get outside through the ventilation.
- According to Drosten, you can also make your own mouthguard Wash in the washing machine at 60 degrees. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment writes (in relation to dishwashers) that the combination of heat, water and fat-dissolving substances from the detergent should be sufficient to kill corona viruses. Also iron hot is supposed to help kill the viruses.
Read more on Techzle.com:
- Home remedies for corona: Virologist explains whether onions, inhalations, etc. help
- corona-Crisis: 7 mistakes you should now avoid when shopping
- Neighborhood help in times of corona: You have to know that