How to Sanitize Respirators

You should clean and sanitize respirators on a regular basis, especially if multiple individuals use the same respirator. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that respirators must be cleaned and sanitized before they are used by a different person to prevent the spread of viruses and other infectious diseases. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health lists specific methods for cleaning and sanitizing respirators to minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Things You'll Need

• 3 buckets
• Thermometer
• Soft brush or sponge
• Dish detergent
• Alcohol-free wipes
• Graduated cylinder
• Commercial disinfectant/quaternary ammonia/bleach

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Instructions

• 1

  Run 2 gallons of warm water in each of the three buckets. The water temperature should not be above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius).

• 2

  Disassemble the respirator and remove the cartridges, filters and accessories. Immerse the water-safe pieces in the first bucket.

• 3

  Wash the pieces with a soft-bristled brush or a sponge and a detergent without oils or lanolin, such as a dishwashing detergent. Alternatively, use alcohol-free wipes to clean the pieces.

• 4

  Remove the respirator pieces from the washing bucket and dip them into the second bucket of clean water to rinse them.

• 5

  Add a commercial disinfectant to the third bucket and dip the respirator in the solution. Alternatively, you can use one packet of a quaternary ammonia disinfectant per 2 gallons of water or 1 oz. of household bleach per 2 gallons of water to make a hypochlorite solution to disinfect the respirator.

• 6

  Rinse the respirator in the water-only bucket (the second bucket) before the disinfectant can dry.

• 7

  Allow the respirator to air dry in a sanitary environment. Keep the respirator out of sunlight and direct heat.