Need to know: 3 ways to disinfect Covid-19 prevention masks using a microwave

This simple disinfection method was instructed by Dr. Doan Ngoc Hai, Director of the Institute of Occupational Health and Environment, Ministry of Health, when sharing with the press about the solutions that the Institute is implementing to fight the Covid-19 epidemic.

Dr. Doan Ngoc Hai shared that in current disinfection treatment, there are 4 popular technologies: UV, ozone, heat, microwave. We have also tested mask disinfection based on these methods.

“UV can only disinfect the surface of the mask but is not effective on the middle layer. Meanwhile, ozone disinfection equipment is too bulky and complicated. In the end, we focused on the microwave method because it is the most feasible and easiest to apply,” said Dr. Hai.

To sterilize masks, you only need a microwave, with the default power of the oven set at 800W. This oven is used exclusively for sterilizing masks, not for heating food.

Sterilizing masks with a microwave is very simple, however people need to follow the steps according to the instructions.

Step 1:Use any antiseptic solution to spray on the mask, you can use ionized saline, 0.9% physiological saline or other antiseptic solutions. The main purpose of this operation is to moisten the mask, sterilization is only secondary.

Step 2:Place the mask in the microwave with the side sprayed with disinfectant facing up, set the oven to microwave only mode (do not turn on the grill function) at 800W and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3:After finishing filming, wait a moment for the mask to cool, take it out by holding the strap and you will have a sterile mask, ensuring reuse.

Dr. Doan Ngoc Hai recommends that the parameters set for microwave ovens have been carefully studied through experiments. Therefore, people applying this method need to follow it exactly to ensure the ability to sterilize, as well as their own safety. Absolutely do not arbitrarily create or adjust the time or power level because it can cause fire or explosion.

The recommended type of mask for this disinfection method is a cloth mask or a standard disposable medical mask. Masks of unknown origin or special masks may contain materials that can cause a fire reaction when heated in a microwave.

Therefore, it is best to only apply to recommended masks. In addition, during the disinfection process, you should also keep an eye out to promptly handle any problems that may arise.

According to Dr. Hai, the masks after being sterilized in the above way have been evaluated and tested by the Institute to be absolutely sterile. However, it is important to note that you should only sterilize your own mask, not mix it with other people's masks. It is best to sterilize each one individually.

The Institute of Occupational Health and Environment has improved some microwave ovens to create specialized equipment for the purpose of disinfecting masks in hospitals or offices. To avoid users adjusting the oven parameters against recommendations, we have removed the oven power adjustment button in these devices, leaving only the time adjustment button at the specified levels.