Question: I found a disposable 3-M dust mask, one of those used for sanding and painting that

[catbyte]

I didn't know I had. It was lying in the back of a drawer I never go into. I forgot I even had it. It's not sanitary so should I disinfect it somehow like rubbing a Clorox wipe or hand sanitizer on it? And will it even do any good to wear it? Sorry for sounding like such a dope.

Thanks in advance

[Sherman A1]

1. I have the same masks

although they are new. I would think they are better than noting, but certainly not the most ideal.

[ornotna]

2. I put 70% alcohol in a small pump spray

And misting mine inside and out.

[StTimofEdenRoc]

3. No, It sounds nasty. Similar are readily available. buy a clean one.

better the a scarf

[BigmanPigman]

4. The sun and air and time will disinfect if the most.

I am rotating mine by not wearing them more than once every 2 or 3 weeks, even longer. Same with gloves. The virus naturally dies after a period of time. Leave it in the air or brown bag, not plastic, and if you want in the direct sunlight. UV rays kill the virus too. Bacteria will eventually grow on the mask and dirt and filth but it is better than nothing.

A folded dish towel works almost as good as a mask...see chart...
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/

[cayugafalls]

8. Excellent research, thanks for the link. Should be a OP.

I was going to make filters for the mask I ordered and now I know what material to use.

Stay well.

[BigmanPigman]

11. I got it from DU on March 20th.

I have a lot of info from here on DU about masks.

[cayugafalls]

20. I guess I could just take a dish towel and rig up a mask with no sewing.

DU is the best place to be right now, at least for me. I have gotten so much information here that has calmed my mind.

Thank again.

Stay well.

[BigmanPigman]

21. I just saw this and it looks interesting...

https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/make-diy-face-masks/

No sewing machine required too.

[cayugafalls]

5. I would not rub hand sanitizer on it.

Maybe the clorox wipe and then let it sit in the sun to dry. UV should kill some stuff as well.

I just ordered some mask from etsy. They might take a while to get here, but I need something so I went for it.

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=mask+with+filter&ref=auto-1&as_prefix=mask+with+fil

Stay well.

[Beartracks]

6. What is the purpose of the resurgent interest in masks?

Is it to not expel viruses out? Or to not breathe them in?

Because I would think bandannas, and dust masks and the like aren't sufficient to stop aerolized virus going in either direction.



Or am I missing something?

P.S. Well, I do realize it would stop sneeze and cough spray going out.

========

[Hermit-The-Prog]

9. here's a link to an interview with the top doc in S. Korea ...

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213200545

It's worth the time.

[Beartracks]

19. Thanks for this! n/t

[LunaSea]

7. Some of those masks use materials

with electrostatic properties that attract and hold particles. Getting them wet is likely to ruin that effect.
That said, yes, you should be able to clean it up, just be gentle. If there are no metal parts you might consider microwaves.

Coolest thing I've seen for this is a sterilizing chamber made out of a bucket and a cpap cleaner using ozone to sterilize used equipment.
https://imgur.com/gallery/LzFrEXZ
Plans and all

[beachbumbob]

10. I don;t think "sanitary" is an issue at this moment, this is good type of mask and really close

to N95 standards. Be glad you found it

[GeorgeGist]

12. If you would use it for sanding then it's fine.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

13. No strong chemicals on masks, or rough scrubbing.

Either of those could break up the bonds holding the fibers in a proper arrangement for particulate filtration, and chlorine chemicals in particular. These masks are not designed to be wet or washed in any way.

Just give it a gentle shaking to remove any loose dust and put it to work.

KY...........

[OregonBlue]

14. I foung a bag of them in the garage, maybe 10.

They smelled quite musty so I misted them with alcohol and they seem fine. My question is about how long I can use each one. Do I have to throw it away after one use or can I mist them with alcohol and reuse? Anyone have any clues?

[Raine]

15. I would use it if it was me

you're really lucky to have come across it!

[Joinfortmill]

16. I think you can use it

The idea is really to protect others from yourself. Here's a video of how to make a mask in 30 seconds.

[Beringia]

18. Thanks

[Meowmee]

17. I would just nuke it or steam it

Don’t put chemicals on it because it may damage the material and you could breath any residue in later and get sick. It should be good to protect you, better than nothing. Protect your eyes as well with goggles or a plastic veil over a hat. I ordered a hat with plastic barrier online. I also wear wrap around glasses over my glasses.