Easy Virus Deactivation Kit for Reusing Mask

First the disclaimer: Do not reuse soiled and wetted masks! Do not share masks! THIS IS NOT A PROPER METHOD FOR MEDICAL STERILIZATION. This should only be used to reduce waste and extend mask usage when no other methods are viable.

The principle of virus deactivation by temperature method is based on the paper

Human Coronaviruses: Insights into Environmental Resistance and Its Influence on the Development of New Antiseptic Strategies

"Sensitivity of SARS-CoV to temperature has also been assayed. The exposure of the virus to a temperature of 56 °C over 30 min reduced virus titer under an undetectable level."

Here are the parts you will need

Supplies

Small usable hot and cold Pack 5x10 ($6.5 Amazon)

Reusable Foil Insulated Bag Sandwich Bags ($10 for 3 Amazon)

5x7 zip lock bag

Step 1: Proper Way of Heating Using Microwave

Make sure you have an oven mitt ready. Depend on the power setting of your microwave, the time should be around 1:30 to 2:00. Heating the hot pack in 30 seconds increment. STOP the microwave IMMEDIATELY if the heat pack starts to balloon. The alochol gel inside the pack will boil at 75C. DO NOT OVERHEAT.

Step 2: Last Step

Use the oven Mit, put the heated pack, ziplocked mask inside the insulated bag and wait.

Step 3: Some Data and Graphic for Your Approval

Yea, Science.

Comments

[Erik_Frank]

I am not sure if this is a good solution to the sterilization problem for single use equipment. As NirL said before does the mask itself reach a temperature of 56 degrees celsius? Why not set the oven to 60 degrees and put the mask inside? Paper catches fire at 230 degrees celsius, so you should be good to go. Nevertheless I appreciate every diy tutorial that help us all deal with the corona virus. so thank you very much for taking your time and showing us your solution. Keep up the good work!

[bing]

Very few homes have ovens with precision temperature control, even less can control the temperature in less than 100C setting. Some convector oven or air fryer in low setting might be useful. Hope this helps you.

[Erik_Frank]

Thank you. But even at 100°C those masks shouldn't start to burn. I think it is an idea worth thinking about.
Stay healthy and safe. Greetings from Germany,
Erik

[NirL]

I appreciate the temp vs. time graph! :) It lasts for way over 30 minutes.. well done:)
(hopefully the mask itself heats for over 56 degrees as well!)