Autoclaving
SAR-COV-2 COVID-19 Mask Sterilization
Sterilization refers to any process that eliminates, removes, kills, or deactivates all forms of life (in particular referring to microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spores, unicellular eukaryotic organisms such as Plasmodium, etc.) and other biological agents like prions present in a specific surface
The method of choice for sterilization in most labs is autoclaving; using pressurized steam to heat the material to be sterilized. This is a very effective method that kills all microbes, spores and viruses, although, for some specific bugs, especially high temperatures or incubation times are required.
Three primary methods of medical sterilization occur from high temperature/pressure and chemical processes.
- Plasma Gas Sterilizers.
- Autoclaves.
- Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilizers.
Autoclaving is accepted as being the most effective and most efficient way of sterilization. Moist heat autoclaves work on a time and temperature relationship. Higher temperatures are important for more rapid killing of microorganisms
Note: YouTube myths: Rice cookers have zero pressure and not enough heat or steam. Microwaves will damage and or may cause a fire. Pressure cookers and instapots may both provide the right temp, pressure and steam however, if cloth mask are not in a sterile bag, they will be damaged and considered not safe.
Masks should be replaced daily if you are in a crowded area such as Markets, wholesale warehouses, department stores or medical facilities. If you are stepping out to collect mail, walk the dog, or visits from family or friends, your mask should be sterile for 3-5 days.
Sterilization Process
STERILE BAGS
INSPECTION
First, please place your cloth mask protection in a paper or plastic bag. Please place your name and contact number. We shall determine the price on the amount of mask you drop off. If washed, please state and if it requires washing, it will be an additional charge. Please look at pricing to determine which package you would prefer.
INSPECTION
STERILE BAGS
INSPECTION
We will inspect all mask for wear and tear before we start the sanitation procedure. Mask that have signs of deterioration, tears or holes will not be sanitized and client will be informed.
STERILE BAGS
STERILE BAGS
STERILE BAGS
Masks will be placed in a sterile bag, if more than one, but less than four. We will place them in a larger bag. Most clients prefer single for once a week use if working in an office or Wearhouse atmosphere.
AUTOCLAVED
AUTOCLAVED
STERILE BAGS
Your mask will be placed into the autoclave, we are able to place in several bags on three separate trays.
TIMED
AUTOCLAVED
COMPLETED
Your pouch will reach a temperature of 270 degrees Fahrenheit, steamed and pressurized at 20.8 PSI. The extra pressure in an autoclave means that water boils at a temperature higher than its normal boiling point—roughly 20°C hotter—so it holds and carries more heat and kills microbes more effectively.
COMPLETED
AUTOCLAVED
COMPLETED
Company representative will either call, text, or email you on completion of your item(s). The clients preference. The picture above is by far the safest combination when it comes to protection. The surgical mask is inserted into the opening of the double layered cloth mask.
Are our surrounding really safe
ARE YOU REALLY SAFE!
Stay at home is the objective, but we need to get out and shop for food and consumables. Walking down an aisle with people, you don't know, and wondering if any of them, including the workers have washed their face coverings. There is a very large percentage of people who do not wash the masking, mask are thrown around the car, throughout the house, some saturated in cigarette smoke, and passed from friend to friend. Those 3M N95 mask worn over and over (they should be changed in a closed environment, every 3 days) and daily if in a crowded area. For those wearing white masks, if they have dirt stains or tears, be sure they are worthless for protection.
OUR KEIKI
The innocent ones, our children trust us to keep them safe at all times. When we place a face covering on them to go shopping, beach, public parks that are currently open or to play outside with neighborhood friends, they trust us that their face covering is washed and safe to wear. Know that after a proper sterilization, the masking's are good for 3-5 days. We used to worry about the elderly, but as we all know now, age is not a factor on this recent pandemic. Keep your babies safe from not just the SARS-CoV-2, but for all bacteria's and viruses.
STEPPING OUT OF THE BOX
We have noticed many varieties of face coverings/masks. The best: 3M N95. The surgical mask, either tied or elastic bands. The very colorful Facebook marketplace masking's, Bandana's (worst type), masks with little filters (very good mask, if you change the filters daily), and the bandana hoodie which I thing is wonderful if placed over a mask. This hoodie can act as a turtle neck and when out and about, placed over your mask to keep it in place and you will have less skin to touch. It still requires washing, but after several times in the dryer, the fibers open up as with your masking's, that is where Autoclaves come in place, no tumbling in dryers, they are placed in pouches and steamed, pressurized and sterilized. The sterilization process in a sterile pouch will keep your mask safe for 1 year.