Cleaning out gas masks?

[helix_3]

I just got my Belgian gas mask today in the mail, and it's perfect save one thing: it's full of allergens. I'll wear it for five minutes (without the screw-in filter) and after I take it off my eyes will itch and I'll be sneezing with a runny nose. Using a damp paper towel, I wiped out the threading on the intake port and got a bunch of dirt off there, and wiped off the inside of the mask. Despite all this, I'm still getting a face full of junk whenever I wear it!

Does anyone have experience on how to clean out something like this?

 

[T2SF]

How about alcohol + water. I usually put half and half. Maybe boil it? scrub it all down with a toothbrush? I'm not sure what the chemicals will do to the silicone/rubber sometimes give it a white film. Hate to ruin the gasmask.

 

[punisher]

I had this very same problem, I just vacuumed it out then splashed it around in some soapy water while it was taken apart (lens removed, both air intakes, front connector) and then again in clean water and let it air dry. was like brand new then. Good luck dude.
-Scott

 

[shagger999uk]

We just wash ours in warm soapy water. The manual says to disinfect them with a 10% hibitane solution.

Sounds like you've got some CS stuck to it still.......

 

[SithLord]

Be careful with that....

I. Procedures for Cleaning Respirators
A. Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassemble facepieces by removing speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure- demand valve assemblies, hoses, or any components recommended by the manufacturer. Discard or repair any defective parts.
B. Wash components in warm (43 deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum) water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. A stiff bristle (not wire) brush may be used to facilitate the removal of dirt.
C. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43 deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum), preferably running water. Drain.
D. When the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in one of the following:
1. Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach to one liter of water at 43 deg. C (110 deg. F); or,
2. Aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine) made by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of iodine (6-8 grams ammonium and/or potassium iodide/100 cc of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43 deg. C (110 deg. F); or,
3. Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed, if their use is recommended or approved by the respirator manufacturer.
E. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43 deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum), preferably running water. Drain. The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on facepieces may result in dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed.
F. Components should be hand-dried with a clean lint-free cloth or air-dried.
G. Reassemble facepiece, replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.
H. Test the respirator to ensure that all components work properly.

 

[darthgordon]

Basically what SithLord said... which is basically, break it down, and wash it in mild detergent and warm (not hot, you can warp it) water.

Rinse it thoroughly... instead of a cloth, you can allow it to air dry, but don't put it back together until it is dry.

 

[Rahl]

For our gas masks in the Air Force we use mild soap and water and then a submersion into a bath of mild bleach and water then rinsed with plain water.
Do not use alcohol or windex.

 

[punisher]

Basically what SithLord said... which is basically, break it down, and wash it in mild detergent and warm (not hot, you can warp it) water.

Rinse it thoroughly... instead of a cloth, you can allow it to air dry, but don't put it back together until it is dry.

but thats basically what I said:lol

 

[darthgordon]

Oh... you're right... you did.

 

[bleyd]

For an overhaul we'd do the water and mild soap. For each inspection I would clean the interior with one of those alcohol pads. Lenses too. I had my mask for 3 years and never noticed any real deteriation. Even used it real world without a hitch. We were supposed to inspect it once a month. In the Gulf I inspected mine at least once a week whether or not I used it.

 

[Cpl Potter]

its not called allergens its called cs gas

 

[darthgordon]

For an overhaul we'd do the water and mild soap. For each inspection I would clean the interior with one of those alcohol pads. Lenses too. I had my mask for 3 years and never noticed any real deteriation. Even used it real world without a hitch. We were supposed to inspect it once a month. In the Gulf I inspected mine at least once a week whether or not I used it.

We used to do the same thing... and I used to work with chemical weapons... but 3M actually makes a respirator cleaning wipe that doesn't contain any alcohol and would be better on the mask's rubber.

I'm now curious as to what this mask is for.

 

[punisher]

protection against WMD's of course!!!

 

[terryr]

Since it's just a prop, blast it with whatever. Lysol would kill anything alive. Oxi-clean It!!!

Ten years ago I briefly worked in a compost factory as a plant operator. That crap would even get inside a full face mask! Cleaning it out required strong sprays. We had cans of stuff that would even kill HIV.
The military should use it with some disease attached. Blows around when dry, activates when moist, like in your lungs. Even with the mask we would get flu-like symtoms once a month. Nasty. I quit.

 

[helix_3]

Thanks for the tips everyone!! I filled my sink up with warm water and a little soap, submerged the whole gas mask and washed water through the valves, then rinsed it out with clean water. Once I let it dry and it was as good as new!

Also,

Ten years ago I briefly worked in a compost factory as a plant operator. That crap would even get inside a full face mask!...Nasty. I quit.

Jurgis feels your pain.