Some surgical masks can be washed, study finds

UFC Que Choisir ensures that certain models of surgical masks remain effective after ten washes and as many drying cycles. These different devices were also ironed ten times at low temperature.

While wearing a protective mask is now compulsory to fight the Covid-19 epidemic, the UFC Que Choisir brings good news for the wallets of the French. While surgical masks are normally meant to be thrown away after four hours of use, habits may soon change.

Very good filtration capacities after 10 washes

The consumer association has shown that these protective devices retain very good filtration capacities after 10 machine washes at 60°C. To reach these conclusions, they carried out experiments on three models purchased in supermarkets for the first two and in drugstores for the last model. For the first model, purchased at Auchan, it is a disposable medical mask box (non-sterile). The second, purchased from Leclerc, is the Disposable Surgical Masks – A.MK. These first two devices, type 1, displayed the EN 14683 standard and ensured 95% bacterial filtration efficiency. The third model, Disposable comfort mask, in a pack of five, was found in a drugstore. This mask did not bear any official markings. These three models were washed ten times, also tumble-dried the same number of times and then ironed at low temperature. “In the end, even having undergone several washing cycles, they are well above the minimum requirements for fabric masks bearing the official Afnor / DGA filtration guarantee which served as a reference for us”, notes the UFC Que Choisir in its conclusions.

Also read

A slight felting

In its survey, the UFC Que-Choisir reports that when new, the three masks stopped more than 98% of particles larger than 3 µm. After the various tests, the three models retained sufficient levels of filtration capacity with 100% for one of the surgical units, 90% for the second and 98% for the comfort mask.

A fundamental element, the rubber bands have also remained intact. The consumer association reports "a slight felting" of the various surgical masks.

And in terms of breathability?

"One of the surgical masks did not meet the requirements of fabric masks under the official guarantee, both new and after washing, but was close enough to ensure comfortable use during quiet activities. The other two models were well beyond the minimum required", found the UFC Que-Choisir. If this possible reuse of masks represents good news for the environment, some scientists oppose washing surgical masks. Like Rémi Reuss, head of development, occupational health and safety at Afnor, the Standardization Association, which assured in September: “Washing the surgical mask is absolutely not recommended. take no risks and respect the standards. You can wear a surgical mask for a maximum of four hours. Once this period is over, you have to throw it away."

Last news