In connection with the wearing of masks, there is also the question of correct cleaning and reuse.

Basically, the following applies: Masks that fall into the category of personal protective equipment (PPE or so-called filtering facepiece [FFP] masks) are marked with the official CE symbol in Europe [other jurisdictions have comparable certificates of conformity, e.g. NIOSH in the USA]. For all products with a CE marking, the manufacturer's instructions must be observed. This applies in particular with regard to cleaning and reuse. Products that are suitable for cleaning and/or reuse are marked accordingly by the manufacturer. These masks must only be cleaned in accordance with the respective instructions of the mask manufacturer.

We strongly advise against cleaning/desinfecting masks of any kind by heating them in household appliances such as ovens or microwaves. These devices are not intended for such use. Furthermore, we do not have any information that would indicate that the viruses can be reliably killed by heating. In addition, the masks can be damaged by the heating to such an extent that their protective effect is no longer guaranteed. Finally, in the worst case, serious equipment damage, up to and including equipment fire, can occur if the equipment is used improperly (e.g. heating of metal parts of the mask in the microwave).

Surgical masks are not respiratory protection in the strict sense and therefore do not fall under the PPE Ordinance. However, even for surgical masks, only the manufacturer can decide whether and with which process steps desinfection and/or reuse is permissible, if necessary. It is therefore essential that the manufacturer's instructions are also observed. These masks must only be cleaned in accordance with the respective instructions of the mask manufacturer.

We strongly advise against cleaning/desinfecting masks of any kind by heating them in household appliances such as ovens or microwaves. These devices are not intended for such use. Furthermore, we do not have any information that would indicate that the viruses can be reliably killed by heating. In addition, the masks can be damaged by the heating to such an extent that their protective effect is no longer guaranteed. Finally, in the worst case, serious equipment damage, up to and including equipment fire, can occur if the equipment is misused (e.g. heating of metal parts of the mask in the microwave).

Homemade fabric face coverings, which are now widely used, are not PPE and, like similar textiles, can be cleaned using standard household methods.

We only recommend washing programs with a temperature of 60°C or higher, which maintain this temperature level for a longer period of time. This includes the following washing programs: Cotton 90°C as well as the programmes AllergyPlus 60°C or Hygiene 60°C, which are offered as an option on some models. The programmes must be used in combination with a bleach-containing heavy-duty detergent to achieve a corresponding anti-bacterial and virus-reducing effect. We expressly point out that this cannot guarantee a complete desinfection.