Ethan Clarke
Plastic face shields are used as protective coverings to safeguard the wearer's entire face from hazards such as coughing and sneezing. They are often used by healthcare workers and essential workers to create a physical barrier between themselves and the public. Face shields can be disposable or reusable, and they come in various styles and colours. They are easy to sanitize and can be cleaned using warm soapy water or a 70% alcohol wipe. It is important to avoid using household cleaners with ammonia or products designed for glass surfaces, as these can damage the plastic and shorten the lifespan of the face shield.
How to Sanitize a Plastic Face Shield
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Sanitize every day or as often as needed |
| Materials | Warm water, mild dish detergent, soft lint-free cloth, 70% alcohol wipe |
| Warnings | Avoid household cleaners with ammonia, glass surface cleaners, paper towels, toothpaste, extreme heat |
| Advantages | Easy to clean and sanitize, cost-effective, protective |
| Use Cases | Protection against COVID-19, safety equipment for home improvement projects, dental practices, hair salons, food services, retailers, schools |
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What You'll Learn
Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth
To sanitize a plastic face shield using warm soapy water and a soft cloth, follow these steps:
Firstly, run the plastic face shield under warm water to remove any loose particles. Ensure the water is not too hot, as extreme heat may wither the material. Next, apply a mild dish detergent to the soft cloth and gently clean the face shield. It is important to avoid using any abrasive cleaning materials, such as paper towels, as these can scratch the plastic surface. Rinse the face shield thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear, ensuring that all soap residue is removed. Finally, dry the face shield with a soft, lint-free cloth.
This method of cleaning is simple and effective, and it can extend the life of the face shield by preventing scratches and maintaining optical clarity. It is a good option for sanitizing face shields used in dental practices, as it avoids the use of toothpaste, which can cause scratches.
It is important to sanitize your plastic face shield regularly, especially if it is used in a medical or dental setting, to prevent the spread of viruses and protect against contamination.
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Disinfect with a 70% alcohol wipe
Disinfecting a plastic face shield with a 70% alcohol wipe is a straightforward process. Firstly, ensure you have the correct type of wipe. In this case, you should use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, which is widely available. These wipes are individually wrapped, making them convenient and hygienic, as they will remain moist until you need to use them.
Before disinfecting, it is important to remove any visible dirt or residue from the face shield. You can do this by gently wiping the shield with a soft, dry cloth. If there is any stubborn residue on the face shield, you may need to use a soft cloth dampened with warm water to loosen and remove it.
Once the face shield is clean, you can use the 70% alcohol wipe. Open the wipe's packaging and gently wipe the entire surface of the face shield, ensuring you cover all areas. Pay particular attention to the edges and any crevices where dirt and germs can accumulate. After wiping, allow the face shield to air-dry naturally. Do not use a hairdryer or any other artificial heat source to speed up the drying process, as this may damage the plastic.
It is important to note that while 70% alcohol wipes are effective at sanitizing, they may not be suitable for all face shields. Some coatings on face shields may be incompatible with alcohol, so it is always best to check the manufacturer's guidelines before using any cleaning product. Additionally, if your face shield has an anti-fog coating, be aware that alcohol wipes may reduce their effectiveness. In this case, you may need to treat the face shield with an anti-fog spray after disinfecting.
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Avoid household cleaners with ammonia
Plastic face shields are made with a variety of materials, including polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate (also known as PET or polyester). Some materials are more rigid than others, and some shields are more scratch-resistant, prolonging the overall life of the shield. Optical clarity in a plastic shield is critical.
To ensure optical clarity, it is important to avoid using household cleaners that contain ammonia or products formulated to clean glass surfaces. Cleaners like these can damage plastic surfaces, resulting in a permanently cloudy surface. Commercial cleaners that contain any type of grit are also contraindicated, including toothpaste. Avoid using paper towels, which can create microscopic scratches.
If you are worried that a specific cleaner or disinfectant might damage your face shield, it is easy to run a compatibility test. Apply a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous place on the shield, such as the edge. Make sure the test area is out of your line of sight to avoid an "oops" moment.
Instead of using ammonia-based cleaners, it is recommended to use mild soap and water or a cleaner made for plastic lenses. Face shields can be submerged in warm water to dislodge particulate matter. Adding a mild liquid dish soap, like Dawn, reduces surface tension, allowing the soapy water to evenly disperse across the surface. A soft cloth or sponge can then be used to gently clean the shield.
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Don't use paper towels to dry
To sanitise a plastic face shield, it is recommended to clean it with warm soapy water. Run the shield under warm water to remove loose particles, then use a mild dish detergent to clean. Rinse until the water runs clear.
It is important to dry your face shield with a soft, lint-free cloth. Paper towels should not be used as they are too harsh for the plastic and may scratch it. Paper towels are made from recycled paper and often have added chemicals to improve their absorbency, which can be harmful to the plastic of the face shield. Paper towels are also not as soft as regular towels or lint-free cloths, and their texture can cause micro-abrasions on the plastic, making it more prone to fogging up and collecting debris.
The scratches on the plastic surface can also make it more difficult to see through the face shield, which may be dangerous in certain situations. Furthermore, paper towels are not as absorbent as lint-free cloths, so they may leave lint or residue on the plastic, which can be difficult to remove and may also cause fogging.
Using a soft, lint-free cloth to dry your face shield will help to prevent scratches and prolong the life of the shield. It is also important to note that extreme heat can wither the material of the face shield, so it should not be left in a hot car.
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Sanitize every day or as needed
Sanitize your face shield every day or as often as needed to get the most use out of it. Face shields are made from a variety of plastics, and some may degrade over time if disinfected too frequently with alcohol or other disinfectants. Therefore, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning specialty face shields.
To clean your face shield, start by running it under warm water to remove loose particulates. Then, use a mild dish detergent or soap to clean the shield, ensuring that you remove the bioburden. Finally, rinse the shield until the water runs clear, and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. This process will ensure that your face shield is properly sanitized and will help extend its life.
If you are in a hurry or need to sanitize your face shield between patients, you can use a 70% alcohol wipe. However, it is critical to first wash the face shield regularly to remove the bioburden prior to using the alcohol wipe. This will ensure that the disinfectant is most effective.
It is important to note that some disinfectants, such as surface wipes or sprays, can leave a visible residue on the face shield, which will then need to be removed. Additionally, avoid using household cleaners that contain ammonia or products formulated to clean glass surfaces, as these can damage the plastic and result in a permanently cloudy surface. Paper towels should also be avoided, as they can easily scratch the face shield.
By sanitizing your face shield regularly and properly, you can help protect yourself and others from the spread of viruses and other contaminants.
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Frequently asked questions
You should sanitize your face shield every day or as often as needed.
The best way to clean a plastic face shield is with warm soapy water. First, run the shield under warm water to remove loose particles, then use a mild dish detergent to clean. Rinse until clear and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Yes, avoid using household cleaners that contain ammonia or products formulated to clean glass surfaces. Do not use paper towels as these can easily scratch the face shield.
Yes, you can use disinfectant wipes or sprays, but these products can leave a visible residue, which then needs to be removed. A 70% alcohol wipe will disinfect and keep plastic surfaces clear, but it is critical to first wash the face shield to remove the bioburden prior to disinfecting.
