Cleaning & Storage

A respirator only protects you if it is clean, dry, and stored properly between uses. Five minutes of care after each job keeps the seal soft and the valves working.

Before you clean

Remove the filters first. Filters are not washable. Water ruins the filter media and reduces the protection it gives you. Set them aside and check them against the replacement guide on the product page before you refit them.

Take off any removable parts you can: filters, filter covers, and valve covers. This lets you reach every surface.

Cleaning the mask

Wash the facepiece in warm water with a mild soap or a respirator cleaning wipe. Pay attention to the sealing edge that meets your face and the area around the valves, where sweat and dust collect.

Do not use solvents, alcohol gels, bleach, or abrasive cleaners. They harden the seal and shorten the life of the mask.

Rinse thoroughly in clean water so no soap film is left on the sealing surface.

Drying

Air dry the mask on a clean surface or hang it, away from direct sunlight, heaters, and radiators. Heat and UV degrade the seal. Make sure the facepiece and valves are fully dry before you refit the filters or store it.

Storage

Store the dry mask in a sealed bag or container, in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Keep it away from solvents, fuels, and other chemicals, which can damage the rubber and contaminate the seal.

Store filters separately, sealed, in a dry place. An opened filter keeps absorbing from the air around it, so a filter left loose on a bench is using up its life before you ever wear it. Note the date you first opened it.

When to replace

Replace the mask if the seal is cracked, stiff, or no longer springs back, or if a valve is torn or will not sit flat. Replace filters on the schedule shown on the product page, or sooner if breathing gets harder or you catch an odour through the mask.

Questions about care for a specific model? Email Support@TesoroSafety.com and a real person will answer within one business day.