Respirator cleaning procedures

The mandatory basic steps are to disassemble, wash, rinse, disinfect (if needed), rinse again, dry, reassemble, and test the respirator. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134 for the full step sequence.

• Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters and disassemble facepiece components as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Wash parts in warm (maximum 43 °C / 110 °F) water with mild detergent or a manufacturer-recommended cleaner.
• Rinse thoroughly in clean, warm water (preferably running water) and drain.
• If the cleaner is not a disinfectant, immerse components for two minutes in an approved disinfectant (see Appendix B-2 for specified options).
• Rinse thoroughly again, then hand-dry with a clean lint-free cloth or air-dry.
• Reassemble, replace filters/cartridges as needed, and test to ensure proper function.

This procedure is required guidance; you may also use manufacturer instructions if they are at least as effective as the steps in Appendix B-2.

Yes — you may use the respirator manufacturer's cleaning instructions if they are as effective as Appendix B-2 in ensuring the respirator is properly cleaned and disinfected without damaging the respirator or harming the user. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Appendix B-2 explicitly allows employer use of manufacturer-recommended procedures as an alternative when those procedures accomplish the Appendix’s objectives.
• "Equivalent effectiveness" means the manufacturer procedure must accomplish the same objectives: proper cleaning and disinfection, no respirator damage, and no harm to the user.

You must use warm water at a maximum of 43 °C (110 °F) for both washing and rinsing respirator components. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Appendix B-2 specifies "warm (43 °C [110 °F] maximum)" for washing and rinsing to avoid damaging materials.
• Using hotter water can deform seals, degrade materials, or affect fit and performance.

Appendix B-2 recommends immersing respirator components for two minutes in one of the following disinfectants: a hypochlorite solution at 50 ppm chlorine, an aqueous iodine solution at 50 ppm iodine, or other commercial cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality approved or recommended by the respirator manufacturer. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Hypochlorite (50 ppm chlorine): approximately 1 milliliter of laundry bleach per liter of water at 43 °C (110 °F).
• Iodine (50 ppm iodine): approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of iodine (6–8 g ammonium/potassium iodide per 100 cc of 45% alcohol) per liter of water at 43 °C (110 °F).
• Alternatively, use commercially available cleansers that provide equivalent disinfectant quality when used per manufacturer instructions and when the respirator manufacturer recommends or approves their use.

Parts must be immersed for two minutes in the disinfectant solution when the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• The appendix requires a two-minute immersion in the specified 50 ppm hypochlorite or 50 ppm iodine solutions (or an equivalent commercial disinfectant) to ensure disinfection.

No — do not use a wire brush; Appendix B-2 allows only a stiff bristle (non-wire) brush to help remove dirt. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• A stiff non-wire brush helps remove dirt without damaging rubber, plastic, or sealing surfaces.
• Using a wire brush can abrade or puncture components and compromise respirator integrity.

You must remove filters, cartridges, and canisters, and disassemble facepieces by removing speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure-demand valve assemblies, hoses, and any components the manufacturer recommends removing. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Removing these parts prevents damage to elements that should not be immersed or washed and ensures thorough cleaning of the facepiece.
• Replace or re-install filters/cartridges/canisters only after the facepiece has been cleaned, dried, and reassembled, unless the manufacturer directs otherwise.

You must discard or repair any defective parts discovered during cleaning. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Do not return a respirator with damaged seals, cracked facepieces, or malfunctioning valves to service until properly repaired or replaced.
• Follow the respirator manufacturer's repair instructions and use only approved replacement parts to preserve protection and maintain compliance.

Respirator components should be hand-dried with a clean lint-free cloth or air-dried. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Use clean lint-free cloths to avoid leaving fibers or contaminants on sealing surfaces.
• Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembly to prevent microbial growth and to maintain proper function.

Thorough rinsing is emphasized because detergent or disinfectant residues left on the respirator can cause dermatitis and can deteriorate rubber or corrode metal parts if not completely removed. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Residues that dry on facepieces may lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions for the user.
• Some disinfectants can chemically degrade elastomers or metal components, reducing the respirator’s effectiveness and longevity.
• Always rinse in clean, warm (≤43 °C / 110 °F) running water when possible and drain thoroughly.

Yes — after cleaning and reassembly you must test the respirator to ensure that all components work properly. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134 and the employer obligations in 1910.134.

• Testing includes checking valve function, seal integrity, and proper fit before returning the respirator to service.
• Fit testing and user seal checks called for under 1910.134 remain required as part of the employer’s respiratory protection program.

You must remove filters, cartridges, and canisters before cleaning the facepiece; contaminated or defective filter elements are normally discarded or replaced rather than cleaned. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Appendix B-2 instructs removal of these elements prior to washing the facepiece but does not provide procedures for cleaning filter media.
• Follow the respirator manufacturer's instructions about service life and replacement of cartridges and filters; replacing them is the safest practice when contamination or damage is suspected.

The employer is responsible for ensuring cleaning procedures are used and are as effective as Appendix B-2 or the respirator manufacturer’s equivalent instructions. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134 and the employer program requirements in 1910.134.

• The employer must implement, document, and enforce procedures that prevent damage to respirators and harm to users.
• Employer responsibilities under 1910.134 include training employees in proper care and maintenance consistent with these procedures.

Shared respirators must be cleaned and disinfected between users using the procedures in Appendix B-2 or manufacturer-equivalent instructions to prevent cross-contamination. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134 and the employer program elements in 1910.134.

• Clean and disinfect facepieces after each user session according to the two-minute disinfection immersion or approved manufacturer method if the cleaner lacks a disinfectant.
• Ensure complete rinsing and drying before reissuance to the next user to avoid dermatitis and contamination risks.

Appendix B-2 does not specify a fixed cleaning frequency; employers must determine cleaning frequency based on workplace conditions and the employer’s respiratory protection program under 1910.134. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Common practice: clean respirators after each use when shared, after each shift for assigned equipment, or more often if contaminated, soiled, or exposed to biological hazards.
• Document the frequency and ensure employees are trained to clean and inspect respirators as specified in the employer’s written program under 1910.134.

Appendix B-2 gives general cleaning principles but advises following manufacturer recommendations for specific components of PAPRs and supplied-air respirators when those recommendations are at least as effective. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Remove and protect electrical or battery components per the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning.
• Clean hoods, breathing tubes, and facepieces in warm water with mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, disinfect as required, dry, then reassemble and test.
• Because PAPRs and supplied-air systems have additional mechanical and electronic parts, always verify cleaning and disinfection methods with the manufacturer to avoid damage.

Appendix B-2 does not list alcohol-based sterilants; it prescribes specific disinfectants (50 ppm hypochlorite or 50 ppm iodine) or commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality approved by the respirator manufacturer. Use alcohol only if the respirator manufacturer recommends and approves it as equivalent. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Using unapproved disinfectants risks damaging respirator materials or leaving harmful residues.
• Always check manufacturer guidance and ensure any chosen disinfectant is fully rinsed off to prevent dermatitis or material degradation.

No — Appendix B-2 does not specify storage procedures after cleaning; employers should follow the respirator manufacturer’s storage guidance and the employer’s respiratory protection program requirements in 1910.134. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Good storage practices include keeping respirators in a clean, dry, contamination-free environment away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and chemicals.
• Employers must specify storage methods in their written respiratory protection program under 1910.134.

Appendix B-2 describes washing components in warm water with a mild detergent and mentions using a stiff bristle brush; it does not endorse machine washing and implies hand cleaning is the appropriate method. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Because some respirator materials and parts are delicate, hand washing and careful brushing are recommended to avoid damage.
• If the respirator manufacturer explicitly permits machine washing and demonstrates equivalence to Appendix B-2 procedures, employers may follow that manufacturer guidance.

Appendix B-2 requires removing speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure-demand valve assemblies, and similar components as part of disassembly and then cleaning, rinsing, drying, and reassembling them. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Remove these components per manufacturer instructions before washing to ensure thorough cleaning and to avoid water damage to sensitive parts.
• After cleaning and drying, reassemble and test valve function as part of the post-cleaning operational check.

Remove the filters or cartridges and replace them rather than attempting to clean them; ensure the facepiece and other reusable components are cleaned and disinfected per Appendix B-2. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Many filter media are not designed to be disinfected and attempting to do so may compromise filtration efficiency.
• Follow manufacturer guidance and your employer’s respiratory protection program in 1910.134 when disposing of or replacing contaminated cartridges/filters.

To prevent dermatitis, thoroughly rinse all detergent and disinfectant residues from the respirator components and ensure they are completely removed before drying and reuse. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Use only the concentrations and disinfectants listed in Appendix B-2 or manufacturer-approved alternatives.
• Ensure employees who clean respirators wear appropriate gloves and follow safety data sheet instructions for any cleaning agents used.

A commercial cleanser is acceptable only if it provides disinfectant quality equivalent to the listed options and is used as directed, and preferably if the respirator manufacturer recommends or approves its use. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Verify that the commercial product’s label and technical information demonstrate effectiveness similar to 50 ppm hypochlorite or 50 ppm iodine.
• Prefer products that the respirator manufacturer has tested and approved for use on their models to avoid material incompatibility.

Appendix B-2 itself does not mandate specific documentation, but the employer’s respiratory protection program under 1910.134 requires written procedures and training—so employers should document cleaning procedures and schedules. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134 and 1910.134.

• Document your chosen cleaning method (Appendix B-2 or manufacturer equivalent), frequency, and responsible persons in the written program.
• Training records should show employees were instructed in the correct cleaning and inspection procedures required by the program.

Appendix B-2 allows defective parts to be discarded or repaired, but repairs must restore the part to a condition that maintains protection; follow manufacturer repair instructions and use approved replacement parts. See Appendix B-2 to 1910.134.

• Use only replacement parts specified or approved by the respirator manufacturer to avoid degrading fit or function.
• If in-house repair is performed, verify post-repair testing and fit checks are completed before returning the respirator to service.