TABLE 4.
Effective methods to disinfect respiratory equipment in the homea
| Disinfection method | Recommended duration |
|---|---|
| Immerse in one of the followingb (118, 170): | |
| 1:50 dilution of 5.25-6.15% sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) | 3 min |
| 70-90% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol | 5 min |
| 3% hydrogen peroxide | 30 min |
| or | |
| Boil in water (171) | 5 min |
| or | |
| Use a standard-cycle dishwasher (32, 81, 169) | 30 min at >158°F (70°C) |
| or | |
| Use a home microwave (2.45 Ghz) (165, 166, 175) | 5 min |
a
Must be permissible by the manufacturer.
b
These preparations lose activity with time, but the optimal storage time is unknown. For example, chlorine preparations have a 50% reduction in activity after 30 days (D. Weber and W. Rutala, personal communication).