The gas mask is a painful past reminder, a past suffered by many people, and is a symbol of interesting conflict and hostility. Mask collectors may have interest in World War, battle strategies, weapons facts and other war memorabilia. If you are a collector of gas masks, respirators or even a protective gas mask hood and blower system, keeping your collection clean is very important.
Here are the top tips for cleaning gas masks:
• The gas mask must always be displayed in a cool dry place, or stored in a clean case.
• If you are giving your antique collection the full valet, make sure that you have disassembled all the parts. Detach the hood from the face mask, and remove the eye guards and nose guards. Doing so means that you can get into all the nooks and crannies when starting your clean.
• Hoods can be cleaned easily using a moist cloth – Use warm water so that dirt comes loose as you wipe.
• Eye guards can be cleaned with dry cloth.
• Nose guard, snorkeling pieces, and face masks need to be soaked in warm water. If you want to remove germs, add a little household bleach.
• Once you have thoroughly soaked and washed all the parts, pat them dry with a clean cloth, then let them dry off completely in a cool, dry area.
• If you just want to give your mask collection a quick dust down, avoid household products and supermarket cleaning solutions. Use a duster to brush away any loose dust and dirt.
• Display masks and breathing apparatuses need to be dusted on a daily basis if possible, and cleaned thoroughly every few weeks.