The world is slowly recovering from the COVID19 pandemic. We can accelerate this recovery by maintaining healthy and sterile environments wherever possible. Be it inside schools, shopping centers, or office spaces – safety should be everyone’s first priority. That’s why Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tools like the sneeze guard have become very popular.
Sneeze guards were invented way back in 1959. However, they became household names during the COVID19 pandemic in 2020. In the past, only food sellers were required to use these protective barriers. Now, almost all types of businesses use these barriers in one capacity or the other.
Even single users can use these guards to protect specific areas of their homes or workspace. For instance, you can install sneeze guards around your office cabin to protect yourself from germs and viruses. Here are the types of sneeze guards you can buy, based on their materials –
- Acrylic Plastic Barriers: This material is ideal for manufacturing sneeze guards because it’s highly flexible. Acrylic can be molded, drilled, colored, and formed into different shapes.
- Polycarbonate Barriers: Similar to acrylic, polycarbonate is also a versatile material. It’s used to manufacture semi-bulletproof glass, car headlight lenses, and safety helmets. Sneeze guards made of this material are typically stronger and meant for long-term use.
- Glass Barriers: The most expensive type of sneeze barrier in the market. Glass barriers are typically used by people who want to set up permanent barriers in their workspaces. For example, cash counters at banks often have glass barriers to protect the workers.
If you’re a budget shopper, buying acrylic plastic barriers makes the most sense. These barriers are light, cheap, and highly durable. Ordering them in bulk online will save shoppers even more cash. But can sneeze guards made of acrylic plastic be reused? If so, for how long? Let’s explore.
Cleaning Acrylic Sneeze Guards: The Essential Steps
Acrylic sneeze guards are reusable. They can be washed, dried, and reused for several years. In fact, regular cleaning helps sneeze guards last longer. Here’s how operators should keep their acrylic sneeze guards shiny and transparent –
- After every time you use the guard, use a microfiber cloth to rub it clean. Manually rub off all fingerprints, dust, germs, etc., from the screen guard’s panels. Rub gently to ensure you don’t leave any scratches.
- After dry-rubbing, re-clean the screen guard’s panels with a wet cloth. Plain water or water mixed with household soap is okay for this step. Avoid using cleaning agents/products that contain harsh chemicals like acetone, isopropanol, ethyl, ammonia, etc.
- Spread the soapy cleaning mixture across all surfaces of the guard’s protective panels.
- Wash off the soapy mixture and allow the guard’s panels to dry. Once the panels are dry, polish them with a dry microfiber cloth.
Repeat these steps after every time you use your sneeze guards. Daily or even weekly cleaning of these barriers can easily make them last for up to three years. The COVID19 pandemic is far from over. By keeping your sneeze guards clean, you can use them in future emergencies.