Sterilization of household hygiene products comprises placing them in plastic container holding chemical germicide and placing container in microwave oven

摘要

In a process to sterilize household hygiene products e.g. toothbrushes, the product is placed in an enclosed transparent plastic container with a germicide chemical such as hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde or a mixture of suitable agents. The closed container is placed in a household microwave oven which is operated for the requisite period. The chemical germicide is distributed and activated within the container by microwave radiation. Preferred Features: The container may have a compartment holding the germicide chemicals which remains closed until the main container has been closed. The chemicals may be enclosed in a secondary sealed bag which is mechanically ruptured when required releasing the contents. The container may also contain a screen arrangement which prevents exposure of metal parts to microwaves. Successful sterilization is signaled by a suitable physical or chemical color-sensor. Following sterilization, liberated unused chemicals are broken down by a suitable catalyst. The plastic container may have a rigid wall or be in the form of a flexible bag.