What is the final step in cleaning the facepiece of a respirator?

The final step in cleaning the facepiece of a respirator is to rinse thoroughly to remove soap. This step is crucial because any residual soap can cause irritation to the skin and may also affect the respirator's fit and performance. Ensuring that all cleaning agents are completely washed away guarantees that the equipment remains safe and effective for the user. Rinsing not only helps eliminate the cleaning solution but also prepares the facepiece for the next stages of drying and disinfection, contributing to better hygiene and functionality.

While other steps in the cleaning process may be important, they do not follow this step when considering the sequence of properly preparing a respirator for storage or reuse. For instance, disinfection, air drying, and proper storage conditions are all consequential steps that happen after the thorough rinsing stage.