Gas/Vapor Respirators

Two organic vapor respirator cartridges with particulate filtration.

Gas/vapor air-purifying respirators generally come in the form of cartridges that attach to a reusable partial- or full-face mask. Each cartridge is designed to be effective for specific gases or vapors. As with particulate respirators, you must match the cartridge to the hazard for the respirator to work properly. A gas/vapor cartridge alone won’t protect you from particles, unless it’s specifically designed to include particle filtration. Cartridges are color-coded to indicate the type of hazards they filter. Common color codes include:

Black: Organic vapors
White: Acid gases
Yellow: Organic vapor and acid gases
Green: Ammonia gas

There are additional color codes for other hazards, including colors for particulate filters designed for use with gas/vapor respirators.

While you can usually clean and reuse the mask portion of a gas/vapor respirator, it won’t last forever. Check it for wear or damage before and after using it and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Store the cartridges properly and don’t use them after their expiration dates. When using the cartridges, you must replace them periodically to maintain protection. The cartridges don’t offer protection once their capacity to absorb is exhausted, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

https://www.lowes.com/n/buying-guide/respirator-safety-mask-guide

Respirators should be professionally fitted

Well I am sure you are wearing a mask in this Covid era . So use those masks. If they are good enough for covid then they are good enough for cleaning. Or practice holding your breath.

One does not need to wear a mask indoors, with your family around…
It seems you are not that informed after all.
On Covid-19, that is.

Will wearing a mask allow you to sneak up on the dirt? – it won’t recognize you as a cleaner if it can’t see your face?

As @Tropical says, there are different masks for different substances. Not one rule for all. To be completely protected, you will need to change masks and wear noseplugs.

Paint mask is only 1 layer. They are good for spray paint droplets. N95 masks are for smaller particles and droplets. @Tropical_Willie has the goods on gas/vapor respirators.

I see your point. I don’t do very well with various vapors: bug spray, chlorine bleach vapors, ammonia vapors. I try to use the least possible. Vinegar doesn’t bother me though. Now that I have N95, I use those when I empty out my vacuum cleaner.

Good question. I am also highly sensitive. I haven’t resorted to indoor mask usage, but bought mid-sized industrial air filters (1 upstairs and 1 downstairs) and any scent is gone within a couple of minutes. I have it plugged in around the corner from the kitchen doorway, but will slide it into the doorway when I cook and the food scent is gone quickly, too. I can tell you more about what I picked in DMs, if you want.