Reporters and producers on the scene: You don't want to wave unprotected equipment on the face of the interviewee-for everyone.

NPR audio engineers tested the sound quality of these microphone protection methods. If the engineer can fix your tape before it airs, that would be ideal. The cleaning and disinfection methods detailed below have also been approved by engineers.

The best barrier choice for indoor or outdoor

● RE50 + plastic wrap ● RE50 + thin snack bag ● Shotgun + soft (dead cat) + plastic wrap ● Shotgun + soft (dead cat) + thin trash bag ● Shotgun + soft (dead cat) + large zipper bag ● RE50 + probe cover or non-lubricated latex condom (probe cover is preferred; this method does require an engineer to repair)

● Shotgun + foam windshield + non-lubricating latex condom or probe cover ● Shotgun + foam windshield + large zipper bag

Plastic packaging barrier for shotgun microphones

Trash bag barrier for shotgun microphones

Ziplock bag barrier for shotgun microphone

RE50's cling film barrier

Non-lubricated condom or probe cover barrier

Roll the condom or probe cover onto your microphone. Try to cover as many microphones as possible. Shotguns with small foam windshields and condoms are easily affected by wind noise, but are suitable for indoor use.

Recorder, gun microphone, pistol grip, earphone, cable: use 70% alcohol wipes or bleach wipes.

RE50 Omnidirectional Microphone: Use bleach wipes (avoid alcohol).

Windshield: The windshield should be cleaned with mild warm water and a detergent solution. This can be done in a sink or plastic bag. Warning: It takes a long time to dry a large piece of fluffy windshield, and it is best to do it at night.

To properly clean the windshield, follow these steps:

Melissa Marquis, Fiona Geiran, and Greg Dixon helped create this guide.

Sean Phillips is the audio engineering production manager for NPR West.