Wearing a mask continues to be an important part of protecting against the further spread of Covid-19. However, wearing face masks frequently means washing face masks frequently (unfortunately).
The CDC recommends including your mask in with your regular laundry, using regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask. Keep in mind - the hotter the water, the better your mask will be sanitized.
However, if you need to wash your mask more often or your mask is delicate - washing by hand might be a better option.
Washing By Hand:
Using Liquid or Powder Detergent: (According to cnn.com)
- Dilute your liquid or powder detergent in hot water
- Submerge your mask into the solution, stirring the mask in the solution for 30-60 seconds to lift dirt and soil
- Soak for roughly 20 min
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry
*When hand-washing masks, don’t overuse detergent and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Using too much detergent can cause skin irritation.*
Using Bleach: (According to the CDC)
- Check your bleach label to see if it’s intended for disinfection.
- Use bleach containing 5.25%-8.25% sodium hypochlorite. Don’t use a bleach product if the percentage is not in this range or isn’t specified.
- Ensure the bleach product isn’t past its expiration date and never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Use bleach containing 5.25%-8.25% sodium hypochlorite. Don’t use a bleach product if the percentage is not in this range or isn’t specified.
- Ensure the bleach product isn’t past its expiration date and never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) of 5.25%-8.25% bleach or 4 teaspoons of 5.25%-8.25% bleach per quart of room temperature water
- Soak the mask in the bleach solution for 5 minutes
- Discard the bleach solution down the drain and rinse the mask thoroughly with cool or room temperature water
- Make sure to completely dry the mask after washing.
To Dry:
Dryer:
- Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.
Air dry:
- Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the mask in direct sunlight.
Keep in mind, cloth masks are the only masks that should be washed. Disposable masks should be disposed of when they’re dirty, as the material is not meant to be exposed to water in any way (that means no steaming, microwaving, boiling, or any other crazy ideas either).
BONUS TIP: Makeup can be removed from fabrics using rubbing alcohol, and makeup remover wipes are a good way to pre-treat makeup stains on masks and face coverings.
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