Healthy + Well writer: Shruti Sathish
Photo via Media from Wix
Since face coverings have become a new necessity, it is essential that we are caring for them regularly and doing what we can to keep them clean! Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about mask hygiene.
How often should face coverings be washed/disposed of?
Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use. Disposable face coverings should be disposed of after each use. It is therefore helpful to have multiple face coverings so you can wear a new one after each use. Also, be sure to have an extra face covering with you at all times in case something happens to the one you are currently wearing (such as broken ear straps) and you need another one right away.
What is the best way to take off a mask?
According to Dr. Lisa Maragakis from Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are a series of steps you should follow when taking off your mask. First, ensure that your hands are clean - wash them with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Next, grip the face covering by the ear loops, and remove it from your face. Then, fold the mask and put it into a disposable bag (if you plan to throw it away) or a laundry bag (if you will reuse it). Be sure to clean your hands again before touching anything else.
How should I wash my cloth face coverings?
Cloth face coverings can be washed in a regular washing machine with the rest of your clothes. No special detergents are needed; the kind you use to wash your clothes should be fine! Make sure you are using the warmest water setting for the cloth used to make your mask. The ‘hot water’ setting is great for cotton masks, as this is the hottest setting available to kill bacteria. Handwashing your masks using warm water and soap is also an option - you should just dry them in the dryer afterwards!
Sources:Â
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wash-cloth-face-coverings.html