While it is incredibly important to wear a face mask in public to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is equally important to make sure you wash your masks correctly. How often should you clean a cloth mask? The short answer, and the one you probably don’t want to hear, is every time you use it. Mike Sevilla, MD, a practicing family doctor in Ohio, told POPSUGAR that it is advisable to wash the cloth face mask after each use, a recommendation that is in line with CDC guidance.
When you get home, be careful to remove the mask correctly. You should avoid touching the fabric, manipulating only the ear muffs or ties while removing the mask. If possible, place it directly in the washing machine or sink to wash it and immediately wash your hands. If you can’t wash it right away, put the mask in a zippered plastic bag for later washing.
Alexa Mieses Malchuk, MD, a practicing family doctor in North Carolina, told POPSUGAR that she recommends having multiple face masks on hand, if possible, making them easier to rotate. That way, there is less concern about having time to wash and dry them between each use.
How do I wash a cloth mask?
Follow CDC guidelines for cleaning your mask. If you have a washing machine, you can wash the mask in your normal clothes, using detergent and the warmest setting possible. If you need to wash the cloth masks by hand, soak them in a bleach solution for five minutes before rinsing them off. (You can add the bleach to the water, but avoid mixing it with other chemicals, such as ammonia.)
“I advise my patients that it’s okay to put the face cover in the dryer, but make sure it dries on the highest setting,” said Dr. Sevilla. “For air drying, extend the face cover and allow it to dry completely. If possible, place the face cover in direct sunlight.”
