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While it’s best to leave some face masks for single use only, think about the professional-grade N95 masks and those blue disposable masks you see everywhere, many of the best face masks these days are meant to be reused. Fabric liners, in particular, are often machine washable, while others can be easily washed by hand with just a few products and simple steps.
According to the CDC, fabric coverings must be washed after each use. Although reusable masks will not last forever (typically should be thrown away after 20 uses), proper care and cleaning may help extend their life. Here we show you how to clean your face masks at home.
1. Bleach + water solution
You don’t need a ton of ingredients or fancy formulas to clean your face masks. The CDC recommends a simple bleach solution that you can create by mixing five tablespoons (1/3 cup) of household bleach per gallon of water at room temperature, or four teaspoons of household bleach per liter of water at room temperature (be sure to check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection.)
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Pour the bleach mixture into a bowl or tub and let your face cover the solution for at least five minutes (we recommend doing this with a pair of disposable gloves). Rinse well with cold water or at room temperature. Mix your mask in the dryer or roll it out to air dry. If you drop the dryer, the CDC recommends the highest possible heat setting; if air-dried, CDC says it’s best to put the mask in direct sunlight.
2. Warm soapy water
According to Diann Peart, the founder of the cleaning brand, Truce, cloth masks are not only the most widely used type of facial coating, they are also the easiest to clean. While bleach is excellent for disinfecting, Peart recommends using warm, soapy water. “While bleach can be great for disinfecting hard surfaces or cleaning towels and bedding, it can sometimes be a respiratory irritant,” she says. A warm soapy water solution can be gentler on your skin and facial mask material.
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This castile soap from Dr. Bronner produces a soapy lather and is made with natural organic ingredients that will not irritate the skin or the senses. The company says its soaps are vegan-friendly and safe for everything from clothes to mops to dishes.
3. Washing machine
Most cloth masks are machine washable, and Peart says “machine washing will suffice.” After running it through a cycle in the washer, Peart says to put the mask in the dryer on the hot setting.
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When it comes to doing laundry, no detergent has been proven to remove the coronavirus, but the CDC recommends products that contain hydrogen peroxide, which has disinfecting properties. Powerizer is a USDA BioPreferred plant and mineral based cleaner containing sodium percarbonate; When mixed with water, it is converted to hydrogen peroxide. Non-toxic and made without phosphates, dyes or fillers, Powerizer Complete is an excellent choice for cleaning your face Masks safely and effectively.
4. UV disinfectant
Studies have shown the effectiveness of using UV (ultraviolet) light to disinfect your phones and accessories, and Peart says UV rays can also disinfect your mask. While several companies now manufacture portable UV disinfection devices, Peart cautions that it is important to find one that is large enough to fit your mask entirely. “Since UV rays can only disinfect what it illuminates, any shadow cast by the small folds of a mask could prevent those spots from being decontaminated,” she says.
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According to the manufacturer, we like this Homedics UV disinfection bag, which uses UV-C LED technology to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. The unit is big enough to fit in your phone, keys, sunglasses, wallet and yes, your face mask too. Touch the power button and in just a minute the device will remove both sides of your mask with powerful LED lights for deep and deep cleaning.
There are a couple of other things to keep in mind. “Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling your face mask in case there are virus droplets on the surface of the mask,” says Peart. Plus: “Most experts recommend that your mask be washed and dried after each use,” he says, “so you may want to have two masks, in case you need one to run errands or work while you are wearing it. another is in the wash. “
Related: Where to buy the best cloth face masks
Another important note: “When your mask is dirty or damaged, you should discard it,” says Peart. “Don’t throw your dirty or damaged mask in the trash, it can contain dangerous germs. Wash the mask, dry it in the highest position, and then fold it and place it in a sealed plastic bag. then in the trash, “she says. And, of course,” always remember to wash your hands before and after you’ve handled the mask. “The last thing you want to do is protect yourself from breathing germs, only to rub them on your face right after.
