By Ashley Cloninger

Spread Kindness Not Germs: How to Keep Your Face Mask Clean

By now we are all doing our part to help stop the spread of Covid-19.  In addition to 20 seconds of rocking out to your favorite tune at the sink while scrubbing the germs away, to social distancing, also came the introduction of the face mask into our everyday wardrobe.  Many of us are sporting a reusable cloth mask, but now that they have become a part of our everyday lives, how do we care for them?  The CDC recommends routine cleanings of reusable cloth face masks or coverings after every use to ensure it is providing the best protection.

Keep in mind that not all face masks are reusable.  As a mom and wife, I’ve learned the hard way from having a disposable mask accidentally being thrown in the wash and not knowing.  The result yields a nice shredded mess all over your load of freshly cleaned clothes.  Double-check your load of laundry to ensure you’re washing only cloth masks.  

Below we’ve listed some best practices that with proper care and cleaning will help keep you protected while also extending the life of your face mask.

Machine Washing Your Face Mask

To properly remove your mask, handle only by the ear loops or ties.  You always want to avoid touching the front of the mask and be careful not to touch any part of your face.  

1. Remove any filters or detachable parts that may be attached to your mask.

2. Your washable face mask can be included with your laundered items.  
   Tip: When washing with multiple items, place your mask into a laundry bag or pillowcase and secure with a rubber band.  This is a great way to keep masks from tangling with other clothes.  Also, will help in extending the life of your mask and keeping it from coming apart at the seams.

3. Wash your face mask on the warmest setting dependent upon the type of cloth used to make your face covering.

4. When drying, read your face covering’s label for proper drying methods since some fabrics are more delicate and may shrink.  It it recommended to use the highest heat setting on your dryer or use direct sunlight.  

Handwashing Your Face Mask

For handmade masks, handwashing is the safest alternative.  Handmade masks can be hand washed the way you may already wash your delicates with regular detergent or with the CDC recommended bleach solution listed below.  

1. Wash the mask in hot water and rub detergent or bleach solution into the mask for 30 seconds.

CDC Recommended Bleach Solution:

*5 tablespoons (1/3rd Cup) Household Bleach Per Gallon of Room Temperature Water

*4 teaspoons Household Bleach Per Quart of Room Temperature Water

Tip:  When using bleach, check the label to ensure it is intended for disinfection.  Some color-safe bleach products may not be suitable.

2. Soak your face mask for 5 minutes in the bleach solution or 30 minutes if using regular detergent.

3. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry flat in direct sunlight

How to Dry Your Face Mask

• Reminder: Before drying, check your face covering label for the proper drying methods.
• Use the highest heat setting on your dryer.

Air Drying

• Place your face mask in direct sunlight, lying flat to allow it to completely dry.
  Tip:  If your mask becomes wrinkled, you may iron your mask on high heat cotton or linen settings provided it’s safe on for mask’s material.

As we’re adjusting to this new normal, let’s remember we are all in this together.