By How to Clean and Sanitize Your Face Mask
Essential Guidelines to Ensure That You Stay Safe
The pandemic has brought one very specific accessory to every person’s wardrobe. Face masks have become the new norm, but unlike other items that you may use to embellish your ensemble, this is one that needs to be cleaned regularly.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing face masks and face coverings daily. However, with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we don’t always have the time to wait on a wash and dry cycle. No worries! We go over the various ways to guarantee that your mask is clean and sanitized so that you can stay safe!
Throw It In The Wash
For the individuals who have a mask for every day and occasion, just throw your mask in the wash with your regular laundry! Remember that the goal is to sanitize this item. Therefore, you need to run the load on the hottest cycle possible and it is recommended to use bleach, if the fabric allows.
However, if bleach is not in your laundry arsenal, consider the magic of white vinegar! This stinky, yet extraordinary liquid not only disinfects, but it also brightens and softens fabrics, lessens odors and it even prevents your pet’s hair from sticking to clothes! Just add one quarter to one half of a cup to the laundry for the beneficial effects!
Consider Hand-washing
Even if you are in a time crunch, you still want to ensure your safety. Therefore, get a bowl and let your face mask sit for five minutes in either some bleach or white vinegar. Next, rinse the face covering thoroughly. Then grab some laundry detergent or just some plain old dish soap and scrub away!
Finally, in order to dry this item quickly, run to the kitchen and grab your salad spinner. Give it a few whirls and then toss your mask in the dryer with a large, fluffy towel. This will help to quickly absorb the moisture and your face covering should be as good as new in a total of twenty minutes!
Ironing Is a Must!
In order for your mask to truly protect you from COVID germs, it needs to be positioned snugly on your face. A wrinkled face covering will not do the trick! Thus, after your mask is clean and dry, grab your iron and give it a quick press.
However, if you are not a fan of this chore, consider laying your mask on a flat surface after washing is complete and let it air dry in its proper form. Moreover, by allowing this process to occur in direct sunlight, while of course on a clean surface, you will actually double down on sanitizing this piece of apparel. Ultraviolet radiation has been proven to be a natural killer of certain types of bacteria and mold!
Other Ways to Disinfect Without Bleach
Alternatives to bleach include borax and hydrogen peroxide. However, many folks do not like the harsh effects that bleach can bring and these products are not much different. Therefore, if you prefer to go on a more environmentally friendly route, consider adding essential oils to the wash! Options such as tea tree oil, thyme, lavender and pine oils all have antibacterial properties that can help better your chances of staying healthy, while smelling spectacular!
Moreover, while not as effective as other products, when in a pinch, baking soda is another fantastic choice for reducing some bacteria. Keep in mind, that you never want to mix anything. Therefore, it is best to only choose one disinfectant to use at a time. This will prevent any inadvertent reactions from occurring. Also, avoid using dark colored oils, as they could stain your clothing.
Finally, don’t forget that heat is always your best friend when it comes to killing germs! After running items on a hot wash cycle (at least 140 degrees fahrenheit), make sure to run them through the dryer for a minimum of 45 minutes for optimal sanitization!
Keep Your Mask Clean Throughout The Day
If you have a handful of errands to run or you just have to walk through a busy business environment before getting into your private office, it is likely that you will be taking your mask on and off throughout the day. The manner in which you handle this item is key in guaranteeing your safety.
It is amazing how many things we unconsciously touch every hour that are covered in germs. Hence, when it comes time to take your mask off, it is imperative that you only touch the outside fabric and the straps.
The best practice is to sanitize your hands prior to removal and then fold the mask inward, enclosing the portion that lays against your face. Finally, take a clean plastic bag and place your face covering inside. This helps to prevent the spread of germs that your mask would collect if you were to just throw it in your purse or place it on your desk.
Final Thoughts — Cleaning Your Face Mask
Since the beginning of 2020, our face masks have been the first line of defense when it comes to preventing the contraction of the deadly coronavirus. However, in order for them to truly work properly, we have to ensure that they are clean. Whether we like it or not, these accessories are here to stay. Keep you and your family safe by following these simple steps!
Finally, fabric matters! While certain face masks may be more fashionable than others, some materials are better equipped at stopping the spread of germs. This is an accessory, but more than anything, it is a safety device. Pick your materials wisely!
According to the CDC, you should look for cotton masks that have two to four layers and have higher thread counts. While less breathable, wearing these products means less of a risk that bacteria can get through. Lastly, always remember to cover your nose and mouth to maintain your health!
