Coronavirus Precautions: How To Store And Clean Face Mask?
Face masks have become a priority in the times of coronavirus pandemic. Cloth masks, N95, and respiratory masks, which we all now have to use as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.
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But what we all have skipped is how to store and clean these masks?
The cloth face masks worn during the coronavirus pandemic should be washed regularly, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Public health experts suggest wearing masks that are made of cotton fabric like t-shirts and scarves, which you can use while you are outside and unable to maintain social distance from others.
The face-covering should be washed daily after use, says Penni Watts who is an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham¡¯s School of Nursing. It is recommended that while cleaning your mask use soap and hot water. The mask should be dried properly and if possible, try and use a hot dryer for drying it completely.
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Watts, advises that storing these clean masks is also an important aspect, keep a paper bag ready and put your clean mask in it. This way the mask would not catch any dirt or germs.
The CDC has urged people to use washable cloth coverings or masks to ensure that there are enough N95 masks available for the medical workers as they need them at the frontline.
How to clean face mask?
According to the CDC has general guidelines on how to properly clean most cloth and fabric masks:
- Cloth face masks should be washed depending on the frequency of use.
- A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
- Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing it.
- More delicate masks or fabric made masks that are hand-sewn may need to be washed by hand.
- First, lather masks with soap and scrub them for at least 20 seconds with warm to hot water before it goes in the dryer.
