How to clean and care for Your Fabric Mask
That’s the most important thing to keep in mind — that the purpose of the mask is not to protect the wearer, but to protect others The masks are useful for places like the drugstore, where it may be difficult to stay six feet away from someone else. When wearing a mask, be even more conscious of not touching their face. It’s also important to carefully remove the mask when you get home, so you don’t contaminate your hands.
How often should you clean your mask?
The mask is going to be covered in everything that comes out of your mouth. You’re probably going to wash it every day to remove odor.
Soap up
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of antimicrobial products that have been shown to be effective at killing viruses similar to COVID-19.
What temperature will kill the coronavirus?
COVID-19 stands up to various temperatures, but the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit (56 degrees Celsius) is hot enough to kill the coronavirus that causes SARS. Other tests found higher temperatures, up to 149º F (65º C), are more effective.
Why do washing machines work?
Some washing machines have allergen and sanitization settings. To qualify for an NSF certification for sanitization, washers must reduce 99.9 percent of microorganisms during the sanitization cycle. “The NSF International protocol does not specify a temperature for the washing machine’s sanitizing cycle to achieve,” said Costello. For the allergen certification, the washer has to remove at least 95 percent of house dust mite allergens and feline dander, and the water must reach 131º F (55º C). Neither certification includes testing on the efficacy of killing coronaviruses. “NSF International recommends following the CDC’s guidance for laundry,” said Costello. “In some cases, the sanitizing cycle on your washing machine may be the hottest setting.”
Even if your washer doesn’t have special sanitization settings, the mechanical action of the washer — tossing the clothes about and having them rub against each other — and the detergent will still kill the virus. It has a lipid layer that soap helps break down. Warm cycle will dissolve the detergent more efficiently.
Can you use your dishwasher to clean your mask?
Like washing machines, some newer models have sanitization settings. The NSF also certifies this setting. During testing, three common organisms – staphylococcus aureus, klebsiella pneumoniae, and pseudomonas aeruginosa – are added to the loads of dishes. The level of bacteria is tested afterward. The water in dishwashers that earn the NSF International mark for sanitization must reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65.56º C) during the final rinse and stay at or above that temperature long enough to achieve the 99.999 % reduction.
A 2000 study from the Institute of Environmental Medicine and Hospital Epidemiology found that 160º F (71º C) temperatures were adequate for disinfecting medical equipment, but not every dishwasher will get this hot. The water is still mixing with soap, which will help kill the virus, though it’s not being subjected to the same mechanical action as a washer produces. There’s also the potential that the mask could become wrapped around some of the dishwasher’s rotating parts and break the machine.
Can you boil your face mask?
Fill the sink with hot, soapy water and hand wash. Washing any item of clothing where there’s concern about a more familiar bacteria or virus, like salmonella or norovirus. But if you’re symptomatic and living with others, you might want to be a little more rigorous. Use a large pot and enough water to make sure it doesn’t all evaporate away. Leave the mask in the water for several minutes and swirl it around occasionally with tongs.
When should I get a new mask?
Some of these cleaning methods are harder on fabrics than others. Hotter water breaks down fibers more quickly, for example. A mesh laundry bag may help protect it from some of the twisting and turning that can happen as the washer rotates. If you’re noticing holes in your mask, it’s time to replace it.