How to Properly Launder Cloth Masks

We are still in the middle of a pandemic, and to stay safe and healthy, we should practice the correct way to use and launder cloth masks. Cloth masks are 100% cotton and are the best to party with.

You should launder the cloth mask after you wear it. But, even if you do it immediately, but you do not do it properly, there’s still a great chance of spreading the coronavirus. So, how do you properly laundry your cloth masks?

If you cannot bring your mask to the local laundry shop, it is best to do the laundry at home. There are specific guidelines from the CDC on how you should clean your cloth and fabric masks.

Carefully remove your mask and wash your hands before touching any surface. Now that you have withdrawn your mask, pick the best strategy for you among the two.

Laundry with Washing Machine

1. You can wash your cloth and fabric mask with your regular laundry. Ensure that the load is not full of laundry with soil and grime. The dirt and grime might transfer and accumulate on your face mask.
2. Use a regular laundry detergent. Do not use any fabric softener. A non-scented laundry detergent is the best choice to avoid the scent from irritating your nose. Set the water setting to the warmest appropriate for the cloth mask.
3. After the wash cycle, you can put the cloth mask in the dryer. Set the dryer to the highest heat setting. But, if you do not have a dryer machine, lay the mask flat on a clean surface and let it dry completely. 

Wash by Hand

1. Check the cloth or fiber mask. Some manufacturers leave some laundry tips on the clothes. If bleach is recommended for disinfection, then go for bleach. But, only use that has only 5.25% to 8.25% sodium hypochlorite.
2. Make a bleach solution by adding 5 teaspoons of bleach into the water.
3. Soak the mask in the bleach solution and leave it for 5 minutes.
4. Discard the bleach solution properly. Rinse the mask thoroughly with cold water. Do this step several times to avoid nose irritation or worse.
5. After rinsing the mask, put it inside the dryer and set it to the highest setting. However, lay the mask or fiber cloth on a dry and clean surface if you do not have one. Let it lay for a day.

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You might read some hoax cleaning methods around the Internet, such as sticking your clothes and cloth mask in the oven or microwave. The director and expert of Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab do not suggest this method as it is ineffective as standard washing and drying.

Do not laundry those blue surgical masks. It should be thrown away.

Washing a cloth or fiber mask is easy. There aren’t any strict rules on your method and how often you should do it. But, it is best to wash your face mask after use, no matter how frequent it is. Being extra cautious is better than catching the virus.