Mask Up, Wash Up – How to Properly Wash Your Masks

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2020) – Six months into the pandemic, and you’re a handwashing champion. You excel at cleaning your personal space, and you won a gold medal at the physical distance Olympics. Now it’s time to focus on the task right in front of you. Specifically, right in front of your face. Your mask.

Wearing a facial covering is crucial to slowing the spread of the coronavirus, the virus that causes the disease COVID-19. But in order to maximize their effectiveness, they must be washed in between wears. Here are a few tips to make sure your mask is sanitized and ready to wear.

• Use hot water. Hot water and soap are the magical combination that can protect you against the virus. Machine washing is optimal, but if you have to hand wash, be sure to scrub thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with hot water and soap. Dry it on high heat in the dryer or in the sun.
• Don’t zap it. Not only can the microwave break down the fibers in your mask and make it less effective, you run the risk of starting a fire. If you don’t have access to a washer and dryer, stick to hand washing.
• Dispose of the disposables. Disposable masks are meant to be worn only once. Throw it away after you wear it.
• Disinfect in the sun? Not so fast. Many people hang their masks from their rearview mirror with the assumption that UV light from the sun will disinfect them. The jury is still on out on how effective that is, but if your mask is contaminated, the blast from your air conditioner can circulate virus particles throughout your car. 
• Stock up. Masks can be found at almost any store. If you can’t or don’t do laundry very often, have a stack of clean masks to hold you over until laundry day.
• Have a clean, dry mask at the ready. Keep your clean masks separate from your dirty ones. Store them in a paper or plastic bag and keep the bag next to the door or in your car so you always have a fresh one when you need it.
• Change it up. A damp mask is an ineffective mask. If you sweat or the masks gets damp from your breath, put on a fresh one.
• Treat your mask like underwear. Like your unmentionables, masks should be washed after every use. And once it’s on, don’t touch it without also washing your hands.
• Wash your hands. The outside of the mask is contaminated as well. After you remove your mask, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

Remember, masks only work if you wear them correctly ­– double check the guidelines if you’re unsure. Make sure your nose is covered. Handle the mask by the ear loops, and once it’s on, don’t touch it.