Many of us are walking around with face masks, and perhaps one extra in the car just in case. Maybe we have one in the office if we are going in…but… when do they get washed? And how often should they be washed?
The CDC says it “ should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.” But what does that mean exactly? Some medical doctors say after each use or at the end of every day.
How? Placing a cloth mask in the washing machine with standard soap is a great way to disinfect the mask, but Mayo Clinic suggests using a hot water setting, and a hot dryer setting. Replacing a disposable mask after each use is ideal; but if you are reusing it, then consider switching to the cloth kind and hand washing it every day. Some people are using a “PhoneSoap” device which uses UV light to kill 99% of all germs on the mask. But you must also ensure that the mask hasn’t gotten wet from a sneeze or cough; if it has, it’s best to throw it away.
