How to properly wash a cloth mask that can be used as many times as you like



Research has shown that it is effective to wear a mask to maintain social distance as a measure against the spread of new coronavirus infection. Most commercially available non-woven masks are basically disposable, but cloth masks can be reused by washing. Professor Brett Mitchell of the School of Nursing, University of Newcastle, and Associate Professor Philip Russo of the School of Nursing, Monash University, explain how to properly wash such cloth masks.

How should I clean my cloth mask?
https://theconversation.com/how-should-i-clean-my-cloth-mask-143974

◆ How to wear a mask
The virus is released through the mouth and nose, which are the doorways for breathing. Therefore, you should wear a mask over your mouth and nose to reduce the risk of infecting others. Also, it is important that you don't move or touch it unnecessarily once you put on the mask.



Furthermore, because it is impossible to completely prevent infections with masks alone, you can greatly reduce the risk of infection by properly washing your hands and gargling while protecting your social distance.

◆When to wash
Naturally, the mask needs to be washed after each use. The mask used may be contaminated, so be careful not to touch the inside when removing it. Put the removed mask in a plastic bag or place it in a special place, and wash your hands immediately. Also, if the mask is damp or visibly soiled, you should wear a new mask and wash the old one.

Note that commercially available surgical masks and N95 masks are basically disposable, and should not be washed and used again.

◆ Washing method
The washing method is not specially devised, so if you use a washing machine, you can wash it like normal clothes. However, it is recommended that you always use detergent for washing and set the water temperature to the maximum temperature specified for your clothes.


by

se7en

If you want to wash the mask by hand, put it in a bucket of hot water containing detergent and wash it as it is. Hot water is sufficient to come out of the tap, and there is no need to bother boiling it. However, if it is extremely dirty, you should use a washing machine rather than washing by hand. And you should always wash your hands after washing the mask.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also explains how to wash cloth masks.For hand washing, soak the mask in home bleach sufficiently diluted with water for 5 minutes, and then wash with cold or room temperature water. It is recommended to wash it off thoroughly.

◆ How to dry the mask
If the mask is used when it is wet, it does not make sense to wash the mask, so it must be dried thoroughly. It doesn't matter whether it's dried outdoors, dried in the room, or dried, but the CDC says 'expose to direct sunlight if possible'.

Also, rather than hanging it somewhere and drying it, it is better to put it on a flat place so that the shape of the mask does not collapse and to dry it. Store washed masks in a clean and dry place.



◆ Timing of creating or purchasing a new mask
Since cloth masks have different durability depending on the material and shape of cloth, cloth masks have no fixed life. However, the following signs are indications when to replace.

・The shape of the mask has collapsed and is no longer fitting to the shape of the face.
-There are tears and holes, and the material is thin.
・If you wear it, it may slip over and over again.

Kao, a detergent maker, recommends ' push washing ' for washing cloth masks, and 'Do not wash with other people's masks.' 'Detergent liquid and water after rinsing contain viruses.' Therefore, do not jump when you pour the detergent solution.”

Kao Hygiene Science Information
https://form.kao.com/jp/pub/open/eiseikagaku-theme08

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