Cleaning Center

How to Wash a Cloth Face Mask

How to Wash a Cloth Face Mask

Washing face masks is a fairly new part of our cleaning routine, and one that many people fret about doing wrong. Whether we’d like to admit it or not, it looks like cloth masks may be here sticking around. We might as well make cleaning them as easy and habitual as possible! The CDC recommends washing your face mask after each use, and you can wash it in a washing machine or by hand.

Method 1

Step 1

Prep to wash

Luckily, face masks are totally fine to wash with the rest of your clothes! However, we do recommend putting them into a mesh garment bag to avoid stretching or snagging of the straps.

Step 2

Wash 

Add your favorite detergent pod and an Oxi Booster pod to the drum, then select the warmest water your fabrics can be washed in. (For most cotton-based masks, hot water will be safe!)

Step 3

Dry

It’s important to make sure these items dry completely to avoid mold or mildew growing. So pick an appropriate setting on your dryer, and make sure to check on them when the cycle ends! If you’d prefer to air dry, outside in the sunlight is a wonderful way to let nature fight bacteria even more thoroughly. 


Method 2

Step 1

Dissolve pod

Fill up a bucket with warm water and add one Oxi Boost pod. Allow it to dissolve completely.

Step 2

Disinfect

Put your face masks into the bucket of water so they are fully submerged. Allow them to soak for 5 minutes, then rinse each one thoroughly!

Step 3

Dry

Hang the masks outside to dry in the sun, or lay them flat in a cool, dry area.

Extra Tip

Ever gotten into your car and realized your mask is wet with sweat, saliva, makeup, or other substances? It’s a good idea to have a silicon bag on hand to store it in until the next time you are washing face masks. Wet masks are difficult to breathe in and are less effective than dry masks. 


Products to Wash Face Masks:

Detergent pod, Oxi Boost Pod


Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-to-wash-a-face-mask/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-how-to-care-for-your-face-mask